11 OYO Rooms Reviewed in India: Pros, Cons and Value for Travelers
6. Varanasi — Con: Cleanliness and upkeep concerns

Varanasi has some strong small hotels, but guest feedback shows OYO consistency can falter in this older city. TripAdvisor contains reviews where travelers reported stained sheets and poorly maintained bathrooms. If you see a negative note about cleanliness, treat it as a strong red flag. Many travelers recommend a strict “inspect-first” approach: check the mattress, bedding, and bathroom before settling in and request fresh linens on the spot if needed. Varanasi’s heavy foot traffic and local climatic conditions make upkeep harder, so your best chance of a positive stay is to pick properties with a string of recent, positive reviews. OYO may still offer comfortable, central locations near the ghats—but verify service standards first. Consider booking a higher-rated property or choosing an OYO with a high recent review score to lower risk. If you prefer guaranteed housekeeping standards, midscale chains usually maintain steady room conditions for a higher nightly rate.
