What does run of house (ROH) mean in a hotel?
Run of house (ROH) is a rate where the guest books a room without choosing the room type, and the hotel assigns any available room at check-in. Because the guest gives up the choice, ROH rates are usually cheaper than booking a specific room category.
ROH lets hotels optimise occupancy by assigning rooms based on what is left, giving guests a cost-effective option while the hotel fills rooms that might otherwise stay empty. The room is at least of the hotel's standard category; if the standard rooms are sold out, the guest may be placed in a better room at no extra cost.
What does run of house (ROH) mean in hotel bookings?
Run of house (ROH) is a reservation option where guests accept any available room on arrival at a discounted rate, without specifying a particular room type, view or floor. ROH is common in:
- Group and event bookings: conference organisers and wedding parties book a block of ROH rooms at one flat group rate.
- Tour operators and wholesalers: packages that sell the destination, not a specific room.
- Opaque and last-minute rates: discounted rates where the room type is revealed at check-in.
What are the benefits of choosing a run of house (ROH) reservation?
Choosing a run of house (ROH) reservation lets guests enjoy lower rates and gives hotels flexibility in room assignments, optimising occupancy and maximising revenue. The trade-off for the guest is certainty: bed type, view and room size are not guaranteed, which matters for families, couples who want a double bed and guests with accessibility needs. Those guests are better off booking a specific room type or asking the hotel before arrival.
Run of house and room upgrades before arrival
A guest on an ROH rate has not chosen a room yet, which makes them the most receptive guest for an upgrade offer. A few days before arrival, a message can confirm the stay and offer a guaranteed sea view, a larger room or a suite for a fixed supplement. The guest decides in the chat and the front office confirms the room, so the hotel sells its better rooms at a fair price instead of giving them away at check-in.
With guest journey automation, the message goes out from the booking in your PMS, and the reply lands in the team inbox. See how chatlyn helps hotels increase hotel revenue with upgrades and extras, and how revenue teams use chatlyn.
FAQs
What does ROH mean on a hotel booking?
ROH means run of house: you have booked a room at the hotel, but not a specific room type. The hotel assigns the room at check-in, usually a standard room.
Can a run of house booking get an upgrade?
Yes. If the standard rooms are full, the hotel may place ROH guests in a better room at no extra cost. Many hotels also offer a paid upgrade before arrival for guests who want a guaranteed room type or view.
What is the difference between run of house and a standard room?
A standard room is a specific room category you book and are guaranteed. Run of house guarantees only a room at the hotel; it is usually a standard room, but the hotel decides.
Why do hotels offer run of house rates?
ROH rates let hotels fill rooms flexibly, sell to groups at one rate and keep the best room types for guests who pay for them.
