Run Of House (ROH): What Does It Really Mean?

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon the term "Run of House" (ROH) while booking a hotel or a cruise and wondered what it actually means? Well, you're not alone! It's one of those industry terms that can sound a bit cryptic, but don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you in plain English. So, let's dive into the world of ROH and unravel its mysteries!

Understanding Run of House

Run of House (ROH), in the simplest terms, means that you're letting the hotel or cruise line decide which specific room you'll get. You're guaranteed a room in the category you booked, but you won't know the exact location, view, or even floor until you check in. Think of it as a lucky dip – you know you're getting a prize, but the specifics are a surprise! When you book a "Run of the House" room, you're essentially giving the hotel or cruise line the flexibility to assign you any available room within the category you've paid for. This can be a standard room, a room with a slightly less desirable view, or even, if you're lucky, an upgrade! The key is that it meets the basic criteria of the room type you booked (e.g., a double room, a suite, etc.). For hotels and cruise lines, offering ROH options helps them manage their inventory and fill rooms efficiently. It allows them to optimize occupancy rates and accommodate unexpected situations like maintenance issues or last-minute changes. For example, if a guest with a specific room request cancels at the last minute, a ROH booking can fill that gap. They might use ROH bookings to strategically allocate rooms based on availability and operational needs. If you are the type of person who likes the excitement of not knowing what your room will be like until you arrive, then this may be an enjoyable experience. However, if you are someone who likes to know the details ahead of time, then this may not be the best option.

Why Choose Run of House?

Now, you might be thinking, "Why would anyone choose ROH if they don't know what they're getting?" Great question! There are a few compelling reasons why ROH can be a smart choice:

• Price: ROH rates are often lower than rates for specific room assignments. This is because you're giving up the certainty of choosing your exact room, and in return, you get a discount. If you're on a budget, ROH can be a fantastic way to save some money without sacrificing the quality of your stay.
• Flexibility: If you're not picky about the specific location or view, ROH gives you the flexibility to potentially get a better room than you expected. Hotels might upgrade ROH guests to fill empty rooms in higher categories, especially during off-peak seasons.
• Last-Minute Bookings: ROH is often a good option for last-minute bookings when the hotel has limited availability. It allows you to secure a room without worrying about specific preferences.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to book "Run of the House" depends on your priorities. If saving money is your top concern and you're comfortable with a little bit of uncertainty, then ROH can be a great option. However, if you have specific needs or preferences, such as a room with a particular view or location, then it's best to book a specific room type instead.

Potential Upsides and Downsides of ROH

Let's weigh the pros and cons, shall we? Booking "Run of the House" can feel like a gamble, but understanding the potential upsides and downsides can help you make an informed decision.

Potential Upsides:

• Upgrades: As mentioned earlier, you might get lucky and be upgraded to a better room category. Hotels sometimes use ROH bookings to fill higher-end rooms that would otherwise remain empty.
• Best Available Room: You could end up with one of the hotel's best available rooms within your booked category. This might mean a room with a slightly better view or a more convenient location.
• Cost Savings: ROH rates are generally lower, allowing you to save money on your accommodation.

Potential Downsides:

• Unfavorable Location: You might end up with a room that's not in the most desirable location, such as near the elevators, ice machines, or service areas. If you are a light sleeper then you may want to consider booking a specific room location.
• Less Desirable View: The view from your room might not be the most scenic. You could end up with a view of a parking lot, a building, or a less attractive part of the property.
• No Guarantees: You have no control over the specific features of your room. If you have mobility issues or other special needs, ROH might not be the best option.

Before booking ROH, consider what's most important to you. If you're flexible and willing to take a chance, you could end up with a great deal. However, if you have specific requirements, it's best to book a room that meets your needs.

Is Run of House Right for You?

So, is "Run of the House" the right choice for your next trip? Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose Run of House If:

• You're on a tight budget and want to save money on accommodation.
• You're flexible and don't have strong preferences about room location or view.
• You're booking last-minute and want to secure a room without worrying about specific details.
• You enjoy the element of surprise and are open to whatever room you get.

Avoid Run of House If:

• You have specific needs or preferences, such as a room with a particular view, location, or accessibility features.
• You're traveling with children or have mobility issues and need a room that's conveniently located.
• You're celebrating a special occasion and want to ensure a perfect room.
• You're a light sleeper and need a quiet room away from noise.

Consider your priorities and travel style before making a decision. ROH can be a great option for some travelers, but it's not for everyone.

Tips for Booking Run of House

If you've decided that "Run of the House" is the right choice for you, here are a few tips to maximize your chances of getting a good room:

• Book During Off-Peak Seasons: Hotels are more likely to upgrade ROH guests when occupancy rates are lower.
• Be Polite and Friendly: When you check in, politely ask if there are any available upgrades. A friendly attitude can go a long way.
• Mention Any Special Needs: If you have any mobility issues or other special needs, let the hotel know. They might be able to accommodate you with a more suitable room.
• Join the Hotel's Loyalty Program: Members of loyalty programs often receive preferential treatment, including potential upgrades.

Remember, there are no guarantees with ROH, but these tips can increase your chances of getting a better room.

Run of House vs. Guaranteed Room Type

Let's clarify the difference between "Run of the House" and booking a guaranteed room type. When you book a specific room type, you're paying for the assurance of getting a room with certain features, such as a particular view, location, or bed type. With ROH, you're giving up that assurance in exchange for a lower rate. Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

Choose the option that best aligns with your priorities and travel style. If certainty and specific preferences are important to you, then booking a guaranteed room type is the way to go. If you're flexible and want to save money, then ROH might be a better choice.

Real-World Examples of Run of House

To further illustrate how "Run of the House" works, let's look at a couple of real-world examples:

• Example 1: A solo traveler on a budget books ROH at a hotel in Las Vegas. Upon check-in, they are assigned a standard room on a lower floor with a view of the parking lot. They don't mind the view, as they plan to spend most of their time exploring the city. They are happy with the savings they achieved by booking ROH.
• Example 2: A couple books ROH at a resort in Mexico during the off-season. Upon check-in, they are pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to a junior suite with an ocean view. The hotel had empty suites and decided to use the ROH booking to fill the room. The couple enjoys a luxurious stay at a fraction of the cost.

These examples show that ROH can be a mixed bag. Sometimes you get a basic room, and sometimes you get lucky with an upgrade. It all depends on the hotel's availability and policies.

Alternatives to Run of House

If "Run of the House" doesn't sound appealing, don't worry! There are several alternatives to consider:

• Book a Specific Room Type: This is the most straightforward option. You choose the exact room you want and pay for the guarantee of getting it.
• Request a Specific Room Feature: Even if you don't book a specific room type, you can request a particular feature, such as a high floor, a specific view, or a room away from the elevator. Hotels will try to accommodate your request, but there are no guarantees.
• Look for Package Deals: Sometimes, you can find package deals that include a specific room type at a discounted rate.
• Use Hotel Points or Rewards: If you're a member of a hotel loyalty program, you can use your points or rewards to book a specific room type.

Explore these alternatives to find the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to "Run of the House." It's a bit of a gamble, but it can be a great way to save money and potentially score an upgrade. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons and consider your priorities before making a decision. Happy travels, and may the odds be ever in your favor!