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.

I've had this at one of the Doubletrees in London. I think I cleared it out just about every night. No shame.

Also had it at some boutique hotel in Barcelona. Great little touch.

"Free" Mini Bar?
 

Grand Amranth in Amsterdam had free mini bar access (booze, soft drinks, etc) included in rate if booked direct.

In Germany this is very common. Usually it is specified, e.g. soft drinks and 2 beers a day.

"Free" Mini Bar?
 

Hilton London Bankside is free except for booze. Selection of snacks & soft drinks is quite good. Quite a new hotel.

"Free" Mini Bar?
 

NH was doing this for a few years but they seem to have changed strategies. They had a weekend rate that was a good rate for Friday through Sunday and included late checkout on Sunday and free minibar. The minibar was not restocked, you were basically buying a fixed amount of stuff along with the room for the weekend. It did have a couple cans of cheap beer, some soft drinks, water, and some candy including a toblerone and gummi bears.

The funny thing was that I was with several others who had booked separately. We were gathering in the lobby to play cards and I bought down a bunch of snacks. They all thought I was spendthrift and couldn't believe me when I explained. They had to pull up their reservation and were shocked to find they had the same deal and didn't know it.

Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley
 

The first time I saw this was at Auberge du Soleil in the Napa valley. Although, at $1000 per night, I liked to think of this as 'íncluded' rather than 'free''
. Most of the items in there were high quality local goods too, not national brand candy bars.

I've been at more expensive hotels that didn't give free mini-bars, so the cost of the room isn't always a signal.

Only time I got free Mini bar privileges were at all inclusive resorts. Otherwise it was the usual $20 for alcohol, $10 for candy, and $5 to even look at it.

Only for Royals now... not sure it was ever "normal" Ambassador?

^ As my beer-filled belly from this W/E can attest to ;)

As noted, it's fairly common in Germany, particularly for better room categories in chain hotels, and for upscale properties in general. Usually it's beer/water/juices, but often includes some miniatures as well. It's obviously not free, just bundled into your room rate.

Next month I'll be (performing) on a cruise ship catering primarily to German-speaking passengers. I was surprised to learn that minibar items are free onboard.

Seth

It was and still is a Royal Ambassador benefit. It was never an Ambassador benefit.

Which explains why my business associates hang out in my upgraded suite when we stay at IC.

The Renaissance in Vienna had 'Club Rooms' rates which include the minibar. But very unimpressive selection for paying about 25€ more.

And on the other hand the minibar in all other rooms wasn't even serviced and you needed to grab you beer? Wine of soft drinks from the front desk. (Which gets more and more common and drives me crazy!)

About 50% of hotels in Bangkok have rooms with a "free" minibar.

I agree that it depends on the property but isn't a rare thing.

Recently I was at the Hansar in Bangkok that touts this as a benefit. The only problem was that they didn't do a very good job of replenishing it.

Also, the ICON hotel in Hong Kong offers this as one their signature benefits. But as noted you really are just paying for it in the room rate rather than being charged $12 for a can of Coke.