At the HK IC you even have to pay to replenish coffee supplies. No way you'd get a free mini bar here!

Apparently things like these only happen in German-speaking countries :D I was in Austria beginning of May and the mini bar there was being refilled on a daily basis - and I didn't have to pay any extra fees! I think it was because I booked something like a 'package' (here is where I made my booking, the hotel I stayed in was called Aqua Dome), which apparently included getting free mini bar refills, but I wasn't expecting that, so I was pretty suprised when I arrived.
Hotels should do that way more often, it really lifts your mood!

In the UK I used to judge bed and breakfasts almost entirely on what freebies they gave you on the coffee tray (home made shortbread was a great touch one stay, others offered fudge, cake, but best of all was the one that offered gin and tonic!)

I have stayed on Executive Floors where the lounge was always open with a self serve bar of top shelf alcohol, self pour Beers on Tap, Wines and more. They had warm food always out with a large area of snacks. That was better than any free mini bar.

When I did have a free minibar it included alcohol( I forget where) but it was nice not having to purchase alcohol at a liquor store.

Quote me if I am wrong but hotels in Thailand include the minibar as part of the rate.

Like everywhere else, some hotels do. Not all. But it seems to be a trend as it has that "oh cool" factor at minimal cost to the hotel.

We stayed at the Park Hyatt Dubai in a Suite and had free access to the minibar. It was a fantastic amenity to have access to and was refilled 2x per day. So, in practice, you can have up to 18 mini bottles, 8 beers and 4 bottles of wine per day to use, I'd say that's more than enough even if you're traveling with a group ;)

Here's an excerpt from our review:

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Park Hyatt Dubai Review


–> MINIBAR

Possibly the best part of upgrading to a suite at the Park Hyatt Dubai is the free minibar access, especially if you’re traveling with a few people and plan to have a few drinks when on vacation.

The minibar was restocked 2x daily and included the following:

• 9- assorted mini bottles (Johnny Walker Black Label, Jack Daniels, Ciroc Vodka, Beefeater Gin, Bacardi Rum)
• 2- 375ml of wine (1 red, 1 white)
• 4- beers (Corona and Stella)
• Plenty of sodas, tonic and fruit juices

All of this basically ensures that you won’t have to buy a single drink here/in Dubai on your stay.

Did we mention there are chips, candy bars, cookies, and a few other snacks?!


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Full photo gallery and review with proper formatting can be view here: Weekend Blitz - Park Hyatt Dubai Review