Why Hotels Always Have Ice Machines

The Hidden Power 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. Your destination? The ice machine. Whether it's to chill your drink, soothe sore feet after a long day of sightseeing, or create a makeshift cooler for leftover tacos, hotel ice is one of those small but essential comforts that make a stay more enjoyable. Even if you have access to ice at home, there’s something special about having a dedicated machine just for you.

“Ice machines might seem like a small amenity to guests, or easily overlooked, but they are surprisingly essential,” says Taylor Trenda, the general manager of food and beverage operations at Hotel Teatro in Denver. “They are one of those quiet markers of hospitality, and 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 the history, uses, and future of these humble but vital machines.

A Brief History of Ice Machines in Hotels

Not too long ago, ice wasn’t something you could just grab from a machine. In centuries past, ice was harvested from lakes and transported to hotels, making it rare, expensive, and often messy. The first modern ice machine was invented in 1929, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that hotels started to adopt them. At the time, they weren’t available to guests for free—only staff had access.

That all changed with Charles Kemmons Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inn. Legend has it that he got 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 set a new standard for hospitality, and soon other hotel chains followed suit.

Today, free ice machines are a common feature in many hotels across the U.S. They not only provide convenience but also offer a sense of comfort and familiarity, making a hotel feel more like home.

What Can You Do With a Hotel Ice Machine?

“Perhaps you should be asking: What can’t you use a hotel ice machine for?” says Trenda. “You’d be surprised by how creative people get with ice.” Here are some practical and fun ways to use a hotel ice machine during your next trip:

• Chilling your drinks: Whether it's soda, wine, or that boba tea you grabbed on the way back from lunch, hotel ice makes all the difference between a refreshing drink and lukewarm regret.
• Creating a makeshift fridge: If your room doesn’t have a fridge, fill a sink or trash can with ice and toss in your drinks. Instant minibar.
• Soothing sore muscles: After a long day of exploring, use ice to create a cold compress for aching muscles or swollen ankles.
• DIY spa treatments: Fill a bowl with ice and water and dunk your face into it for a quick facial. It can reduce puffiness and give you a wake-up call.
• Filling your cooler: Before heading out for the day, top off your cooler with ice from the machine instead of buying a bag from a gas station.
• Keeping leftovers fresh: Wrap up any leftover food and put it in your ice bucket to keep it safe until the next meal.
• Getting a little peace and quiet: A late-night trip to the ice machine can be a great way to escape the chaos of a busy hotel room.
• Devising makeshift entertainment: With a bucket of ice and no supervision, you can turn your room into an impromptu game space—think Jenga, Tic-Tac-Toe, or even chess.

The Future of Hotel Ice Machines

Despite their usefulness, hotel ice machines aren’t always perfect. Some are out of service, others are loud, and some have that “hasn’t been cleaned since the Nixon administration” vibe. However, they still play a key role in guest comfort, according to Trenda.

Looking ahead, some hotels are experimenting with smart ice machines that allow guests to customize their ice type—crushed, cubed, or even “emotionally supportive.” Others are considering smaller, in-room ice machines to make them more accessible and easier to clean. While some hotels are moving away from traditional ice machines to save money and space, Trenda believes they’re here to stay. “It’s one of those behind-the-scenes comforts for guests that helps make a hotel feel more like home.”

Final Thoughts

Hotel ice machines may seem simple, but they offer a range of benefits that go beyond just keeping drinks cold. From practical uses like cooling down leftovers to creative ideas like DIY spa treatments, these machines are an underrated part of the hotel experience. Next time you're staying in a hotel, don't forget to stop by the ice machine—it might just be the best part of your trip.