While automated minibars can offer savings in terms of labor, tying them into more guestroom systems can also drive revenue by making them a closer part of the guestroom experience, said?Walt Strasser, EVP at Minibar Systems?North America.
Minibar Systems now has minibars that tie into guestroom entertainment systems, such as for movies, TV and high-speed Internet, to offer combined entertainment packages.
For example, the company can offer a ?movie night? package with an on-demand movie and a snack from the minibar at a discount.
?You get a lot more revenue because now, even though the movie package has a reduction in the price of the snack, you?re getting an additional consumption that you may not have had,? Strasser said.
These bundled packages play to the minibar?s psychological strengths, Strasser said. ?We live in the world of impulse sales. Minibars have always been and will always be an impulse item, so when we bundle those packages for guests it?s quite powerful.?
Minibar Systems is also experimenting with customizable looks for their minibars to make them fit more attractively with the d?cor of the hotel.
? ?We live in the world of impulse sales. Minibars have always been and will always be an impulse item, so when we bundle those packages for guests it?s quite powerful.?
Walt Strasser, EVP, Minibar Systems North America
?A lot of these boutique hotels want to have something special,? Strasser said. ?For instance, we just did a pink bar. They?re getting a little interesting in some of the concepts that we?ve been seeing over the past 18 months or so, because we used to be black and gray. It?s been fun.?
Minibar Systems has also been adding in different finishes on the trays, Strasser said.
Additionally, packaging snack items instead of leaving them loose can make them appear more presentable to guests.
Also, for hotels that don?t want to go with the traditional minibar cabinet, the company now provides a minibar in a pull-out drawer that can fit in another piece of furniture.
?This constant visibility with beautiful packaging is really making a significant impact in driving revenue,? Strasser said.