Hotels around the world are increasingly removing traditional hotel minibars as guests turn to more personalised and efficient in-room food and beverage experiences.
Once seen as a convenient revenue stream, classic minibars are being retired in favour of wellness-focused, technology‑driven alternatives that better meet modern traveller preferences.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Understanding why hotel minibars are falling out of favour
For decades, minibars offered impulse purchases within reach. Yet they now generate only a tiny fraction of hotel revenue.
Industry sources report minibar earnings often account for less than 1 % of total food and beverage revenue, prompting many properties to view them as costly and inefficient.
Labour-intensive restocking, frequent guest disputes over charges and the high energy use of minibar fridges have further driven their decline.
The emergence of smart and contactless in‑room F&B (Food and Beverage) systems
New technology-led solutions are replacing minibars with digital ordering platforms and IoT-enabled in‑room systems.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataHotels adopting such smart minibar systems report up to 25 % higher ancillary revenue per room and reduced labour costs by 30 %.
Contactless apps let guests browse, order and pay for snacks and beverages without needing physical stock in‑room. This method addresses hygiene concerns and streamlines operations exposed during the pandemic.
The shift to wellness‑focused and sustainable F&B experiences
Modern guests increasingly expect health‑orientated options and sustainable delivery.
Hotels that replace sugary or high‑fat minibar items with wellness‑centric alternatives—such as kombucha, organic snacks or local products—see improved guest engagement and retention rates, with wellness‑driven F&B boosting wellness‑hotel revenue significantly.
Reduced minibar usage also aligns with environmental goals: energy-efficient systems and shared delivery models can cut yearly electricity costs per minibar unit by up to 30 % and reduce carbon emissions.
Traditional minibar decline and operational challenges
Guests rarely use high-priced minibar items, especially where nearby shops offer better value. Misplaced or disputed charges lead to negative experiences, while manual minibar management adds labour burden and cost.
Many hotels recognise that the minibar is more of a liability than an asset in today’s hospitality market.
Personalised and on-demand in-room F&B
Hotel technology now enables digital menus and delivery-on-demand, turning in-room snacking into a curated experience.
Whether via smart minibar hardware or app-based ordering, digital F&B solutions provide greater flexibility, hygiene and item variety than legacy minibars.
Wellness and sustainability in modern guest offerings
Wellness-minded travellers expect curated snacks and drinks that support healthy lifestyles. By offering organic, local and low-sugar options, hotels can boost guest satisfaction and loyalty.
At the same time, smart systems and shared delivery reduce waste and energy usage, aligning with environmental objectives.
Hotels that have adopted smart, wellness-driven in-room food and beverage options report stronger financial performance and brand differentiation. In contrast, traditional minibars are trending toward obsolescence.
By embracing personalised, contactless F&B services—and coupling them with sustainable practices—hoteliers can better engage today’s health- and experience-conscious guests.
