Hotels putting more stock in experiences than minibars

Hotels are taking their concierge role to a new level, offering tailored experiences that expose guests to the history, foods and attractions of the community surrounding them. The experiences are often exclusive. Sometimes they're free, but most often, they're not.

"Housekeepers had to keep the items stocked, and hotel owners faced bigger bills ... Research that suggests people value experiences more than they value stuff has led many brands to rework their amenities that's less about stuff and more about high value unique experiences coupled with exclusive access," says Chekitan Dev, an associate professor of marketing and branding at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.