We have all been there—flight was delayed; checked into the hotel much later than expected; room service hours just ended; and you don’t feel like waiting to get a pizza delivered—that is if there are any pizzerias opened this late.
Then you see it. Your savior… the mini-bar.
And it’s stocked to the brim with water, diet and regular sodas, juices, a variety of beer and mini bottles of wine. But that’s nothing compared to the chips, candy bars, granola bars, cookies and other munchies that are also in the little box we now consider to be our best friend. They may also have toothbrushes, razors and floss for those who forgot to pack them.
Stop and think before you remove anything from the mini-bar. Hotels are wise to this situation and are capitalizing on it—big time. Each and every item in there is marked up at least 300%. And don’t even consider eating it now and replacing it later with one you can buy at a convenience store for a more reasonable price.
Many hotels have the mini-bars configured with infrared detectors so if an item is removed for more than 10-seconds, your account is automatically charged. They do not even have to ask at check-out if you took anything out of the bar—the honor system is no longer honored. Those hotels without the latest in mini-bar technology may have hand-held devices that can detect an open refrigerator door. So they know that it was opened and will now be on the look-out.
Avoid the temptation. Do yourself a favor and bring some snacks in your bag—just in case.




