Why do hotels always have a cloth across the bed?

From cleanliness to interior design, the small piece of fabric plays a surprisingly useful role in the guest experience.

It Helps Protect the Bed

One of the main reasons hotels use bed runners is to help keep bedding clean. Guests often place luggage, handbags, jackets, or shopping bags on the foot of the bed after entering the room. The runner acts as a protective layer between those items and the freshly washed white sheets or comforter.

Because bed runners are usually darker in color and made from durable fabric, they are easier to clean and less likely to show stains.