The term "room run of house" typically refers to a type of hotel room assignment policy. It describes a situation where guests booking a room do not have a specific room allocated to them in advance. Instead, they are given a room based on availability at the time of check-in. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Key Aspects of "Room Run of House"
Room Types:
- Standard Practice: Hotels may have different categories of rooms (e.g., standard, deluxe, suites). In a "run of house" scenario, guests are assigned any available room that falls within their booked category or price point.
- Flexibility: This means that guests might receive varying views, sizes, or amenities, depending on what is unoccupied at the time of their arrival.
Booking Flexibility:
- Last-Minute Bookings: This type of assignment is often seen with last-minute deals or promotions where the specific type of room is less significant than the price.
- Occupancy Management: Hotels use this practice to manage occupancy levels and maximize revenue by letting guests occupy whatever rooms are available.
Considerations for Guests:
- Uncertainty: While this can be a cost-effective way to book a room, guests cannot guarantee specific features they might want (like a particular view or room size).
- Potential Upgrades/Downgrades: Depending on availability, guests may end up in a room that is upgraded or, in some cases, a downgrade compared to what they might have chosen.
Pricing and Deals:
- Cost-Effective: Often, run of house options are priced lower than fully assigned or specific room types, creating potential savings for budget-conscious travelers.
- Package Deals: This type of assignment may be included in package deals that offer additional bonuses like meals or services.
- Use in Different Settings:
- Hotels and Resorts: Primarily used by hotels, resorts, and sometimes by vacation rentals.
- Event Planning: Often utilized when booking blocks of rooms for events, where specifics of every room are less critical than ensuring enough rooms for guests.
In summary, "room run of house" is a flexible hotel reservation strategy that helps manage room inventory by allowing guests to occupy any available room within the booked category, typically resulting in potential cost savings but with a lack of guaranteed specific room preferences.