Some hotels remove the minibar, others turn it into a service that sells. The difference is how it is run.
Minibar in the room: yes or no?
Scenario
Hotels that remove the minibar usually do so because of checking and restocking work, product losses and billing disputes.
The most common alternatives are an empty fridge for the guest, a minibar included in the rate, a self-service market in the lobby and automated minibars with sensors. A silent, well-stocked minibar run with simple rules remains a comfort service and a source of revenue.
How to get the best commercial return
- A curated assortment: local, quality products instead of the usual three soft drinks.
- Transparent, reasonable prices with a clearly visible price list.
- A glass door and LED lighting so products are visible.
- Fast restocking and simple checks for staff.
- An included formula for suites and higher categories, where it makes sense.
Alternatives to the traditional minibar
| Solution | Advantages | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Paid minibar | Direct revenue, in-room service | Manual checking and restocking |
| Minibar included in the rate | No billing disputes, a gesture of hospitality | Product cost built into the rate |
| Empty fridge for the guest | No product management | No revenue; still needs a silent fridge |
| Self-service lobby market | One point to manage | Guests have to leave the room |
| Automated minibar with sensors | Automatic charging of items taken | Cost and integration with the PMS |
Technical check
Questions to decide
- 1How much work does minibar checking take today?
- 2Which products are actually bought?
- 3Do guests often dispute charges?
- 4Does the room category justify an included minibar?
- 5Is a fridge still needed, even empty, for guests' own products?
Questions from the brief
Why do some hotels remove the minibar?
Mainly because of checking and restocking work, product losses and disputes over charges at check-out.
What do hotels use instead of a minibar?
Empty fridges for guests, minibars included in the rate, self-service markets and automated minibars with removal sensors, offered by specialist manufacturers such as Bartech or Minibar Systems.
Which hotel minibar gives the best commercial return?
A silent, well-lit one with a curated assortment and transparent prices. A glass door with LED lighting makes products visible; return depends mostly on assortment and management.
Is a minibar included in the rate worth it?
It can be in suites and higher categories: it removes checks and disputes and becomes a gesture of hospitality, with a smaller assortment.