Why Do Hotels Always Place a Cloth Across the Bed?

• It’s not a blanket—too small and often made of decorative fabric.
• It’s not a towel—though some guests mistakenly use it as one!
• It’s not just for show—even minimalist or budget hotels use them for practicality.

 Do All Hotels Use Bed Scarves?

• Luxury hotels: Often use silk, embroidered, or branded scarves as a signature design element.
• Mid-range hotels: Use cotton or polyester blends in coordinating colors.
• Budget or modern hotels: May skip it entirely in favor of all-white bedding (inspired by brands like Westin), which relies on crispness rather than decoration.

 Pro Traveler Tip

If you’re concerned about cleanliness, remove the bed scarf before sitting on the bed or placing items down. While it’s meant to protect the bed, it’s still a surface that’s been handled by housekeeping and previous guests.

Continue reading…