Convenience refrigerators require a different maintenance and room planning situation. New cooling, compressor technology is on the market to relieve some of those operational challenges.

Once thought of as an inventory-tracking headache, improved technology has simplified the minibar industry and turned the small refrigerators into key revenue generators.

To avoid the potential minibar dud, vendors continuously collect data on top-selling items and suggest hoteliers work with them on how to fill the machine.

The Suite Package is a new $0 down revenue share program that includes the award-winning automated SmartCube minibar with full glass door, Safeplace model in-room safe, start-up inventory, technical and operations support and extended warranty.

The key to a more efficient minibar system is communication. A system of interconnected minibars throughout the hotel that "talk" with the back of the house provides tremendous savings.

Advancements in hotel technology were on display at the annual Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference, held in Austin, Texas in early June. GUESTROOM 2010 (to be called G2X going forward) is a model hotel room that exhibits emerging technologies.