Sometimes, after a long day, all you want to do is grab that packet of M&M’s or soda from the minibar and scoff them down to unwind. That’s if you can handle the guilt of paying an exorbitant price for anything, apart from the water, in the minibar. Fortunately, these five hotels don’t present you with that moral dilemma as they offer free snacks and drinks for all their guests (of course, these are in addition to the regular tea and coffee making facilities).
ANDAZ LONDON
Hyatt's Andaz brand, which emphasises a unique boutique feel and a reflection of its surroundings, provides free minibars across all its properties with each hotel trying to incorporate elements from the local culture. For example, at the newly opened Andaz Shanghai, minibars include White Rabbit candies that are popular in China.
In the minibar:
- Two bottles of juices
- Four bottles of mineral water (two sparkling and two still)
- One small bottle of milk
- Three packets of snacks that change occasionally: at present, the hotel offers one packet of cookies, one packet of mixed nuts and one packet of chocolate-dipped honeycomb
KERRY HOTEL BEIJING
This newly refurbished hotel (see story here) brings not only convenience with its location in a commercial and financial hub but also a very artistic and sophisticated feel: the lobby features a Chinese brush stroke video art piece by Japanese artist Shinichi Maruyama, as well as a spiral glass artwork crafted by German artist Josepha Gasch-Muche. The renovation has also seen the hotel's Club rooms fitted with latest technology and new colour schemes and its dining outlets expanded.
In the minibar:
- Two cans of Coca Cola, two cans of Coke Zero and two cans of Sprite
- Three cans of Tsingtao beer
- Two bottles each of apple and orange juice
- One Snickers chocolate bar
- One packet of potato chips
- One can each of almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts
- One packet of Oreo cookies
THE PULI HOTEL AND SPA SHANGHAI
This stylish boutique property, located in the heart of Shanghai, offers a break from the generic hotel experience. Though minibars are free in all rooms, different room types will include different items. Guests in entry level rooms, for example, only get drinks while guests in suites get more snacks. Guests in club level rooms can customise their minibar and request for specific snacks beforehand.
Contents:
Regular room:
- Two cans of Tsingtao beer
- One orange juice
- One apple juice
- One soda water
- One tonic water
- Three bottles of mineral water
- Two cans of regular Coca-Cola, two cans of Diet Coke and two cans of Sprite
- One small bottle of milk
Suites (in addition to the above):
- Half-bottle each of red and white wine
- One can of almonds
- Two cans of Pringles chips in different flavours
ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS SINGAPORE
The Royal Plaza On Scotts heavily focuses on personalised services and paying close attention to the needs and preferences of all guests, not just those in suites or executive rooms, by offering a dedicated customers relations team, amongst other services.
Contents:
- Two cans of Tiger beer
- Two bottles of mineral water
- Two cans of Coca-Cola (guests can request for Diet Coke)
- One bottle of Minute Maid juice
- One packet of Oreo cookies
UPPER HOUSE HONG KONG
The Upper House is one of the most sought-after accommodation options in Hong Kong, with its central location and minimalist décor. They score extra brownie points with the minibar, or “maxi-bar” as the hotel calls it, that is free for all guests.
Contents:
- Four cans of Heineken beer
- Two cans of Coca Cola, two cans of Coke Light, two cans of Coke Zero and two cans of Sprite
- Five bottles of mineral water (two sparkling and three still)
- Two jars of M&M’s (peanut and milk)
- One can of almonds
- One packet of Milano chocolate cookies
- One jar of Mini Mentos
Alisha Haridasani
