Happened to me at a "hip", non-chain hotel in Stockholm a couple of years back.

I agree, it's not the norm. That's the one and only time I've experienced that.

FWIW, it worked out great. Due to the jet lag, I woke up starving in the middle of the night. I could tide myself over without having to consume $10 candy bars.

I didn't abuse the free minibar - just consumed a reasonable amount. Act like you've been there before and all that.