I have always wanted to see the financials for the hotel mini bars. I've always thought that the extra cost of the employee to stock the bars, the dollars tied up in product, and the disputes had to make it a losing battle. I’ve also had some very stale items out of the mini bar – there is not a lot of turn and beer, soda, and candy bars can go bad in less than 6 months. Probably about 15% of the time I end up with a mini-bar charge that isn't mine, I always have wondered if it was a simple error or the billing catching up from a previous guest that consumed an item and wasn't charged. I realize even at the high prices the mini bars aren't profitable but I've always wondered what would happen if some significant changes in the mini bar business model were made. What if prices had been reduced to stimulate demand? I'd certainly pay $1.00 for a soda or a water but not $2.50 or $3.50. I guess, what’s the price elastically, if a 50% price reduction generates 200% sales increase then you end up generating more revenue. I also wonder what would have happened if the mix of products in the room were changed, less alcohol and more health oriented snacks. I would also stock at the start of each visit and not daily. It would reduce some of the labor costs, however in order to gain multiple units of the same product assortment would have to be reduced.

Two crazy ideas while I'm at it, although these don't help the profitability, but perhaps could be used to increase room rates or drive loyalty - With stocking when guests are scheduled (like I recommend above) perhaps you could stock more perishable items, milk, oj, or perhaps fruit (which might be consumed more). What if as an elite customer you could put in your profile the two or three items you particularly like and those would be waiting in the mini bar at a more "market" price. Limit the possible options to make the program manageable and set some limits, i.e. room must be booked 48 hours or only available on SPG Floors (so the refrigerators can be removed from other rooms).