Minibar Systems
Creating Excellence with Automated Guest Refreshment Solutions

For hoteliers, providing better access to in-room amenities and services translates to a superior guest experience—a key aspect that drives the bottom-line. But that raises questions of return on investment. An extension of the question alludes to whether the efforts are worth the value and what is the best way to do it.

The answer lies with Minibar Systems, a hospitality tech stalwart.

“We’ve developed a portfolio of fully automated minibars, mini-refrigerators, and managed services to help hoteliers address the demand for enhanced in-room solutions and create monetizing options,” says Walt Strasser, EVP of Minibar Systems.

Since the 1970s, Minibar Systems has been a household name in the global hospitality landscape. Its suite of products— acclaimed for having advanced, eco-friendly features—is widely used in five-star hotel chains, independent hotels, resorts, and casinos around the globe.

Minibar’s premier product, SmartCube, affirms its commitment to developing innovative, sustainable, and user-friendly products. A fully automated, plug-and-play minibar system, sealed and conformal coated, it runs on infrared sensing technology. The product integrates directly with the hotel property management software (PMS), making it easier for brands to keep tabs on product inventory. SmartCube also comes with automatic locking and unlocking features that can be controlled through the PMS.

SmartCube is unlocked on check-in command, and the temperature is appropriately regulated. Whenever guests select a product, the amount is automatically added to their bill in real time, eliminating the possibility of after-departure disputes. An inventory is kept, and management is notified of needed refills. If an item is selected and then returned, SmartCube checks its condition. For snacks kept outside the minibar, the company offers SmartTray, which shares the same underlying technology. Both are connected to a console box via cable/WiFi in the room that sends all notifications to the PMS.

“Our solution suite provides daily, weekly, and monthly reports to the onsite management team, giving brands a bird’s eye on product sales,” adds Strasser.

Minibar Systems’ product roadmap owes a great deal to client feedback. To address the growing need for storing guests’ personal belongings, Minibar Systems developed SmartFridgeECO—a highly energy-efficient mini refrigerator unit. Although SmartFridgeECO shares commonalities with SmartCube, the crucial difference lies in the ability to automatically turn on or off based on the guest’s arrival and departure. This first-of-its-kind product enables hoteliers to reduce energy consumption by over 75 percent for in-room refrigerator amenities.

Apart from a comprehensive product portfolio, Minibar Systems also offers global outsourcing programs for some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry. It runs the entire refreshment management program on behalf of its clientele for a particular timeframe. Minibar Systems handles everything from inventory management and cost of goods to maintenance. Clients have no financial obligation. Instead, it adds to their revenues.

Recently, Hilton, a global luxury hotel chain, wanted a particular look for SmartCube Dual—which combines the best of the minibar and personal fridge—to suit their interior aesthetics. A redesigned unit, installed in 3,400 rooms at Hilton’s Las Vegas resort, demonstrates Minibar Systems’ client-centricity. The company also runs a refreshment management program for Fairmont hotels in the North American region.

The immense value proposition of Minibar Systems makes it an ideal partner in the hospitality tech space. With the market experiencing a tailwind for automated in-room amenities, Minibar Systems’ solutions and services can improve the guest experience while offering options for driving incremental revenue.