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

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon the term "Run of House", especially when 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 leave you scratching your head. But don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you in simple, easy-to-understand terms. So, let's dive into the world of Run of House and uncover its secrets!

What Exactly is "Run of House"?

At its core, "Run of House" (often abbreviated as ROH) refers to a hotel or cruise line's practice of assigning you any available room or cabin at the time of check-in. Basically, you're not booking a specific room type or location. Instead, you're booking the promise of a room, and the specific characteristics of that room are determined by what's available when you arrive. Think of it like a lucky dip – you know you're getting something, but the exact details are a surprise!

The advantage for the hotel or cruise line is flexibility. It allows them to manage their inventory efficiently, filling rooms that might otherwise remain empty due to specific category requests. This is especially useful during peak seasons or when dealing with unexpected cancellations or overbookings. For the customer, the main draw of ROH is usually a lower price point. Since you're giving up the guarantee of a specific room, you're often rewarded with a discounted rate. However, it's crucial to understand the potential drawbacks before opting for this option.

Breaking it Down Further

To truly grasp the meaning of Run of House, it helps to consider the different elements that define a hotel room or cruise cabin:

  • Room Type: This refers to the basic layout and amenities of the room. It could be a standard room, a deluxe room, a suite, or even a themed room. With ROH, you might end up with any of these, depending on availability.
  • Bed Type: Do you prefer a king-size bed, two queen beds, or a single bed? With ROH, your preference isn't guaranteed. You'll get whatever the hotel has available.
  • Location: This is where things can get interesting. Do you want a room with a view? Away from the elevator? On a high floor? With ROH, you're at the mercy of the hotel's allocation. You might end up with a stunning ocean view or a room facing the parking lot.
  • Amenities: While basic amenities are usually standard across all rooms, some rooms might offer extras like a balcony, a kitchenette, or a Jacuzzi. Again, with ROH, these are not guaranteed.

The Pros and Cons of Booking Run of House

So, is Run of House a good option for you? Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you decide.

The Pros:

  • Lower Price: This is the most significant advantage. ROH rates are typically lower than booking a specific room type, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Potential Upgrade: While not guaranteed, there's always a chance you might get lucky and be assigned a better room than you initially expected. Hotels sometimes upgrade ROH guests if they have spare rooms available in higher categories.
  • Flexibility: If you're not particularly picky about your room and are just looking for a place to sleep, ROH can be a convenient option.

The Cons:

  • Uncertainty: This is the biggest drawback. You have no control over the type, location, or amenities of your room. If you have specific needs or preferences, ROH might not be the best choice.
  • Potential for Disappointment: You might end up with a room that doesn't meet your expectations, such as a noisy room, a room with a poor view, or a room that's far from the elevator.
  • Limited Availability: ROH rates are often limited, so you might not be able to book them, especially during peak seasons.

Who Should Consider Run of House?

Run of House isn't for everyone, but it can be a great option for certain types of travelers:

  • Budget Travelers: If you're on a tight budget and are willing to sacrifice some control over your room in exchange for a lower price, ROH can be a good choice.
  • Flexible Travelers: If you're not particular about your room and are happy to go with the flow, ROH can be a convenient option.
  • Solo Travelers: Solo travelers often don't need as much space or specific amenities, making ROH a viable option.
  • Short Stays: If you're only staying for a night or two, the uncertainty of ROH might not be as significant.

Tips for Booking Run of House

If you decide to book Run of House, here are a few tips to maximize your chances of getting a decent room:

  • Book Early: While ROH rates are often available closer to the arrival date, booking early can sometimes increase your chances of getting a better room, as the hotel might have more options available.
  • Be Polite and Friendly: When checking in, be polite and friendly to the front desk staff. A little kindness can go a long way. You can politely inquire about the possibility of an upgrade, but don't demand it.
  • Mention Your Preferences (Politely): If you have any mild preferences (e.g., a higher floor), you can mention them to the front desk staff, but make it clear that you understand you're booking Run of House and are not expecting a guarantee.
  • Join the Hotel's Loyalty Program: Being a member of the hotel's loyalty program might give you a slight edge, as hotels often prioritize their loyal customers.
  • Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: During off-peak seasons, hotels are more likely to have a wider range of rooms available, increasing your chances of getting a better ROH assignment.

Run of House vs. Guaranteed Room Types

The key difference between Run of House and booking a guaranteed room type is control. With a guaranteed room type, you know exactly what you're getting – the specific room type, bed type, location, and amenities. This is ideal for travelers who have specific needs or preferences or who simply want the peace of mind of knowing what to expect.

However, this certainty comes at a price. Guaranteed room types are typically more expensive than ROH rates. So, it's a trade-off between control and cost.

Real-World Examples of Run of House

Let's look at a couple of real-world examples to illustrate how Run of House might play out:

  • Example 1: A budget traveler books a Run of House room at a hotel in Las Vegas. They are assigned a standard room on a lower floor with a view of the parking lot. While the room isn't luxurious, it's clean and comfortable, and the traveler is happy with the price they paid.
  • Example 2: A couple books a Run of House cabin on a cruise ship. They are assigned an inside cabin (a cabin without a window). While they were hoping for an ocean-view cabin, they decide to make the most of it and spend their time enjoying the ship's activities and amenities.

In both cases, the travelers knew they were booking Run of House and were prepared for the possibility of getting a less-than-ideal room. They prioritized price over certainty and were ultimately satisfied with their experience.

Run of House in the Context of Cruise Cabins

The concept of Run of House also applies to cruise cabins, and it's essential to understand how it works in this context. When you book a Run of House cabin, you're essentially guaranteeing yourself a spot on the ship, but you're not choosing the specific cabin location or category.

What to Expect with Run of House on a Cruise

  • Cabin Category: Cruise ships have various cabin categories, ranging from inside cabins (no windows) to ocean-view cabins (with a window or porthole) to balcony cabins (with a private balcony) to suites (larger cabins with more amenities). With ROH, you could be assigned any of these categories, depending on availability.
  • Cabin Location: The location of your cabin can significantly impact your cruise experience. Some cabins are located near elevators, while others are near noisy areas like the disco or the pool deck. With ROH, you have no control over the location of your cabin.
  • Potential Upgrades: Just like with hotels, there's a chance you might get upgraded to a better cabin category if the cruise line has availability. This is more likely to happen if you book during off-peak seasons or if you're a member of the cruise line's loyalty program.

Tips for a Better Run of House Cruise Experience

  • Book Early: Booking early can increase your chances of getting a better cabin assignment, as the cruise line might have more options available.
  • Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Cruising during off-peak seasons means fewer passengers and a greater likelihood of cabin upgrades.
  • Join the Cruise Line's Loyalty Program: Loyalty program members often receive priority for cabin assignments and upgrades.
  • Be Flexible and Open-Minded: Remember that you're booking Run of House, so be prepared to accept whatever cabin you're assigned. Focus on enjoying the overall cruise experience rather than dwelling on the specifics of your cabin.

Making the Decision: Is Run of House Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to book Run of House depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you're a budget-conscious traveler who's not too picky about your room or cabin, ROH can be a great way to save money. However, if you have specific requirements or want the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you're getting, it's best to book a guaranteed room type.

Before making a decision, consider the following questions:

  • What's my budget?
  • How important is the room type and location to me?
  • Am I flexible and adaptable?
  • Am I traveling during peak or off-peak season?
  • Do I have any specific needs or requirements?

By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering your own travel style, you can make an informed decision about whether Run of House is the right choice for your next trip. Safe travels, guys!