The Irish are the biggest spenders when it comes to satisfying their cravings at hotel minibars, according to a survey released today.
Research has revealed the Irish spending an average of €23.47 on minibar items every time they go away, comfortably ahead of the Swedes, their closest rivals with average minibar spending of €17.45, and the British, who on average spend €16.66.
At the other end of the scale, it is the French and the Norwegians who are the most frugal, spending just €12 and €10 respectively, according to the survey. Two-thirds of respondents said they regularly use the hotel minibar.
According to the survey, conducted by hotel-booking website Hotels.com, 84 per cent of Irish believe minibars are too expensive, and 6 per cent admit to "minibar meddling" – cheating the system by replacing what they have used from the minibar with cheaper alternatives bought from a shop.
Moreover, almost half (44 per cent) said they avoided the minibar where possible by buying snacks and drinks from outside the hotel to consume in their room, while 67 per cent of Irish are most likely to use the minibar last thing at night when the urge for late-night treats becomes irresistable.
In terms of preferred contents, two-thirds of men chose beer for their perfect minibar, with 20 per cent choosing massage oil, while women were more concerned about finding chocolate (48 per cent) and a good book or magazine (34 per cent).
The research also found a number of hotels are also catering for more exotic minibar desires. For example, guests at one hotel in Dublin can obtain a "Kama Sutra Kit," which includes a a feather, a frilly pink blindfold and a range of scented oils.
Elsewhere, a hotel in Miami is providing a "pimp my fridge" service that allows guests to order a number of personalised minibars, including the "Get It On Minibar," which includes a Barry White CD, edible body paint, Champagne and whipped cream.
The survey was conducted among 850 people across eight European countries during March by Hotels.com.
