The minibar is commonly stocked with small bottles of alcoholic beverages, juice, and other soft drinks. There may also be candy, cookies, crackers, and other small snacks. Some hotels offer non-food items, such as socks, toiletries, and condoms.[citation needed][pre-cooled socks??] Prices are generally very high compared to similar items purchased from a store, because the guest is paying for the convenience of immediate access and also the upkeep of the bar. Prices vary, but it is not uncommon for one can of non-alcoholic beverage to cost 6–10 USD.
The world's first minibar was introduced at the Hong Kong Hilton Hotel by manager Robert Arnold in 1974. In the months following its introduction in-room drink sales skyrocketed 500%, and the Hong Kong Hilton's overall annual revenue was boosted by 5%. The following year the Hilton group rolled out the minibar concept across all its hotels.
