Minibars in hotels be replaced with contactless lobby marketplaces

         #Operational efficiency and cost savings#

Traditional minibars have long been a standard feature in many hotel rooms, giving guests convenient access to snacks and beverages without leaving the comfort of their room. However, modern travelers are changing, and so are their expectations. In recent years, some hotels have begun eliminating in-room minibars in favor of **contactless lobby marketplaces** — self-service stations near the lobby where guests can purchase snacks, drinks, and even travel essentials using digital payment systems. This shift raises an important question: should minibars be completely replaced by these new contactless options?From both an operational and guest satisfaction perspective, **yes—they should**. Contactless lobby marketplaces offer many advantages over traditional minibars, including **cost efficiency, improved guest experience, improved hygiene, and more relevant offerings**. While there are legitimate concerns about convenience, especially for premium travelers, the benefits of replacing minibars far outweigh the drawbacks.One of the strongest arguments for replacing minibars is **cost and operational efficiency**. Staff must regularly check and restock each room’s minibar, ensure items have not expired and verify usage for billing accuracy. These repetitive tasks waste valuable staff time and increase operational costs. In addition, minibars are prone to errors, such as guests eating without paying or accidentally billing for items they did not use.In contrast, contactless marketplaces require much less monitoring. Products can be tracked, bulk replenished and managed from a central location through modern point-of-sale systems. This reduces labour costs and inventory waste and improves billing accuracy. For hotels facing rising staffing costs and labor shortages post-pandemic, this model is a more sustainable option. ### Improved Hygiene and Health Considerations.Post-COVID-19, health and hygiene have become top priorities for hotel guests. Minibars, which involve shared surfaces, physical menus, and in-room handling, present hygiene challenges that can make guests uncomfortable. The cleanliness or freshness of items stored in minibars for long periods of time cannot be guaranteed.Contactless marketplaces offer **safer, cleaner** options. They rely on **touchless payment systems**, self-service kiosks, and open, well-organized spaces where guests can check hygiene. The transparency and perceived cleanliness of these areas is more aligned with current guest expectations and public health standards.

           #Improved Guest Experience and Choice#

Modern travelers — especially millennials and Gen Z — prefer **personalization, convenience, and value**. Traditional minibars are often filled with overpriced, limited options that feel outdated. Guests now expect more variety and transparency when purchasing food and beverages.Lobby marketplaces can feature a wide, rotating range of products, including healthy snacks, locally made goods, specialty beverages, and even toiletries. Guests appreciate **more choices** and the ability to see what they are purchasing before making a purchase. Additionally, contactless payment options allow for **faster, more seamless transactions**, increasing guest satisfaction.In addition, lobby marketplaces can be designed to reflect the hotel’s brand identity or local culture – something that minibars rarely do. For example, a boutique hotel in Portland might stock craft sodas, local beers, and artisan snacks, while a business hotel in Tokyo might offer bento boxes and convenience items relevant to the business traveler. This enhances the guest’s overall experience and sense of place.

         #Environmental considerations#

Replacing the minibar may also be a more **sustainable option**. Minibars require constant energy to stay cold, often 24/7, even when rooms are empty. This contributes to unnecessary energy consumption and increases a hotel's carbon footprint.In contrast, a centralized marketplace eliminates the need for dozens or hundreds of individual refrigerators, leading to **more energy-efficient operations**. Products can also be packaged with sustainability in mind, reducing waste and allowing hotels to more effectively implement green initiatives.### Addressing the Convenience Factor.Critics of minibar removal argue that they offer unmatched **convenience**, especially for guests who arrive late, suffer from jet-lag, or simply want a midnight snack without having to get dressed and walk to the lobby. It's a valid point — there's a certain comfort in having snacks and drinks within arm's reach.The issue, however, may be much bigger.