How Often Do Guests Actually Buy In-Room Mini Bar Liquor?

A recent hotel stay got me thinking about the economics of in-room mini bars. Many hotels stock 200 ml bottles of various liquors in the minibar, with price tags around $26–$28 per bottle. That works out to roughly half a pint at a premium, and in some places guests can order similar items via delivery apps for about half the price.

This pricing pattern suggests a belief that guests will purchase these items despite the high cost. It raises a broader question: would lowering minibar prices to approximate delivery-app prices encourage more purchases and possibly boost overall revenue through higher volume?

In other words, how frequently do guests actually buy from in-room minibars? Is the current premium price point a profitable deterrent, or could a more competitive approach stimulate more sales?

Side note: I’m not criticizing any specific property. I’ve enjoyed the hotel I’m staying at, and I recognize that minibars are a common feature across the hospitality industry.