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Hotels nixing minibars forevermore?
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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

Dec 30, 2013
Listen 10:51
Hotels nixing minibars forevermore?
The hotel minibar may soon be a thing of the past, experts say.
A hotel minibar
A hotel minibar
(
Vancity Allie via Flickr Creative Commons
)

The hotel minibar may soon be a thing of the past, experts say.

The hotel minibar may soon be a thing of the past, experts say.

A recent survey by travel website TripAdvisor.com found that the minibar is the least important amenity for U.S. travelers. Only 21 percent of travelers ranked the minibar as important, compared to 89 percent who called free in-room wireless internet important. 

Stocking  and arguing with customers about charges make minibars difficult to manage--and more and more hotel guests are leaving their rooms and congregating in lobbies and restaurants.

Travelers, are you sad to see the minibar go? Have you used it in the past? What will you do if it disappears? 

Guest:

Chris Elliott, consumer advocate and customer service expert, columnist for the Washington Post and USA Today.

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Host, AirTalk
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