Yes. In some settings, even möchte is impolite, it would be common to ask your boss for a pay rise or to order a coffee with "Ich hätte gerne ...".
Edith: I want to add that there is no general rule. As far as I know, people from North Germany are supposed to be a little bit more direct than in Southern Germany. Unfortunately, the true standard even here is "Vier Brezle", which I would spell out as "Ich hätte gerne vier Brezeln".
I enjoy politeness. It gives me a lot of room to get more direct if someone does not want to play the game the polite way.