Is it the end for the hotel minibar?

It seems that hotel guests have wisened up to overpriced minibars, according to new research.

While it might be nice to have chocolate, nuts and beers at your disposal, guests aren't so keen on the nice price that comes along with them.

According to the Daily Telegraph, over in the US, research by PKF Hospitality research found that income from minibars fell by 28 per cent between 2007 and 2012.

What's more, it is estimated that minibars account for only one per cent of hotel revenue.

Given the effort and time it takes to restock them and keep track of what's been consumed, many big hotel groups, like Starwood, Marriott and Grand Hyatt, are in the process of getting rid of them.

The world's first hotel minibars are thought to have been installed in 840 rooms at the Hilton in Hong Kong in 1974. The move boosted drinks sales by 500 per cent.

But now, it seems, guests have realised it's a lot cheaper to 'bring your own'.

Last year, a last minute.com survey of 50 hoteliers revealed 84 per cent of guests had refilled used minibar bottles with water to dodge bills.

According to the Mirror, Mintel drinks analyst Chris Wisson called minibars a "relic of history" and said customers used them to chill beer and water they'd bought cheaper at the supermarket.

ABC News also reports that a recent Tripadvisor survey found that only 21 per cent of participants said they cared whether there was a minibar in the room.

Travel expert Jimmy Im told the site: "The hotel minibar is a dying amenity.

"[Hotels] are losing a lot of money from the minibar. Not only is it expensive to have a minibar, but people are stealing things."

What do you think? Should the hotel minibar stay or go?

In the meantime, check out some of these really high-priced minibars in hotels around the world:

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