I was just reading through an old trip report of mine and came across a curious check in we had a few years ago. In the midst of a 10 night journey through Germany, I arrived with my wife and soon to be 17 yo son at a Marriott near Munich airport. When we arrived at the check in desk we were told that the room I had reserved would only accommodate 2 and we needed to take a bigger room. I truly believed I had booked for 3, but after retrieving my reservation from the car I realized I had only booked for two. I was ready to be informed that the rate would be double/triple what I had originally booked but the all in rate went from 149 Euro to 198 Euro. The new rate also included breakfast for two and we were told in a road weary state with a slight language barrier that the mini bar was also free.

We stayed away from the mini bar that night, but prior to and after breakfast the next am my wife and I both confirmed that the mini bar was in fact included in the new rate. As we were only staying one night we did take a couple of soda's and a few bags of snacks. Never saw any additional charges on the CC.

I have yet to come across any hotel rate that even mentions the mini bar being included. Any explanations?