Hotel mini-bar prices put travellers off

Most travellers would make use of in-room mini bars and fridges more often if prices weren't "such a rip-off", according to research from travel booking website TripAdvisor.

A poll of more than 1,600 travellers worldwide found 86% thought mini-bar prices were simply too high (rising to 90% for British travellers).

More than a third (34%) had been inaccurately charged for something in the mini bar or fridge and one quarter said they had had a dispute over their mini-bar bill when checking-out.

Just over half of those surveyed said convenience remained the main reason for using the mini-bar 51%.

Ian Rumgay, European communications manager at TripAdvisor, said: "Travellers are not at all satisfied with hotel mini-bars. Hotel proprietors need to think about reducing prices and introducing healthy options."

Favourite snack (in order of popularity) was nuts, chocolate bar, peanut M&Ms, Pringles and Toblerone.

Favourite drink (in order of popularity) was bottled water, fizzy/soft drink, beer, wine, spirits.

The most requested mini bar items were fruit, healthy snacks and sandwiches.

Unusual items found in mini-bars included bottled oxygen, sex kits, condoms, caviar and perfume.

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By Chris Druce

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