Decoding "Run of House" One commonly misunderstood hotel booking term is "run of house." This simply means that you are guaranteed a room at the hotel, but the specific type of room - such as the floor, view, or bed configuration (king or two doubles) - will be assigned upon your arrival based on what's available at that time. Think of it like this: you're letting the hotel decide which room is best suited for their occupancy needs when you check in. While it often means a lower rate, if you have specific preferences, it's generally better to book a guaranteed room type instead of selecting "run of house."
"Non-Refundable Rate" - First-time travelers think a non-refundable rate means there are no alternatives when travel dates need to change, but that's not the case. Some properties have flexible rebooking options that let guests make new arrangements instead of forfeiting their payment. Others grant partial refunds or transfers to a different guest. Reading the small print makes it possible for travelers to minimize losses and maximize some hidden flexibility in the policy. Being a booker in the know includes understanding when "non-refundable" isn't necessarily written in stone.
"Non-refundable" is one of those terms that trips people up. It sounds like you're stuck, but it's really about locking in a better rate in exchange for commitment. To explain it simply to a first-time traveler: if you book a room and choose the non-refundable option, you get a discount, but if you cancel, you lose that money. It's all about weighing the savings against the risk. Just make sure they're confident in their plans before choosing it!