Is the minibar included or at an extra charge?
MI-ni-bar — stress on the first syllable. 'Minibar' is used identically in Italian.
Always ask at check-in before using the minibar. The costs can be surprisingly high at Italian city hotels.
'A pagamento' is a useful Italian phrase meaning 'subject to a charge' or 'not free'. The opposite is 'gratuito' or 'incluso'. 'Il minibar è a pagamento' = the minibar incurs charges. Always clarify before helping yourself.
Quanto costano le bibite nel minibar?
How much do the drinks in the minibar cost?
Prices in hotel minibars can be three to four times supermarket price
Il minibar viene ricaricato ogni giorno?
Is the minibar restocked every day?
Ask if you plan to use it regularly
Posso mettere le mie cose nel frigorifero?
Can I put my own things in the fridge?
Ask if you want to use the fridge for your own food or drinks
Minibar prices in Italian city hotels can be extreme — a small bottle of wine might cost €15–€20. A short walk to a nearby 'supermercato' or 'alimentari' (grocery store) will save you significant money. Italians themselves never drink from hotel minibars.