Rick Steves says..
 

Rick Steves says to check out two rooms prior to committing, as the hotelier will show the "hard to sell" one first to the eager tourist, leaving the more desireable one to look at second. Is this tactic necessary? Has anyone done this and were glad they did?*

We have followed his advice in some cases, but most of the time we have found it to be not needed. It really depends on what particular city you are in. However, if you feel the need, do it, there is nothing wrong with asking to see what they have. If they refuse, go on down the road and find another place.

I have found that when touring around and walking up to a hotel to enquire, they usually insist we see the room prior to committing. Often they offer a range of prices.<BR><BR>When checking into a reserved guide book recomended hotel in London and Paris, no choice was given.

Take a look at Book Chick's trip report from Rome...the second room was FAR superior.

I remembered this topic being discussed before, so I topped it for you. My opinion? Yes, I often ask to see another room, and it's usually been nicer or had a better view.