Is this mysterious cloth at the foot of hotel beds actually usable as a dining table?

When traveling and staying at hotels, have you ever wondered what that long piece of cloth at the foot of the bed is for? In fact, this cloth is called a “bedspread” or sometimes referred to as a bed decorative towel or foot-of-bed towel. It helps prevent the end of the bed from getting dirty and decorates the room—every reputable hotel uses it.

1. Decorate the room and add color

According to China Comment News Network, most hotels use white or light-colored bed sheets, which look clean and tidy but can appear plain and cold. That’s why bedspreads are usually in darker shades, such as red or maroon, or are chosen to match the hotel's style with various colors, instantly bringing life to the white bed.

2. Prevent the blanket from slipping and provide warmth

Everyone has experienced how the blankets in hotels are often too light and prone to slipping or bunching up. The heavy bedspread, when placed on top of the sheet, prevents the blanket from shifting and also provides extra warmth.

3. Keep the bedding clean and tidy

Hotel rooms have limited space, and guests often sit on the bed to rest, eat, or even use it as a luggage spot. With a bedspread underneath, it helps keep the sheets clean and makes them easier to wash.

4. Hold items

In high-end hotels, room service staff often place meals or items on the bedspread when delivering them. Aside from keeping the bed clean, it also allows guests to eat in bed—a real treat for the lazy. However, unlike bed sheets that are changed and washed after each use, bedspreads aren’t always laundered, so remember to fold it and set it aside when not in use for better hygiene.