The mighty mini-fridge: How a small amenity can drive guest satisfaction and boost hotel revenue

Modern travellers increasingly seek accommodations that go beyond a simple place to stay, prioritising flexible, guest-centric experiences tailored to their specific needs. With rising expectations, catering to guest convenience has emerged as a significant differentiator for accommodation providers. 

An unexpected hero of this trend is the mini-fridge. Once seen as a basic amenity, the mini-fridge is now gaining popularity across all accommodation tiers, from mid-range and economy hotels to luxury properties. Offering a mini-fridge empowers guests to personalise their stay, using the space to meet their own circumstances. 

This article was originally published in the latest AccomNews print edition. [Read it here.]

Mini-fridges provide a practical solution for time-poor travellers who may prefer to skip dining out and keep meals or refreshments close at hand. For parents, they offer a convenient way to store baby formula or children’s snacks, while guests needing refrigerated medication can rest easy knowing their needs are met. Guests following special diets also appreciate the ability to bring suitable meals and snacks without wholly relying on external dining options. Additionally, mini-fridges are ideal for storing leftovers, allowing guests to enjoy a quick, hassle-free meal later.

For hoteliers aiming to enhance the guest experience while driving revenue, stocking the in-room mini bar with beverages and snacks for purchase provides a convenient stay-in option for guests who prefer to enjoy an evening tipple and refreshments in the comfort of their room. 

Curating a selection of local or artisanal goods here can add a thoughtful touch, offering guests a taste of the region and elevating their overall experience.

Whether empty or fully stocked, the mini-fridge is a small but mighty feature that continues to adapt to evolving guest preferences. 

To learn more, AccomNews spoke to Hayley Brown from Warrior Fridges.

How can an in-room fridge help hotel operators meet the demand for 24/7 food and beverage options?

A well-stocked mini bar can effectively cater to various food and beverage needs while boosting additional revenue per room. For instance, families travelling with children often look for drinks upon arrival or might want to store food and beverages in the fridge. The same goes for business clients or couples enjoying a weekend getaway.

One key aspect is the design of the food and beverage display in the mini bar. Many hotels tend to overcrowd the space without a coherent arrangement. By offering complementary items—like cheese and wine or beer and nuts—guests can unwind and enjoy their selections before diving into their plans. Additionally, a mini bar doesn’t have to be limited to drinks and snacks; you can get creative by including condiments, such as various sauces, for those who love to enhance their meals.

 What trends are you seeing in mini bar fridges? 

The design of mini bar fridges is often underestimated. They serve more than just a basic function; new designs are emerging that focus on allocating specific items effectively.

Currently, many hotels opt for inexpensive mini bar fridges in their rooms. Guests typically check the mini bar upon arrival, which can significantly influence their perception of the room and their stay. Unfortunately, I often encounter empty fridges, which may prompt guests to leave the hotel to find refreshments elsewhere.

Since COVID, the importance of mini bar fridges has been overlooked. They can enhance revenue per room and contribute to the overall ambiance of the space.

 How do energy-efficient models of mini bar fridges contribute to a hotel’s sustainability efforts? Can you share any specific features that make them more eco-friendly?

Investing in higher-quality mini bars rather than opting for cheaper models is crucial. The market is saturated with low-cost mini bar fridges that frequently need replacement and are often not worth repairing. Hotels should consider mini bars that come with longer warranties and superior finishes.

To enhance sustainability, hotels can look for features in compressor mini bars such as Night/Sleep mode, which reduces the compressor speed while guests are asleep and not accessing the fridge. Another beneficial feature is Quick Cool, which allows the fridge to chill a full cabinet of drinks in just five hours—ideal for high-traffic hotels. After this initial cooling, the fridge can adjust to a lower setting, saving energy. Additionally, incorporating a water pack in the mini bar can further promote sustainability.

 There is often concern about the noise from the mini bar fridge. How important is it to select a design that won’t disrupt sleep?

Sleep is a sensitive process for many, and light and noise are the two most significant factors affecting it. A fridge that hums throughout the night can be quite disruptive, impacting the overall experience of a hotel stay. Opting for a cheaper mini bar fridge often leads to increased noise levels, while inadequate ventilation can also contribute to sound issues. When designing hotel rooms, it’s essential to prioritise quiet options, such as absorption or specially designed compressor fridges that operate silently, to enhance the room’s ergonomics.

What else should hoteliers consider when selecting a fridge for guest use? 

 We do sometimes see a lack of planning at the mock up room stage for the mini bar fridge. Many customers have requested our fridges, however their designs have not factored in the ventilation or integration of the mini bar fridge.

Considering their mini bar options at the design stage is instrumental in purchasing the right fridge to suit the space.

Sarah Davison

Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.