"Free" Mini Bar?
 

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?

I experienced that once at the Radisson Blu ZRH. Can't recall if it included alcoholic drinks or not but soft drinks and snacks were included.

Andaz mini-bar is, I think, always free, except for alcohol. Restock daily. I've had the same in other non-chain hotels.

If I ever ran into a free mini-bar it would be empty the next day. ;)

IIRC there have been some FHR rates where the special amenity is free minibar, including alcohol. The example I remember was the PH Washington.

I definitely had some reservations about taking anything out of it after our reservation snafu, and the language barrier, but after confirming once the night of check in and twice the next day we decided we had to take something to account for the bump in the room rate. I should have taken a picture of it, but I do remember a mix of soft drinks, beer, chips and candies.

Another bonus in the bump was that the room was huge with a king bed and also had terry robes. After some mid range accommodations the previous 4-5 nights it was a great break.

Just an odd and unexpected offer, mid trip while a bit road weary.

I have upcoming stay at -- Schloss Fuschl, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Fuschlsee-Salzburg and it states -- Mini Bar Included In Rate. The wife and I cannot wait--point stay

I have seen this in European hotels but the mini-bar typically doesn't contain any liquor - maybe one beer if you're lucky.

My SPG Gold upgrade at the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral last week was to a high floor with free mini bar. No booze stocked but some snacks and a bottle of sparkling water were nice to have.

"Free" Mini Bar?
 

Some hotels in Frankfurt have mini bars and the beer- usually all they have- is free-

"Free" Mini Bar?
 

Search Royal Ambassador and you will see some epic mini-bar tabs that were comped. Largest that I ever personally ran was $1200.

I ran into that situation with a Ritz Carlton. Not sure why they did it for you, maybe it is a way to justify the rate.

In 2012, my room rate for this hotel was purchased on Expedia and included the mini-bar.

The mini-bar contained two bottles of water, one bottle of mineral water, three beers, four sodas, one orange juice, and a bag of chips.

"Free" Mini Bar?
 

IHG Ambassador used to have free minibar privileges. ... not sure if it is still the case

They really didn't have to be very flexible with me considering that it was my booking error. Sometimes I find myself never changing whatever the default for number of guests are as I am usually just looking to see what rates a hotel might have when I'm traveling.

The bill I received when checking out had the room charges described as "Arrangement". We did enjoy the breakfast buffet and while they only gave us passes for two, the waitress didn't charge my wife for her simple plate of fruit and cheese.