The Bedside Fabric Strip Holds Secrets: Five Hidden Features in Hotel Rooms

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Many people choose upscale hotels to reward themselves while traveling, yet most are unaware that hotel rooms hold numerous secrets—including why hotels place a long fabric strip at the foot of the bed? Many areas in a room harbor high levels of bacteria, so it’s worth remembering these tips for your next trip.

1. Three Key Functions of the Bedside Fabric Strip
In many hotel rooms, you’ll find a long fabric strip at the foot of the bed. Known as a bed runner or bedspread, it not only decorates the room but also serves three practical purposes: First, since Westerners often wear shoes and may rest briefly in bed, the fabric helps keep the bedding clean.

Second, placing the fabric strip over your feet can help secure the blanket, preventing it from being kicked off during sleep. Third, hotel staff can place items directly on the fabric when delivering meals, keeping the bed tidy.

2. Remote Controls, Light Switches, and Cups Are the Most Germ-Infested
Devices like remote controls, lamps, phones, and keyboards are among the most frequently touched—and thus breeding grounds for bacteria. They’re also often overlooked during cleaning. Similarly, kettles, drinking cups, and utensils are commonly missed, and given unknown prior usage, it’s wise to disinfect them before use.

3. The “Bidet” by the Toilet
Sometimes you’ll see a small basin beside the toilet in hotels—this is called a bidet, a standard fixture in the bathrooms of five-star hotels. Its purpose is to help users clean themselves after using the toilet, maintaining hygiene, and it’s especially common in European hotels.