What is the purpose of the textile tape on hotel beds?

The brightly colored textile strip may seem pointless at first glance, and guests often remove it for greater convenience.

In addition to a full set of pillows, blankets, and sheets, most hotel beds around the world have a bed runner – a piece of black fabric about half a meter wide, placed across the bed.

Here are some of the common uses of this tape.

Placing food
Many travelers prefer to relax in bed with their favorite snacks.
Many people place their food on the bed runner to keep the bed clean.
Unlike sheets and blankets, this strip is often black , making it easier to clean if it gets dirty.