The Hidden Power of Hotel Ice Machines
It’s 10 p.m., and you’re walking down a carpeted hallway in socks and a hoodie, carrying a bucket the size of a toddler’s head on your way to the ice machine. Whether it’s for chilling a drink, easing sore feet after a long day of sightseeing, or creating a makeshift cooler for leftover tacos, hotel ice is one of those unassuming yet essential amenities that make a stay more comfortable. Even if you have access to ice at home, there’s something special about having a dedicated machine just for you.
Taylor Trenda, the general manager of food and beverage operations at Hotel Teatro in Denver, says that while ice machines may seem like a small detail, they play a big role in the guest experience. “They are one of those quiet markers of hospitality,” she explains. “They serve a lot of different purposes for our guests.”
So why do hotels have ice machines, and what can you actually use them for? Let’s take a closer look at this often-overlooked feature and explore how to get the most out of it during your next trip.
The Evolution of Ice Machines in Hotels
Not too long ago, getting ice wasn’t as simple as walking to a machine. In the past, ice had to be harvested from lakes and transported to hotels, making it a rare and expensive commodity. The first ice machines, as we know them today, were invented in 1929 but didn’t become common until the 1940s. At that time, many hotels didn’t offer them to guests for free.
The real game-changer came with Charles Kemmons Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inn. Legend has it that he was tired of being charged for ice at other hotels, so when he launched Holiday Inn in 1952, he installed free ice machines as a customer perk. This move helped revolutionize the industry and set a new standard for hospitality.
As Holiday Inns spread across the country, so did the availability of free ice. It became a key part of the American hotel experience, even though some cultures, like the British, remain skeptical of its use. Still, the trend caught on, and other hotel chains followed suit, offering free ice machines as a cost-effective and practical amenity.
Creative Uses for Hotel Ice Machines
According to Trenda, the possibilities for using hotel ice machines are nearly endless. “Perhaps you should be asking: What can’t you use a hotel ice machine for?” she says. Here are some clever ways to make the most of your ice:
- Chilling drinks: Whether it’s a soda, wine, or boba tea, hotel ice can transform a lukewarm drink into something refreshing.
- Creating a makeshift fridge: Fill a sink or trash can with ice and toss in your drinks for an impromptu minibar.
- Soothing sore muscles: Use ice to create a cold compress for aching muscles or a quick cold plunge in the tub.
- DIY spa treatments: Dunk your face in a bowl of ice and water for a refreshing facial that reduces puffiness and revives your skin.
- Filling your cooler: Grab a bucket of ice before heading out for the day instead of paying for a bag at a gas station.
- Keeping leftovers fresh: Wrap up any remaining food and place it in your ice-bucket fridge to keep it safe.
- Finding peace and quiet: A walk to the ice machine can be a great way to calm down during a chaotic bedtime.
- Making entertainment: With a bucket of ice and a little imagination, you can turn the moment into a fun game of Jenga or Tic-Tac-Toe.
The Future of Hotel Ice Machines
Despite their sometimes unreliable nature—whether they’re out of service, loud, or in need of a deep clean—hotel ice machines remain popular among guests. Trenda believes they’re here to stay, even as some hotels consider removing them to save space and costs.
Looking ahead, smart ice machines could become more common, allowing guests to customize their ice type or access it through a room key. Some hotels might also install smaller machines in each room for better accessibility and cleanliness. While biodegradable alternatives are unlikely, the focus will likely remain on improving efficiency and convenience.
For now, hotel ice machines continue to be a behind-the-scenes comfort that helps guests feel more at home. Whether you’re using them for a simple drink or a creative project, they’re a testament to the thoughtful details that make a hotel stay enjoyable.
