Understanding Run of House Rooms: A Comprehensive Guide to the Benefits of Run of House Room Allocations

When booking accommodations, you might come across the term “Run of House room” and wonder what it means. In the hospitality industry, a Run of House (ROH) room refers to a room assigned to guests at the discretion of the hotel, usually upon check-in. Rather than selecting a specific room type or view, guests are allocated any available room within the hotel’s standard category. This can be an economical option, especially if you don’t have strict preferences about your room’s location, floor, or view.

From a hotel’s perspective, ROH bookings help maximize occupancy and efficiently manage inventory. For travelers, it’s a chance to score a better-than-expected room if there’s availability, though there’s also the risk of ending up with a less desirable location, such as facing a service area or being near elevators. If the overall hotel design features thoughtfully curated layouts, then even an ROH assignment can be a pleasant surprise.

As a designer, I always encourage considering the layout and orientation of a space for comfort and functionality. If you’re booking Run of House, you’re essentially trusting the hotel’s room planner to provide you with a comfortable guest experience. The interior design and thoughtful planning of each guestroom—regardless of specific category—play a crucial role in making even a randomly assigned room feel inviting, practical, and aligned with your expectations.

Tips 1:

If you have special preferences—such as distance from elevators, floor level, or accessibility considerations—contact the hotel ahead of time. They may not guarantee specifics with ROH, but communicating your needs can sometimes help influence your room assignment.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is a Run of House room in a hotel?

A: A Run of House room is any available room within the hotel’s standard room inventory, assigned upon arrival at the hotel’s discretion, rather than pre-selecting a specific room type or location. Q: Are Run of House rooms always the cheapest option?

A: Usually, ROH rooms are priced lower than premium or specified room types, as they offer less choice over amenities or views. Q: Can I request an upgrade with a Run of House booking?

A: Upgrades are not guaranteed, but sometimes guests are placed in a higher category if standard rooms are fully booked at check-in. Q: Is it possible to get a bad location, like a noisy area, with an ROH room?

A: Yes, since room assignment is based on availability, guests might occasionally receive rooms in less desirable locations. Q: How does room design affect the Run of House experience?

A: Thoughtful room planning and interior design ensure that, regardless of the specific room assigned, guests can still enjoy comfort and a functional layout.