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 scratched your head wondering what it actually means? Don't worry; you're not alone! ROH is a common industry term, but it's not always clearly explained. Let's break it down in simple terms and explore everything you need to know about it.

Understanding Run of House (ROH)

Run of House (ROH) essentially means that you're letting the hotel or cruise line decide which specific room or cabin you'll get. You're guaranteed a room in the category you booked (e.g., a standard double room or an inside cabin), but you won't know the exact location or specific features until you check in. Think of it like a surprise – you know you're getting a gift, but you don't know exactly what it is until you open it!

When you book a Run of House deal, you're often getting a discounted rate. Hotels and cruise lines use ROH to fill up their remaining inventory. They might have a few rooms that are less desirable due to their location (e.g., near the elevator, overlooking a parking lot) or have slightly different layouts. By offering these rooms at a lower price, they can ensure that they're still occupied.

However, there are some potential downsides. You might end up with a room that's not in the best location, or that doesn't have the specific amenities you were hoping for. For example, you might prefer a high floor with a view, but you could end up on the ground floor facing a wall. It’s a gamble, but one that can save you some serious cash!

Why Choose Run of House?

The biggest draw of ROH is undoubtedly the price. If you're on a tight budget and aren't too picky about the specifics of your room, it can be a great way to save money. Think of it this way: would you rather save a hundred bucks and potentially end up with a less-than-perfect view, or pay full price for a guaranteed prime location? It's all about weighing your priorities.

Another reason to consider ROH is if you're not planning on spending a lot of time in your room anyway. If you're the kind of traveler who's always out exploring, hiking, or attending events, the location and features of your room might not matter as much. As long as it's clean, comfortable, and a place to crash at the end of the day, ROH could be a smart choice.

Potential Drawbacks of Run of House

Okay, let's talk about the potential downsides. As mentioned earlier, the biggest risk is that you might end up with a room that's not ideal. This could mean a less desirable location, a smaller room, or fewer amenities than you were hoping for. Imagine booking a romantic getaway and ending up next to the ice machine – not exactly the ambiance you were going for!

Another potential issue is noise. ROH rooms are often the ones that are left over, which could mean they're located near elevators, stairwells, or other noisy areas. If you're a light sleeper, this could be a problem. It's always a good idea to bring earplugs, just in case.

Finally, keep in mind that you usually can't make specific requests when booking ROH. You can't ask for a high floor, a specific view, or a room away from the elevator. You're essentially leaving it up to chance. If you have specific needs or preferences, ROH might not be the best option for you.

Run of House in Hotels

In the hotel world, Run of House means you're guaranteed a room in the category you booked, but the specific room assignment is up to the hotel. This means you might get a room on any floor, facing any direction, and with any available amenities within that category. Hotels use ROH to manage their inventory and fill rooms that might be less desirable to other guests.

Let's say you book a Run of House standard double room. You could end up with a room on the first floor near the parking lot, or a room on the top floor with a city view. It's a bit of a gamble, but the discounted rate can be worth it for some travelers. When considering ROH at a hotel, think about what's most important to you. Do you value a great view and a quiet location, or are you more concerned with saving money?

Tips for a Better Hotel ROH Experience

Even though you're leaving the room assignment to chance, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a decent room. First, try calling the hotel a day or two before your arrival and politely ask if they can note your preferences. For example, you could say, "I understand I have a Run of House booking, but I was wondering if it would be possible to get a room on a higher floor, if available?" There's no guarantee they'll be able to accommodate your request, but it's worth a shot.

Another tip is to arrive early. The earlier you check in, the more likely it is that the hotel will have a wider selection of rooms available. If you arrive late in the evening, they might only have the least desirable rooms left.

Finally, be polite and friendly to the front desk staff. A little bit of kindness can go a long way. If you're pleasant and understanding, they might be more willing to go the extra mile to find you a good room. Remember, they're dealing with a lot of guests, so a little bit of positivity can make a big difference.

Run of House on Cruises

On a cruise ship, Run of House is similar to the hotel concept. You're guaranteed a cabin in the category you booked (e.g., an inside cabin, an oceanview cabin), but the specific location and deck assignment are up to the cruise line. This means you could end up on any deck, near the front, middle, or back of the ship.

Cruise lines use ROH to fill up their remaining cabins, especially as the departure date approaches. They might have a few cabins that are less popular due to their location (e.g., near the engine room, under the disco) or have slightly obstructed views. By offering these cabins at a lower price, they can ensure that they're still occupied.

Potential Cruise ROH Cabin Locations

When booking ROH on a cruise, be aware of the potential cabin locations. Cabins near the front of the ship tend to experience more motion, especially in rough seas. If you're prone to motion sickness, you might want to avoid these cabins. Cabins near the back of the ship can also experience more vibration and noise from the engines.

Cabins on lower decks tend to be less expensive, but they can also be noisier, especially if they're located near the engine room or other mechanical areas. Cabins on higher decks offer better views, but they can also be more exposed to the elements.

Tips for a Better Cruise ROH Experience

Just like with hotels, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a decent cabin when booking ROH on a cruise. First, try booking as early as possible. The earlier you book, the more likely it is that the cruise line will have a wider selection of cabins available.

Another tip is to check the deck plans before you book. Most cruise lines have deck plans available on their website, which show the location of all the cabins on the ship. This can help you identify potential problem areas, such as cabins near the engine room or under the disco.

Finally, be sure to read reviews from other cruisers who have stayed in ROH cabins on the same ship. This can give you valuable insights into the potential pros and cons of different locations. Websites like Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor are great resources for finding cruise reviews.

Is Run of House Right for You?

So, is Run of House the right choice for you? It depends on your priorities and your budget. If you're on a tight budget and aren't too picky about the specifics of your room or cabin, it can be a great way to save money. However, if you have specific needs or preferences, or if you're concerned about noise or location, it might be better to pay a little extra for a guaranteed room assignment.

Think about what's most important to you. Do you value a great view and a quiet location, or are you more concerned with saving money? Are you planning on spending a lot of time in your room, or will you be out exploring most of the time? Once you've answered these questions, you'll be in a better position to decide whether Run of House is the right choice for you.

Key Considerations Before Booking ROH

Before you jump into booking a Run of House deal, here's a quick checklist to make sure you've considered all the angles:

• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on your accommodation? Is saving money the top priority?
• Preferences: Do you have any specific needs or preferences, such as a high floor, a quiet location, or a specific view?
• Tolerance for Uncertainty: Are you comfortable leaving the room assignment to chance, or do you prefer to know exactly what you're getting?
• Travel Style: How much time will you be spending in your room? If you're always out exploring, the location might not matter as much.
• Potential Drawbacks: Are you aware of the potential drawbacks of ROH, such as a less desirable location or a noisy room?

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Run of House is the right choice for your next trip. Happy travels, everyone!

Final Thoughts

Run of House can be a fantastic option for saving money on hotels and cruises, but it's essential to understand what you're getting into. By weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks, and by following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of having a positive ROH experience. So, next time you're booking a trip, consider whether Run of House might be the right choice for you. You might just be surprised at how much you can save!