By andrew rose
Washington, D.C. – September 10, 2025
– In a move that’s shaking up the global hospitality industry, Oravel Stays Limited, the parent company behind the popular budget hotel chain OYO, has officially rebranded to PRISM. This strategic shift highlights the company’s explosive growth from a simple Indian startup to a diversified travel-tech powerhouse, with significant implications for U.S. consumers who rely on brands like Motel 6 and Studio 6.
Founded in 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal, OYO started as a tech-driven platform to standardize and organize small hotels in India. Fast-forward to today, and the company has evolved into a “diversified global travel-tech, hospitality, and living ecosystem,” serving over 100 million customers across more than 35 countries. The rebrand to PRISM underscores this expansion, positioning the parent company as an umbrella for a vast portfolio that goes beyond budget stays.
For American travelers, this is big news. PRISM now oversees iconic U.S. brands acquired in recent years, including Motel 6 and Studio 6, which were part of the G6 Hospitality purchase. Motel 6, known for its affordable roadside motels with the famous “We’ll leave the light on for you” slogan, remains a staple for budget-conscious road trippers. Studio 6 caters to extended-stay guests, offering apartment-style accommodations for longer visits. Under PRISM’s wing, these brands are set to benefit from enhanced technology integrations, including AI-driven tools and data science platforms that promise smoother bookings, personalized experiences, and profitable growth for partners.
“The transition to PRISM marks the establishment of a future-ready corporate architecture designed to align our expanding portfolio with our long-term vision,” said Ritesh Agarwal, founder and group CEO of PRISM. “PRISM is powered by a strong technology engine, deeper investment in data science and AI, and a commitment to helping our partners grow profitably while delighting customers worldwide.”
The rebrand doesn’t mean the end of OYO as we know it. The OYO name will continue as the consumer-facing brand for budget travel, ensuring familiarity for millions of users. Instead, PRISM represents the broader ecosystem, encompassing premium hospitality under brands like Townhouse, Sunday, and Palette; vacation homes via Belvilla, DanCenter, CheckMyGuest, and Studio Prestige; workspaces through Innov8; and even celebration venues with Weddingz.in. This diversification positions PRISM as a one-stop shop for everything from quick hotel stays to long-term living solutions.
Industry experts are buzzing about the potential impact on the U.S. market, where travel is rebounding post-pandemic. With inflation squeezing budgets, affordable options like Motel 6 are more crucial than ever. PRISM’s focus on tech innovation could mean smarter apps for finding deals, real-time availability checks, and eco-friendly initiatives—aligning with growing demands for sustainable travel.
Critics, however, question whether the rebrand will truly resonate in America, where OYO’s presence has been more subdued compared to giants like Marriott or Airbnb. Yet, with Agarwal’s track record—scaling from a single hotel to a global empire valued in billions—the move signals confidence in conquering new frontiers.
As PRISM rolls out, expect more integrations across its brands. For U.S. investors and travelers, this could translate to better deals on Motel 6 stays or expanded Studio 6 options in key cities. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or an extended business stay, PRISM’s evolution might just make your next adventure more seamless and affordable.
This rebrand comes at a pivotal time for the hospitality sector, amid rising competition from tech-savvy disruptors. Will PRISM prismatize the industry? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: OYO’s transformation is a story of ambition meeting innovation, with America right in the mix.
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