Hotel Minibars That Bring the Vacation to Your Room

When was the last time you actually enjoyed having a minibar in your hotel room? Simply opening it can lead to a steep bill at check-out time—whether or not you actually ate or drank anything. Another dilemma: run-of-the-mill options like a can of Miller Lite or a tin of Pringles are less than thrilling. Thankfully, a handful of boutique hotels across the US now offer locally sourced snacks and drinks, and some don’t even charge a penny (except for the alcohol, of course). From New York City to West Hollywood to Nashville, here are the 10 best hotel minibars you’ll be happy to have in your room.—​Kristine Hansen

WHERE: West Hollywood, California

Minibar contents are free at Andaz West Hollywood and replenished daily, including Pop Chips, trail mix, Coca-Cola products, sparkling water, and granola bars. Tack on the Brunette and Blonde beers from Fireman’s Brew, based in nearby Woodland Hills, for an extra fee.

Insider Tip: Take those free snacks to the hotel’s rooftop pool: The Sundeck is Los Angeles’ highest pool and boasts panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Los Angeles Guide

WHERE: New York City

Minibars at The Greenwich Hotel feature co-owner Robert De Niro’s favorite snacks, such as Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate-chip cookies, Uncle Jerry’s pretzels, Jujyfruits, Oreos and M&Ms—all refreshed daily and at no cost. Also in the minibar—for a small fee—are gin, bourbon, sherry, scotch, tequila, beer, and red and white wine.

Insider Tip: Jars of sweet and salty treats throughout each room satisfy midnight munchies.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide

WHERE: Aspen, Colorado

Known as a foodie and wine-lover’s destination, The Little Nell’s minibars flaunt Colorado producers. This includes New Belgium Brewing Company’s Fat Tire flagship beer, locally made chocolates, and Boulder Canyon Natural Foods potato chips. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary and replenished daily.

Insider Tip: Stave away altitude sickness with canned oxygen, which is also in the minibar.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley Guide

WHERE: Madison, Wisconsin

Naturally, HotelRED‘s minibar has a Wisconsin craft beer or two, including Lakefront Brewery and New Glarus Brewing Company. But that’s not all: State-made spirits include Death’s Door Spirits vodka and gin, Yahara Bay Distillers rum, and Quince & Apple tart-cherry grenadine. Locally made nibbles include chocolate-covered cranberries and Nueske’s beef sticks.

Insider Tip: In-room mixology is encouraged: Consult your cocktail-recipe book and use a shaker and shot glass. You’ll find tonic and club soda in the minibar and fresh fruits at the front desk.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Wisconsin Guide

WHERE: Nashville, Tennessee

From Olive & Sinclair’s bean-to-bar chocolates to the locally famous Truffle Babies from Colts Chocolates, almost everything in the minibar at The Hermitage Hotel is local. Health nuts will appreciate the granola bars, cashews, and honey-roasted peanuts, plus juices. You’ll also find a bottle of Jack Daniel’s in the minibar, honoring Jack Daniel’s Distillery that’s a 90-minute drive away.

Insider Tip: Still not satisfied with the stash? Request your favorite snacks and beverages before arrival.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Nashville Guide

WHERE: Napa Valley, California

A wine-growing region isn’t likely to skimp on gourmet snacks, and Calistoga Ranch is no exception. Upon arrival, minibars are filled with Coca-Cola beverages, coconut water, vitamin water, cracked-pepper crackers, 18 Rabbits granola bars (which are made in the Bay Area), olive tapenade (from nearby St. Helena), cinnamon bears and fresh fruit—at no cost. Just remember that there’s a restocking fee.

Insider Tip: Other treats are also free: one bottle of Calistoga Ranch Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, a product of the resort’s on-site vineyard.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Napa and Sonoma Guide

WHERE: Sedona, Arizona

The Enchantment Resort recently swapped out large-production beers in its minibars for local craft beers: Grand Canyon Brewing Company‘s Pilsner and Oak Creek Brewing Co.‘s Amber. The hotel also adds two bottles of Arizona wines, chocolate-covered wine grapes, jalapeno almonds, and Yavapai trail mix (crafted in the state) to each room.

Insider Tip: Pack up those snacks and head out for a hike in the surrounding Boynton Canyon.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Guide

WHERE: Irvington, Virginia

With bottles of locally made wines (one white, one red) plus two local craft beers (brewed in Williamsburg and Lexington), the Tides Inn minibar quenches a locavore’s thirst. Pair your beverages with another state product, Virginia peanuts, which you’ll also find in the minibar.

Insider Tip: Turndown service includes a bottle of locally made ginger ale.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck Guide

WHERE: Watch Hill, Rhode Island

At the classy, swanky Ocean House hotel, the minibar is flush with beverages and snacks are stored in glass jars. It’s all completely free and restocked at no cost. Selections change regularly, but at the moment they feature bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks (malt balls, Goldfish crackers, and trail mix). For young kids, gummy bears, fruit snacks, and peanuts are available upon request.

Insider Tip: Bottomless cups of hot chocolate—perfect for braving cool mornings on the beach—are also free to hotel guests.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s South County, Rhode Island Guide

WHERE: Tarrytown, New York

At Castle Hotel & Spa, a half hour north of Manhattan, liquid contents in the minibar are replenished daily—including water, non-alcoholic beverages, and a rotating beer selection. Sip them near your wood-burning fireplace (available in some rooms) while listening to music on your Bose Sound systems (offered in all rooms).

Insider Tip: Upgrade to a luxury suite and receive free spirits in your minibar.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Hudson Valley Guide