Minibar for Airbnbs and Hotels: The Cost-Effective Upselling Strategy

Minibars in Airbnbs and hotels are tried-and-tested upselling strategy. It provides items that your guests can grab and pay for while enjoying their stay.

But there's only very little you can store in a 30-inch fridge. You can toss in some snacks, a few drinks, and maybe a handful of instant meals. 

The limited space also limits your potential profit. And your guests might need some things that you could have offered. Think of forgotten toiletries, medicines, and maybe a few more snacks and drinks.

It's a good thing you can upgrade your minibar with the right technology. How? You can create a QR code-accessible digital menu that users can browse on their phones.

This innovative approach allows you to extensively offer items that won't fit in the minibar and conveniently lets your guests to order what they need from the comfort of their rooms.

It’s a small upgrade that makes a big impact, enhancing guest satisfaction, convenience, and revenue.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from setting it up to choosing the right platform, so you can have a profitable, seamless minibar. 

Minibar for Airbnbs and Hotels: Trends and Statistics

Minibars are designed to provide guests with a private in-room experience, yet their profitability has been a topic of debate.

A survey by Go Airport Express and Go Group LLC, an international ground transportation service provider, found that 70 percent of travelers never use hotel minibars, while about 20 percent use them occasionally, largely due to high prices.

Many guests opt to store their own store-bought snacks and drinks instead.

Data from PKF Hospitality Research supports this, revealing a 28 percent drop in minibar revenue across U.S. hotels, now contributing one percent of total hotel revenue.

However, not all reports paint the same picture.

Bezla.com LLC, a global hotel sales and marketing company, notes that minibar usage remained steady, with about a quarter of guests still enjoying the convenience.

Even with some hotels offering complimentary water, minibars continue to generate strong revenue, outperforming many other in-room amenities.

Water alone makes up to 50 percent of total minibar sales, while non-alcoholic beverages contribute another 48 percent, proving that guests value easy access to refreshments.

In the Airbnb space, minibars are less common since most rentals come with full kitchens or kitchenettes, allowing guests to store and prepare their own food.

But there’s a growing opportunity. Skift News reports that 57 percent of Airbnb guests are willing to pay extra for personalized services, including minibars. This makes it a good candidate for any Airbnb upsells and cross-sells.

This suggests that while traditional hotel minibars may be evolving, there’s a strong demand for well-curated, reasonably priced minibar options in short-term rentals.

Five secure self-checkout methods

1. Add minibar items as an Airbnb or hotel extra

One of the easiest ways to handle minibar payments in your hotel or Airbnb is by using your “add-ons” or “experiences” feature.

Think of it like a little online store for your guests, where they can pre-purchase minibar items just like they would book a cleaning service or late checkout.

You simply list your minibar package—maybe a “Snack & Sip Bundle” with chips, chocolate, and a local craft beer—at a set price.

When guests book their stay, they can add it to their reservation, and Airbnb handles the payment upfront.

No tracking, no awkward follow-ups, and no worrying about whether your guests will pay later.

2. Pre-authorization deposit

A pre-authorization deposit is a simple way to secure payment for minibar items without chasing guests.

Here’s how it works: When a guest books your Airbnb or hotel room, you place a temporary hold on a small amount—let’s say $20 to $50—as a minibar deposit.

This isn’t an extra charge. It’s just a hold on their card, similar to what renowned hotels do.

If they enjoy snacks, drinks, and other essentials from the minibar, you deduct the cost from the deposit before releasing the rest.

If they don’t touch anything, you simply refund the full amount.

This method keeps things smooth, ensures you’re covered, and avoids awkward payment follow-ups. Plus, your guests feel more comfortable indulging when they know the system is fair.

3. Honor system with cash or digital payments

The honor system is based on trust—guests take what they want and pay on their own.

So, it works this way: You set up a small display with go-to snacks, drink menu items, and a clear price list. Next to it, leave a small cash jar or an envelope where your guests can drop their payment.

To make things easier, you can offer digital payment options like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, so they can pay instantly without needing cash.

This method is great because it requires no upfront tech investment—just a little setup and clear communication.

4. Smart minibar with automated billing (For high-end listings)

This is a high-tech way to streamline minibar sales and get rid of the guesswork.

Think of it like the minibars you see in luxury hotels—when a guest takes an item, the system instantly detects it and charges them automatically.

This works through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags or weight sensors that track when an item is removed.

Some smart fridges even have built-in inventory management, so you’ll know exactly when to restock.

Yes, the upfront cost is higher—you’ll need to invest in a smart fridge or an RFID-enabled minibar system.

But the benefit? No more relying on guests to report what they used, no more chasing payments, and no lost revenue due to “forgotten” charges.

5. QR code menu and payment system (Best for convenience)

If you want a simple and seamless way to sell minibar items in your Airbnb and hotel, a QR code menu ordering and payment system is one of the best options.

Instead of dealing with cash or tracking what guests take, you can set up a digital menu QR code software that also allows direct payments.

Here’s how it works: You generate a single QR code that links to an online menu where guests can browse items, see prices, and pay instantly using their phone—just like ordering at a cafe.

This setup is perfect for digital-savvy travelers who expect quick and contactless transactions.

Plus, it saves you the hassle of restocking without knowing what’s been purchased. Once it’s set up, you only need to print the QR code and place it in a visible spot.

Best items to stock in your Airbnb minibar

A great minibar balances essentials (things your guests might forget or need) and premium items (things they indulge in).

Snacks and beverages

People love quick, grab-and-go items. Here’s what works best:

1. Premium snacks like artisan chips, chocolate-covered nuts, or even gourmet popcorn. Your guests are more likely to buy unique or locally sourced snacks they wouldn’t find in a regular store.
2. Instant or premade meals are perfect for guests who arrive late or don’t want to cook.
3. Bottled beverages like sparkling water, cold brew coffee, energy drinks, or flavored iced teas are always tempting.
4. Alcoholic drinks like mini wine bottles, canned cocktails, or craft beer are premium choices, that is, if it’s legal in your area.

Personal care

Guests often forget essentials. Stocking small but necessary items ensures they don’t have to leave your property.

Keep toiletries, pain relievers, vitamin C packs, motion sickness tablets, and sleeping aids stocked in your minibar.

Experience-based upsells

Beyond selling items, curating themed kits can increase perceived value. So, you might want to put a romance package, movie night kit, and hangover kit in your bar, too.

How to set your minibar QR code menu and payment using MENU TIGER

Setting up a minibar QR code menu with integrated payment using MENU TIGER is a straightforward process that enhances your guest’s convenience and streamlines transactions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Create a MENU TIGER account.

Visit the MENU TIGER website and sign up for an account. Complete your profile by providing essential details such as your property’s name, contact information, and preferred currency.

2. Create your digital menu.

Within your MENU TIGER dashboard, navigate to the menu creation section. Input the minibar items you wish to offer, including descriptions, prices, and any relevant images to make the menu appealing.

3. Integrate a payment gateway.

To facilitate seamless payments, MENU TIGER allows integration with payment processors like Stripe, Paypal, and Venmo.

For Stripe and Paypal integration:

• Log in to your MENU TIGER dashboard and go to the “Integrations” tab.
• Select the “Connect” button under Stripe or Paypal.
• Follow the prompts to connect your Stripe or Paypal account, enabling guests to pay using various methods, including credit cards and digital wallets.

For Venmo integration:

• Ensure you have a Braintree account, as Venmo payments are processed through it.
• In your MENU TIGER dashboard, navigate to “Payment Settings” under “Integrations” and select Braintree.
• Enter your Braintree API credentials (Merchant ID, Public Key, and Private Key) to enable Venmo payments.

4. Generate and customize your QR code.

Once your menu and payment systems are set up, MENU TIGER will generate a unique QR code linked to your digital menu.

Customize the QR code’s appearance to align with your property’s branding, making it easily recognizable to guests.

5. Display the QR code for guests.

Print the customized QR code and place it in prominent locations within your Airbnb, such as near the minibar area or on a welcome card.

Ensure it’s accompanied by a brief instruction, like: “Scan here to view and purchase minibar items.”

Benefits of using QR codes as your menu and payment

Using QR codes for your menu and payment system offers several benefits that make running your Airbnb or hotel more efficient, guest-friendly, and profitable.

Here’s why it’s a great strategy:

Increased sales and guest engagement

A well-designed digital menu with clear pricing and actual product images encourages impulse purchases. You can even add upsells, like bundled snack packages or local specialty drinks, increasing your revenue without extra effort.

Real-time updates and inventory management

Unlike a printed minibar price list, a digital QR menu lets you update prices, add new items, or mark products as “sold out” instantly.

This prevents guests from ordering unavailable items and keeps your offerings fresh and relevant.

Easy and secure payment processing

With built-in payment integrations like Stripe, PayPal, or Venmo, your guests can pay securely within seconds.

This rids you from the risks of unpaid minibar charges and makes tracking transactions much easier for you.

Cost savings on printing and maintenance

Forget about constantly reprinting minibar menus or price lists.

A single QR code can be displayed on a small sign, card, or even on the minibar itself. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

24/7 availability without staff interaction

Your guests can access the minibar at any time without needing to contact you. This is especially useful for self-check-in stays, late arrivals, or busy travelers who just want a quick snack without any extra steps.

Insights and data tracking

MENU TIGER’s QR code system allows you to track which items are selling most, helping you refine your offerings.

If certain snacks or drinks aren’t moving, you can swap them out for more popular options.

Great for upselling and special offers

Want to boost sales? Add limited-time offers, discounted bundles, or even a welcome gift add-on to encourage guests to purchase more. A QR menu makes these promotions easy to implement and adjust.

The final take: Airbnb minibars are a win-win for you and your guests

Minibars remain one of the most profitable in-room amenities for Airbnbs and hotels, even with shifting revenue trends.

Their convenience and accessibility continue to drive steady profits, whether included as part of a stay or offered as an add-on.

By integrating digital solutions like MENU TIGER’s QR code menu software, you can enhance guest experience while streamlining your operations. With a simple QR scan, guests can browse, order, and pay instantly, bringing a new level of ease and efficiency.

For hosts, this restaurant technology provides valuable insights into top-selling items, helping you make data-driven decisions to maximize sales.

Upgrade your minibar experience today. Sign up with MENU TIGER and start optimizing your revenue!

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