What Is Run Of House Room

A run of house (ROH) room is a hotel room that is assigned at check-in based on availability. When you book a run of house room, you're essentially opting for the hotel's "best available" room at the time of your arrival, without specifying preferences for view, floor, or exact room type. This option usually comes at a lower price than booking a specific room category, but it also means you relinquish control over the exact features of your accommodation.

Understanding Run of House Rooms

The term "run of house" signifies the hotel's discretion in assigning any of its available rooms to a guest. Hotels utilize this strategy to manage their inventory effectively, filling rooms as needed and optimizing occupancy rates. This can be particularly useful during peak seasons or when dealing with last-minute bookings. While the lower price point can be attractive, understanding the implications of choosing a run of house room is crucial to ensure it aligns with your travel needs and expectations.

Key Aspects of Run of House:

Flexibility for the Hotel: ROH bookings give hotels the flexibility to allocate rooms based on real-time availability, allowing them to manage their inventory efficiently.
Potential for Upgrades: There's a chance, though not guaranteed, that you might be assigned a better room than you paid for, especially if the hotel is not fully booked.
No Specific Preferences: You cannot specify preferences like a high floor, specific view, or proximity to amenities when booking run of house.
Lowest Price Point: Run of house rooms are typically offered at the lowest price compared to other room categories.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Booking Run of House

Choosing a run of house room has both advantages and disadvantages. Weighing these pros and cons against your personal preferences and travel style is essential before making a decision.

Advantages:

Cost Savings: The most significant advantage is the lower price. If you're on a budget and prioritize affordability, a run of house room can be a great option.
Potential Upgrade: Although not guaranteed, there's a possibility of receiving a complimentary upgrade to a better room category if the hotel has availability. This can be a pleasant surprise and enhance your stay.
Simplicity: Booking is straightforward, as you don't need to spend time comparing different room types and features.

Disadvantages:

Unpredictability: You have no control over the room's location, view, bed type, or amenities. You might end up with a less desirable room compared to others in the hotel.
Risk of Inconvenience: You could be assigned a room far from the elevator, with a noisy view, or with less convenient features.
Not Suitable for Specific Needs: If you have specific needs or preferences (e.g., accessibility requirements, a need for a quiet room, specific bed configuration) run of house is not a suitable option.

Factors to Consider Before Booking Run of House

Before deciding on a run of house room, carefully consider these factors to determine if it's the right choice for you:

Your Budget: How much are you willing to spend on accommodation? If you're on a tight budget, the cost savings of a run of house room can be attractive.
Your Priorities: What are your priorities for your stay? Is a specific view important to you? Do you need a quiet room? Do you have any accessibility requirements?
Your Travel Style: Are you a flexible traveler who doesn't mind surprises, or do you prefer to have more control over your accommodation?
The Hotel's Reputation: Research the hotel's reputation and read reviews to get an idea of the range of room types they offer and the potential quality of a run of house room.
Time of Year: During peak seasons, hotels are more likely to assign less desirable rooms as run of house, as they have less flexibility.
Length of Stay: For shorter stays, the potential inconvenience of a less-than-ideal room might be more acceptable than for longer stays.

How Hotels Assign Run of House Rooms

Hotels typically assign run of house rooms based on a combination of factors, all aimed at maximizing occupancy and efficiency. Here are some common strategies:

Availability: The most important factor is the real-time availability of rooms. Hotels will fill higher-category rooms first and then allocate the remaining rooms as run of house.
Occupancy Rate: If the hotel is near full occupancy, the chances of getting a less desirable room increase, as the hotel has fewer options.
Guest Loyalty Programs: Hotels may prioritize members of their loyalty programs for better run of house assignments.
Room Type Hierarchy: Hotels often have a hierarchy of room types. Run of house rooms are usually drawn from the least popular or smallest room categories.
Housekeeping Status: Rooms that have been cleaned and are ready for occupancy are prioritized for assignment.
Special Requests (Sometimes): While you can't make specific requests when booking run of house, occasionally, hotel staff may consider very general requests (like "a quiet room") if possible, but this is not guaranteed.

Understanding Hotel Room Categories

To better understand what you might get with a run of house booking, it's helpful to know the common hotel room categories:

Standard Room: The most basic room type, typically with a standard bed (queen or king), a bathroom, and essential amenities.
Superior Room: Slightly larger than a standard room, often with additional amenities or a better view.
Deluxe Room: More spacious and luxurious than a superior room, often with enhanced amenities and a more desirable location within the hotel.
Suites: Consist of multiple rooms, such as a bedroom and a separate living area. Suites usually offer premium amenities and services.
Connecting Rooms: Two or more rooms that are located next to each other and have a connecting door, ideal for families or groups.
Accessible Rooms: Designed to accommodate guests with disabilities, with features like wider doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and visual alarms.

When booking run of house, you're most likely to be assigned a standard room, but there's a chance you could get a superior or even a deluxe room if the hotel has availability.

Tips for Booking and Managing Run of House Expectations

If you decide to book a run of house room, here are some tips to help you manage your expectations and potentially improve your chances of getting a better room:

Book Directly with the Hotel: Booking directly through the hotel's website or by phone can sometimes give you a slight advantage, as you might be able to communicate directly with the hotel staff.
Join the Hotel's Loyalty Program: Loyalty program members often receive preferential treatment, including better room assignments.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Hotels are more likely to have a wider range of room types available during off-peak seasons, increasing your chances of getting a better run of house assignment.
Arrive Early: Checking in early increases the likelihood of having more room options available.
Be Polite and Courteous: A friendly and polite attitude can go a long way. Treat the hotel staff with respect, and they might be more willing to accommodate your requests (within reason).
Inquire About Upgrades (Politely): At check-in, you can politely inquire if any upgrades are available. However, be prepared to pay an additional fee for the upgrade.
Manage Your Expectations: Remember that you're booking the least expensive option, so don't expect a premium room. Be prepared to accept whatever room you're assigned.
Document Any Issues: If you encounter any problems with your room (e.g., malfunctioning amenities, cleanliness issues), document them and report them to the hotel staff immediately.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews of the hotel to get an idea of what other guests have experienced with run of house bookings.
Consider Travel Insurance: In some cases, travel insurance might cover the cost of upgrading your room if you have a legitimate reason (e.g., medical necessity).

Alternatives to Run of House Rooms

If you're hesitant about booking a run of house room, consider these alternatives:

Book a Specific Room Type: This gives you the most control over your accommodation, allowing you to choose the exact room type, view, and amenities you want.
Look for Package Deals: Package deals that include flights, accommodation, and other amenities can sometimes offer better value than booking each component separately.
Consider Alternative Accommodation Options: Explore alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals, Airbnb, or boutique hotels, which might offer more unique or personalized experiences.
Travel During the Off-Season: Traveling during the off-season can often result in lower prices for all room types, making it more affordable to book a specific room.
Use Travel Rewards Points: Redeem travel rewards points or miles to book your accommodation, potentially saving you money on a specific room type.

Run of House vs. Guaranteed Room Type: A Detailed Comparison

Feature	Run of House	Guaranteed Room Type
Room Selection	Hotel assigns room upon arrival	You choose specific room type in advance
Price	Typically the lowest price	Higher price compared to run of house
Availability	Subject to availability at check-in	Guaranteed availability of chosen room type
View	Not guaranteed; can be any available view	View may be specified (e.g., ocean view)
Location	Varies; no control over floor or proximity	Can sometimes request specific location
Amenities	Standard amenities for the hotel	May include additional or upgraded amenities
Flexibility	Hotel has maximum flexibility	Limited flexibility for the hotel
Risk	Risk of getting a less desirable room	No risk; you get what you booked
Upgrade Potential	Potential for a free upgrade, but not guaranteed	No upgrade potential unless offered separately
Best For	Budget travelers, flexible travelers, last-minute bookings	Travelers with specific needs or preferences

Real-World Examples of Run of House Experiences

To illustrate the potential outcomes of booking a run of house room, here are a few real-world examples:

Positive Experience: A solo traveler on a tight budget books a run of house room at a resort in Mexico. Upon arrival, the hotel is not fully booked, and they are pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to a room with a partial ocean view, at no extra cost.
Neutral Experience: A couple books a run of house room for a weekend getaway in a city hotel. They are assigned a standard room on a lower floor, facing an interior courtyard. The room is clean and comfortable, but lacks a view. They are satisfied with the room, considering the price they paid.
Negative Experience: A family books a run of house room at a family-friendly hotel. Upon arrival, they are assigned a room far from the elevators and with a view of the parking lot. The room is also located near a noisy ice machine. They are disappointed with the room and request a different one, but the hotel is fully booked and unable to accommodate their request.

These examples highlight the unpredictable nature of run of house bookings. While some travelers might luck out with an upgrade, others might end up with a less desirable room.

Conclusion

A run of house room can be a budget-friendly option for flexible travelers who prioritize cost savings over specific room features. However, it's crucial to understand the potential drawbacks and manage your expectations accordingly. By carefully considering your needs, travel style, and the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision about whether a run of house room is the right choice for your next trip. If you have specific requirements or preferences, it's generally better to book a guaranteed room type to ensure a more predictable and comfortable stay.