Of course, we understand mini bars in hotels are usually concessions, and they’re there to make money for honest, hard-working belly robbers. However, despite their convenient hotel room locations, mini bars are nothing like the old nickel and dime candy and Coke dispensers we once used in subway, train and el stops.

In our hotel stays, we’ve never used the outrageously expensive mini bars. The only need we’d ever have for a mini bar would be if we checked in at three a.m., were starving and parched, and there was no other source for food or drink available anywhere. It’s idiotic to pay $5+ for a Coke or bottle of water, or $8 for a box of cheese crackers. It isn’t necessary, because in almost every hotel and motel, there’re a water, soft drink and food dispenser just a few steps away down the hall from sleeping rooms.

The prices are not quite as robbery high, such as a mere $2.50 for bottled water or soft drink and $3 for a candy bar. So, if you’re too lazy to go downstairs to the lobby convenience store or dash across the street to a retail store, by using the hallway dispensers, at least you haven’t paid the most outrageous mini bar prices.

When we plan to check in to a hotel or motel room, we ask for one with a fridge. From nearby retail stores, we buy water and soft drinks for about a buck a bottle, and snacks at equally low prices.

Warning: When you check in to your room, don’t open the mini bar just for a curious look inside. It sets off a sensor, and you may be charged for stuff you never took.