What Is Run Of House Room

The term "run of house" (ROH) in the hotel industry refers to a type of room booking where the specific room details are not guaranteed at the time of reservation. Instead, guests are assigned whatever room is available at the time of check-in. This can include rooms that vary in size, view, floor level, or bed type. Understanding what "run of house" means can help travelers make informed decisions and potentially save money on their accommodations.

Introduction to Run of House (ROH)

When booking a hotel room, travelers usually have options to select specific room types, such as a room with a king bed, a room with an ocean view, or a suite on a high floor. However, a "run of house" booking is different. With ROH, you are essentially letting the hotel decide which room you will get. This means you might end up with a standard room, a room with a less desirable view, or even a room that is larger than you expected.

The primary appeal of ROH bookings is that they are typically offered at a lower price than specific room types. Hotels offer this option to fill their rooms efficiently, especially during off-peak seasons or when they have a high number of vacancies. While the lower price can be attractive, it's crucial to understand the implications and potential trade-offs before opting for a run-of-house room.

How Run of House (ROH) Works

The concept of "run of house" is straightforward. When you book an ROH room, you are not reserving a particular type of room. Instead, you are agreeing to accept any available room at the hotel's discretion. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how it typically works:

Booking: You select the "run of house" option when making your reservation, usually through the hotel's website, a travel agency, or a third-party booking platform.
Confirmation: Your booking confirmation will state "run of house" or a similar term, indicating that the room assignment is not guaranteed.
Check-In: Upon arrival at the hotel, the front desk staff will assign you a room based on what is available at that moment.
Room Assignment: The room you receive can vary widely. It could be a standard room, a superior room, a room on a higher or lower floor, or one with a different view than you might have preferred.
Flexibility: While you can always ask for a different room, the hotel is under no obligation to fulfill your request, especially if they are fully booked.

Advantages of Booking Run of House

Despite the uncertainty, there are several reasons why travelers might choose to book a "run of house" room:

Cost Savings: The most significant advantage is the lower price. ROH rooms are generally cheaper than booking a specific room type. This can be especially beneficial for budget-conscious travelers.
Potential Upgrade: There's a chance you might get lucky and be assigned a better room than you paid for. If the hotel is not fully booked, they might upgrade you to a superior room to fill it.
Flexibility: If you are not particular about room features like the view or floor level and primarily need a place to sleep, ROH can be a good option.
Last-Minute Bookings: ROH can be a viable option when booking at the last minute, as hotels often offer these rooms to fill vacancies.

Disadvantages of Booking Run of House

While there are potential benefits, it's important to be aware of the downsides of booking a "run of house" room:

Unpredictability: You have no control over the room you will get. This can be a problem if you have specific needs or preferences, such as a room on a lower floor due to mobility issues or a specific bed type.
Risk of Less Desirable Rooms: You might end up with a room that is less desirable, such as one near the elevator, with a poor view, or in a noisy location.
No Guarantee of Specific Amenities: If you need specific amenities like a mini-fridge or a microwave, you cannot guarantee these will be available in your room.
Potential for Disappointment: If you have high expectations or are celebrating a special occasion, the lack of control over your room can lead to disappointment.

Factors to Consider Before Booking ROH

Before deciding to book a "run of house" room, consider the following factors to determine if it's the right choice for you:

Budget: How important is saving money on your accommodation? If you are on a tight budget, the cost savings of ROH might outweigh the risks.
Personal Preferences: How particular are you about the room's features? If you have strong preferences regarding bed type, view, floor level, or amenities, ROH might not be suitable.
Travel Companions: Are you traveling with children, elderly individuals, or someone with mobility issues? In such cases, the uncertainty of ROH might not be ideal.
Special Occasions: Are you celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or another special event? For these occasions, it's usually best to book a specific room type to ensure a memorable experience.
Hotel Reputation: Research the hotel's reputation. Some hotels are known for maintaining a consistent standard across all their rooms, making ROH less risky.
Time of Year: Consider the time of year. During peak seasons, the chances of getting a less desirable room are higher, as hotels are likely to be fully booked.

Tips for Making the Most of a Run of House Booking

If you decide to book a "run of house" room, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a satisfactory room:

Request Early Check-In: Arriving early in the day can increase your chances of getting a better room assignment, as the hotel might have more options available.
Be Polite and Courteous: When checking in, be friendly and polite to the front desk staff. Politely inquire if there are any available rooms with a better view or on a higher floor.
Mention Special Needs: If you have any special needs, such as mobility issues or allergies, inform the hotel staff. They might be able to accommodate you with a suitable room.
Join the Hotel's Loyalty Program: Being a member of the hotel's loyalty program can sometimes give you an advantage, as hotels often prioritize their loyal customers.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews to see what other guests have said about their experience with ROH bookings at the hotel.
Negotiate: If you are not happy with the room you are assigned, politely ask if there are any other options available. Sometimes, hotels are willing to negotiate, especially if you are staying for multiple nights.

Run of House vs. Specific Room Types

To better understand the implications of booking a "run of house" room, it's helpful to compare it with booking a specific room type:

Feature	Run of House (ROH)	Specific Room Type
Room Assignment	Based on availability at check-in	Guaranteed room type and features
Price	Generally lower	Generally higher
Control	Little to no control over room features	Full control over room type and features
Risk	Higher risk of getting a less desirable room	Lower risk of dissatisfaction
Flexibility	Requires flexibility and willingness to accept any room	Less flexible, but guarantees specific preferences
Best For	Budget travelers, last-minute bookings, flexible travelers	Travelers with specific needs, special occasions

Examples of Run of House Scenarios

To illustrate how "run of house" bookings can play out, here are a few examples:

Scenario 1: The Budget Traveler
- John is traveling on a tight budget and finds a great deal on a "run of house" room at a hotel near the airport. He doesn't mind which room he gets as long as it's clean and comfortable. Upon check-in, he is assigned a standard room on the second floor with a view of the parking lot. While the view isn't great, the room is clean, quiet, and meets his basic needs, so he is satisfied with his stay.
Scenario 2: The Lucky Upgrade
- Sarah books a "run of house" room at a resort for a weekend getaway. When she checks in, the hotel is not fully booked, and she is pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to a suite with an ocean view. She enjoys the extra space and the beautiful view, making her stay even more enjoyable.
Scenario 3: The Disappointed Guest
- Mark and his wife book a "run of house" room for their anniversary. They arrive at the hotel and are assigned a small room on the ground floor near the noisy elevator. The room is far from the romantic setting they had hoped for, and they are disappointed with their stay.
Scenario 4: The Business Traveler
- Lisa is traveling for a business conference and books a "run of house" room at the conference hotel. She doesn't have strong preferences about the room as long as it has a comfortable bed and reliable Wi-Fi. She is assigned a standard room on a mid-level floor, which is adequate for her needs.

Alternatives to Run of House Bookings

If you are unsure about booking a "run of house" room, consider these alternatives:

Booking a Specific Room Type: This is the most straightforward option. Choose a room with the features you want, such as a king bed, ocean view, or high floor.
Package Deals: Look for package deals that include specific room types along with other amenities like breakfast or spa treatments.
Negotiating Directly with the Hotel: Contact the hotel directly and negotiate a rate for a specific room type. Sometimes, hotels are willing to offer discounts, especially during off-peak seasons.
Using Travel Rewards: Redeem travel rewards points or miles to book a specific room type at a discounted rate.
Considering Alternative Accommodations: Explore alternative accommodations like vacation rentals or boutique hotels, which might offer more personalized experiences.

The Psychology Behind Run of House

The appeal of "run of house" bookings taps into several psychological factors:

The Thrill of the Unknown: For some, the element of surprise can be exciting. Not knowing which room you will get adds an element of adventure to the travel experience.
Loss Aversion: The fear of missing out on a good deal can drive people to book ROH rooms. The lower price creates a sense of value that is hard to resist.
Risk Tolerance: Individuals with a higher tolerance for risk are more likely to opt for ROH bookings. They are willing to accept the uncertainty in exchange for potential savings.
Framing Effect: How the offer is presented can influence decision-making. If the ROH option is framed as a "lucky dip" with the chance of an upgrade, it can be more appealing.

The Future of Run of House

As the travel industry evolves, "run of house" bookings are likely to adapt as well. Here are some potential trends:

Personalized ROH: Hotels might start offering more personalized ROH options, where guests can specify a few preferences (e.g., floor level, noise level) without guaranteeing a specific room type.
Dynamic Pricing: The price of ROH rooms could become more dynamic, fluctuating based on real-time demand and availability.
Virtual Room Tours: Hotels might offer virtual tours of available rooms at check-in, allowing guests to choose from the available options.
AI-Powered Room Assignment: Artificial intelligence could be used to optimize room assignments, taking into account guest preferences and hotel occupancy.

Conclusion

In summary, a "run of house" room offers a cost-effective way to stay in a hotel, but it comes with the trade-off of uncertainty. Before booking an ROH room, consider your budget, preferences, and travel needs. If you are flexible and willing to accept any available room, ROH can be a great option. However, if you have specific requirements or are celebrating a special occasion, it's best to book a specific room type to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. By understanding the pros and cons of "run of house" bookings, you can make an informed decision and potentially save money on your next hotel stay.