Hotel Mini Bars Slashing Prices, Gettin’ Fancy

Bars are expensive. And people are broke. So it's no wonder in-room service is on the rise these days, with nearly 77% of travelers taking advantage of in-room selections once during their stay. With that in mind, some forward-thinking hotels in cities around the US have amped up an oft-dismissed amenity to keep their guests from straying and spending shiny nickels elsewhere. To keep you and yours in-situ and in-ebriated, these sharp crash pads are offering beefed-up luxury versions of their mini bar. We'll call it the not-so-mini bar. You'll call it your little in-room drinking buddy. Check out a few examples of the haute mini bar done right.

Gansevoort South, Miami - Basket snacks under $3 and Dean & Deluca treats. 375mL bottles of Grey Goose, Bacardi, and Bombay paired with Red Bull, juices, and a variety of sodas in the appropriate glassware; rapid ice delivery comes in bottle service fashion from hotel staff. Bring the pool party back to your room.

The Liberty Hotel , Boston - 19th-century jail turned 300-room hotel with mini bar instructions for Stirrings’ mixers. Play amateur bartender with the “25th Hour.” A rousing 1.5 parts Belvedere vodka, ½ part Red Bull, and a splash of pomegranate. Mix together in a martini glass. Instructions say serve immediately, often, then proceed to place the hotel’s lampshade on your head.

The James Chicago - For the Sasha Petraske wannabe in all of us. A signature mixing glass, strainer, tongs, spoon, and corkscrew are standard amenities at the James, where 13 top-shelf liquors, an extensive list of mixers, and four types of eco-friendly water ensure the proper cocktail for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Also available is an umbrella, mile high kit, and 16 midnight munchers. Handlebar mustache—de rigueur for any self-respecting neo-mixologist—not included, but can be crudely drawn on after consuming several self-muddled cocktails.