news  

Why Hotels Always Have Ice Machines

Why Hotels Always Have Ice Machines

The Hidden Value of Hotel Ice Machines

It’s 10 p.m., and you’re walking down a hallway in socks and a hoodie, carrying a bucket the size of a toddler’s head. You’re on your nightly trip to the ice machine, whether it’s to chill your drink, soothe sore feet after a long day of sightseeing, or build a makeshift cooler for leftover tacos. Hotel ice is one of those unsung heroes of travel, quietly providing comfort and convenience. Even though you may have access to ice at home, there’s something special about having a machine dedicated to serving you frozen cubes of water.

Taylor Trenda, general manager of food and beverage operations at Hotel Teatro in Denver, explains that while ice machines might seem like a small amenity, they play a significant role in the guest experience. “They are one of those quiet markers of hospitality, and they serve a lot of different purposes for our guests,” she says. But why do hotels have these machines, and what can you actually use them for?

A Brief History of Ice Machines in Hotels

Not so long ago, getting ice wasn’t as simple as walking to a machine. In the past, ice was harvested from lakes and transported to hotels, making it rare and expensive. The modern ice machine, as we know it today, was invented in 1929 but didn’t become common until the 1940s. Initially, hotels didn’t offer free ice to guests, but that changed with the rise of Holiday Inn.

Charles Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn, is often credited with starting the hotel ice machine revolution. Frustrated by being charged for ice at other hotels, he introduced free ice machines as a customer perk when he launched Holiday Inn in 1952. This move not only improved guest satisfaction but also set a new standard for hospitality. As more hotels followed suit, the ice machine became a staple in the industry.

Creative Uses for Hotel Ice Machines

Trenda jokes that the question should be, “What can’t you use a hotel ice machine for?” She highlights how versatile these machines can be. Here are some practical and creative ways to make the most of them:

  • Chilling Drinks: Whether it’s a soda, wine, or boba tea, hotel ice is the difference between a refreshing drink and lukewarm regret.
  • Creating a Mini-Fridge: Fill a sink or a trash can with ice and toss in your drinks for a makeshift minibar.
  • Soothing Sore Muscles: Use a washcloth wrapped around ice for an instant ice pack, or fill the tub for a cold plunge.
  • DIY Spa Treatments: Dunk your face into a bowl of ice and water to reduce puffiness and rejuvenate your skin.
  • Filling Your Cooler: Top off your cooler before a day out without the hassle of buying ice at a gas station.
  • Keeping Leftovers Fresh: Wrap up leftovers and place them in your ice-bucket fridge to avoid food poisoning.
  • Finding Peace and Quiet: A walk to the ice machine can be a calming escape during chaotic bedtime moments.
  • Making Entertainment: With a bucket of ice and no supervision, you can create games like Jenga or Tic-Tac-Toe.

The Future of Hotel Ice Machines

Despite their usefulness, hotel ice machines aren’t always perfect. They can be out of service, loud, or look like they haven’t been cleaned since the Nixon administration. However, Trenda believes they still have a place in the hospitality industry.

Looking ahead, smart ice machines could offer features like customizing ice type (crushed, cubed, or emotionally supportive). Smaller machines in each room might also become more common, making them easier to access and clean. While some hotels are eliminating ice machines to save space and money, Trenda doesn’t think they’ll disappear anytime soon. “It’s one of those behind-the-scenes comforts for guests that helps make a hotel feel more like home,” she says.

Conclusion

Hotel ice machines may seem like a minor detail, but they play a big role in enhancing the guest experience. From chilling drinks to creating makeshift coolers, these machines offer a range of practical uses. Whether you’re looking for a quick way to cool down or simply enjoying the convenience of free ice, hotel ice machines are a valuable part of the travel experience. So next time you find yourself walking down a hallway with a bucket, remember that you’re not just getting ice—you’re getting a piece of hospitality.