Fee to empty mini bar fridge
#31
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Join Date: Jan 2007
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It's ridiculous to charge for this. But there's a fairly easy solution, although it will be a bit of a hassle at check out.
Just remove enough items so that your water bottles fit. Set them on a table, desk, wherever. On your last day, replace the items, take a picture of the full fridge and stop by the front desk to dispute the charge.
Just remove enough items so that your water bottles fit. Set them on a table, desk, wherever. On your last day, replace the items, take a picture of the full fridge and stop by the front desk to dispute the charge.
#32
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
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#34
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
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The usd50 or so fee relates to minibar fees , not consumption fees. RESTOCK fees are often a fixed per day fee, often usd15++ at my 5star hotels. REALLY annoying/unfair if just want 1x usd10 cola/perrier etc.
Thus emptying minibar costs hotel + you two restocking fees...just about bearable/ok if on a 5nighter, too much if a 1night stay
Plus most hotels t+c's state only f+b purchased on property can be consumed in property, so will not want to forgo drinks income on your stay.
Thus emptying minibar costs hotel + you two restocking fees...just about bearable/ok if on a 5nighter, too much if a 1night stay
Plus most hotels t+c's state only f+b purchased on property can be consumed in property, so will not want to forgo drinks income on your stay.
#35
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
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Seems odd - I cant ever remember seeing a restock fee for a minibar, and the only properties Ive seen which only allow their own alcohol are a handful of party Ws in the US.
#36
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,846
For better or worse, this is indeed how things work in a lot of hotels in Africa
#37
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Posts: 3,134
The usd50 or so fee relates to minibar fees , not consumption fees. RESTOCK fees are often a fixed per day fee, often usd15++ at my 5star hotels. REALLY annoying/unfair if just want 1x usd10 cola/perrier etc.
Thus emptying minibar costs hotel + you two restocking fees...just about bearable/ok if on a 5nighter, too much if a 1night stay
Plus most hotels t+c's state only f+b purchased on property can be consumed in property, so will not want to forgo drinks income on your stay.
Thus emptying minibar costs hotel + you two restocking fees...just about bearable/ok if on a 5nighter, too much if a 1night stay
Plus most hotels t+c's state only f+b purchased on property can be consumed in property, so will not want to forgo drinks income on your stay.
#38
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Ask for a bucket of ice to be brought up every few hours to keep your bottles cold, and I'll bet they will relent on the $50.00 charge.
I've had similar issues in Amsterdam, where they refuse to clear out the fridge and the pressure sensors go off with the slightest movement. I filled the recycling bin in the room with ice and it was better that way.
I've had similar issues in Amsterdam, where they refuse to clear out the fridge and the pressure sensors go off with the slightest movement. I filled the recycling bin in the room with ice and it was better that way.
#39
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
1. I've never had a problem doing this or having charges wiped from my bill
2. If I were going to go to the 7-11 to buy identical booze for half the price, then why in the world would I go to all the trouble of taking from the minibar and replacing? Because it's easier to go to the 7-11 at the end of my stay rather than at the beginning?
Anyway, whether hotels like it or not, it's a very simple solution that works just fine, and is generally drama-free.
#43
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden + Austin, Tx
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#44
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
Seriously, the easiest way to do this, without needing to lie or waste a lot of time is just remove stuff, put it back before you leave and stop once at the desk to remove any charges. You can't be charged for removing stuff (if you put it back), but not consuming it.
#45
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Plum Nelly
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Posts: 636
The W Atlanta downtown had a few different bottles of booze placed in the room. And a minibar. The two comped water bottles there also were clearly labeled as so.