Marc,

I concur with everything you wrote and add that 7 is too high for most FDs - 5 stories may be beyond or right at the practical reach limit for small to medium size city FDs. Current building code (IBC) and its immediate predecessor codes recognize this. The ladder truck should stand off out of the fall zone of the wall whenever possible, plus going up and down a near vertical ladder has obvious drawbacks.

But regardless of local/mutual aid FD capability, other than a small localized fire that does not seriously threaten the building structural integrity, it would not be good planning to expect a rescue from a ladder truck if the building you're in is over 5 stories. If the fire is immediately blocking the exit from your room, it's the window or nothing. If it is not blocking your room, you may be able to make it to a second means of egress from that floor (heat and smoke are still something to contend with).

I prefer 2nd story rooms greatly but am comfy with 3rd story. Above that <shrug> take what you're dealt - odds are really low it will ever matter to any one individual anyway. Good, sensible enforcement of model building and fire codes is the best protection. It's not hard to learn the key visible elements of building safety and decide quickly if the hotel you're in is safe enough or a potential death trap. Change hotels if you're not comfortable - I have. Better a run-down decor in a less convenient location than a fancy-but-safety-compromised one.

That's not always an option, of course, but life is an ultimately fatal activity anyway.

Regards,

Tom