People gobsmacked as hotel charges guests £41 just for opening mini fridge

16 January 2023 , 12:18

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The guest was baffled by the hotel's policy (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Hotel mini fridges are one of the most controversial amenities going. Whether your hotel offers one or not, whether the selection is good, and whether the offerings are free or not is all fair game for debate.

Unfortunately, the quality of said mini fridges often varies from venue to venue. In one establishment, you'll find a treasure trove decked out with complimentary drinks and snacks. But in the next, you'll find a menacing sign with an extortionate price list. Well, one hotel guest was left unimpressed when they discovered they could be charged for simply opening the mini fridge, even if they didn't take anything out.

Guests could be charged for opening the fridge (theygottotalking/Reddit)

In a post to Reddit, the visitor shared a photo of the explanatory notice. "The refreshment center is on a sensor. Use of the refreshment center for personal storage with automatically incur a $50 (£41) charge," it read. A number was also provided should guests have any 'refrigerator requests'.

Regardless, the visitor did not appear to be much impressed by the frosty reception.

"I'm honestly too scared to even open up the fridge," they revealed in a comment. "I don't want to risk the fee or having to dispute it."

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Thankfully, fellow commenters were quick to reassure the guest they need not fear if they wanted to use a refrigerator. As people were quick to explain, the sign likely meant guests could still enjoy a fridge for free if they requested another one be provided.

"It literally says on the sticker to dial to get a fridge. The fridges that are there already typically have sensors which is why they don't allow personal items. I guarantee they will bring a second fridge up for free when you call that number," read one such reply.

"This isn't a refrigerator. It's a minibar. You can request an actual refrigerator from the number provided," someone else explained.

Another agreed the guest should not be charged, so long as they did not open the stocked fridge.

"The sign could be better written but everyone here is misinterpreting. They will lone you a fridge for free," they added.

Amber O'Connor