What Does Run Of House Mean In A Hotel

Ever booked a hotel and seen the term "Run of House" or "ROH" pop up? It sounds a bit mysterious, like something out of a spy movie, doesn’t it? But don't worry, it's actually pretty straightforward and can sometimes be your secret weapon for scoring a deal!

Think of it like this: imagine you’re at a bakery. You ask for a "baker's choice" dozen donuts. You're essentially telling the baker, "Surprise me! Give me whatever assortment you think is best based on what's fresh and available." Run of House is kinda the hotel equivalent of that.

What Exactly is Run of House?

In hotel lingo, Run of House (ROH) means you're booking whatever room the hotel has available at the time you check in. You're not guaranteed a specific room type, view, or floor. You're essentially saying, "Hotel, you pick! As long as it's a standard room, I'm good."

It's like ordering a "mystery box" – you know you're getting something, but the exact contents are a surprise! Sometimes the surprise is amazing, sometimes it's just... okay. But usually, it's perfectly acceptable, and more importantly, often cheaper!

Why Should I Even Care About ROH?

Here's the juicy part: Price! Hotels often offer ROH rates to fill up their rooms. If they have empty standard rooms, they'd rather fill them at a discounted price than leave them vacant. This means you, the savvy traveler, can often snag a bargain.

Think of it like this: you're flexible with your travel dates, and the airline might offer a significantly cheaper flight if you're willing to fly on a Tuesday instead of a Friday. ROH is similar – flexibility with your room type can equal serious savings.

The Pros and Cons of Rolling the ROH Dice

Like anything in life, there are upsides and downsides. Let's break it down:

Pros:

• Savings: This is the big one. ROH is usually the most economical option.
• Potential Upgrade: Sometimes, just sometimes, you might get lucky! If the hotel is overbooked in a standard category, they might upgrade you to a slightly better room, like one with a partial view or a larger square footage, at no extra charge. Think of it as winning the hotel lottery!

Cons:

• Unpredictability: You don't know what you're getting. You might end up with a room near the elevator, on a lower floor, or with a less-than-stellar view (facing a parking lot, perhaps?).
• Not Ideal for Specific Needs: If you absolutely need a room with two beds, a balcony, or accessibility features, ROH is not your best bet. You need to book a specific room type to guarantee those amenities.

ROH in Action: Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Budget Traveler

Sarah is backpacking through Europe and trying to stretch her euros as far as possible. She books "Run of House" at a budget hotel in Barcelona. She ends up with a small but clean room on the second floor, facing an inner courtyard. It's not glamorous, but it's safe, comfortable, and allows her to spend more money on tapas!

Scenario 2: The Last-Minute Deal Seeker

Mark decides to take a spontaneous weekend trip to Vegas. He finds a great deal on a "Run of House" room at a popular casino. He ends up on the 10th floor with a partial view of the Strip. Not bad for a last-minute booking!

Scenario 3: The Family Trip Gone Wrong

The Smiths book a "Run of House" room for their family vacation, thinking they'll save some money. However, they end up with a room with only one king-size bed, which is not ideal for two adults and two children. Lesson learned: when traveling with family, specifying your bedding needs is crucial!

Is Run of House Right for You?

ROH is a great option if you are:

• Flexible: You don't have strong preferences about room type or location.
• Budget-conscious: You're looking to save money on your accommodation.
• Easygoing: You're okay with a little bit of the unknown and are willing to accept whatever standard room the hotel assigns you.

ROH is not a good idea if you are:

• Particular: You have specific room requirements (e.g., two beds, a high floor, ocean view).
• Traveling with special needs: You require specific accessibility features.
• A control freak: You like knowing exactly what you're getting.

The Takeaway?

Run of House is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get! But if you're up for a little adventure, and more importantly, a potentially significant discount, it might be worth considering on your next hotel booking. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons and be realistic about your expectations. Happy travels!