Condoms And Tequila From The Minibar?

7/25/2005 at 10:53 AM
Tags: Miscellaneous

In the never-ending effort to maximize revenue from their guests, hotels nationwide have been upgrading their minibar offerings. The W Hotel chain offers souvenir t-shirts, ball caps (presumably they're big sellers with Dubya supporters. Get it?), and a so-called "intimacy kit" containing condoms and lubricant... because nothing says "intimacy" quite like $11 dollars' worth of contraceptive items purchased at a minibar. And it's not just stuff for gettin' your freak on; W also offers "signature" items at each of their locations: guests staying at the Mexico City W can opt to buy a jug of tequila, a purchase that would render the intimacy kit moot. San Diego W guests, meanwhile, get a beach ball.

Other chains are getting in on the act too. At the Four Seasons New York, there's been a move toward healthier minibar items, including green tea and organic food, as well as ktochkes typically found in the lobby souvenir store: disposable cameras, maps. If this trend continues, the Souvenir Kiosk Union Workers may have no choice but to look for other jobs.