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Entry & standard rooms
Run of House (ROH)
A room assigned at the hotel's discretion within a given category, you're guaranteed the room type but not a specific floor, view, or location. Often the cheapest rate.
Book this only when you trust the hotel or every room is excellent; otherwise pay up for a guaranteed view.
Classic / Standard / Superior / Deluxe
An escalating ladder of a hotel's base rooms, usually differing by size, floor, view, or recent renovation rather than fundamentally different layouts. The names are relative to that property only.
"Superior" and "Deluxe" sound premium but are frequently still entry rooms, read the square metres and the view, not the adjective.
Premier / Grand / Premium
Higher-floor or better-positioned versions of the standard room, often with the best views in the non-suite inventory.
Suites
Junior Suite
A single enlarged room that combines a sleeping area and a sitting area without a full wall between them. More space, but not a separate living room.
Suite
A bedroom separated from a distinct living room, frequently with a powder room and more generous bathroom. The genuine step-change from a room.
Executive / Club Suite
A suite that also includes club-lounge access (see below). Common in city hotels.
Presidential / Royal / Owner's Suite
The flagship suite, often a full floor or wing, multiple bedrooms, dining room, and dedicated service. The headline figure behind "most expensive suite" lists.
Service & access tiers
Club Level / Concierge Level / Executive Floor
Rooms that come with access to a private lounge serving breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening canapés, plus a dedicated concierge. Often better value than it looks once you account for food and drink.
Butler service
A personal butler attached to your room or villa, unpacking, drawing baths, arranging dining. Standard at the top of resort and palace brands.
Resort & villa categories
Garden / Ocean View / Beachfront
A view ladder, priced steeply apart. "Ocean view" can mean a sliver between buildings, ask exactly what's visible and from where.
Overwater Villa / Bungalow
A freestanding structure on stilts above a lagoon, usually with direct water access, a deck, and sometimes a glass floor. The defining Maldives and French-Polynesia room.
Pool Villa / Plunge Pool
A villa with its own pool. A "plunge pool" is for cooling off rather than swimming laps; a "private pool" implies something larger. Confirm which.
Connecting vs Adjoining rooms
Connecting rooms share an internal door (essential for families); adjoining rooms are merely next to each other with no internal door. They are not the same, specify "connecting."
Frequently asked questions
Is a "Deluxe Room" better than a "Superior Room"?
Usually yes, but only within the same hotel. These names rank a property's own rooms; a Deluxe at a modest hotel can be smaller than a Superior at a grander one. Compare size, view and floor, not the label.
What's the difference between a Junior Suite and a Suite?
A Junior Suite is one large room blending sleeping and sitting areas; a full Suite has a separate living room with a wall and door. If you want a distinct lounge, book a Suite.
Is club-level access worth it?
Often, in city hotels, breakfast, all-day snacks and evening drinks for two can exceed the upgrade cost, plus you get faster service. Less compelling at all-inclusive resorts where food is already covered.
Does "ocean view" guarantee a good view?
No. It only guarantees some ocean is visible. Ask the hotel which room numbers have full, unobstructed views before booking a view category.
What should families book?
Connecting rooms (shared internal door) or a suite with a sofa bed. Avoid "adjoining," which just means next door with no internal access.
What is run-of-house?
A discounted rate where the hotel picks your exact room within a category. Fine at properties where every room is strong; risky where views and locations vary a lot.
Related reading: hotel star ratings explained · hotel loyalty tiers explained · The HotelsForKings 100.