Everything and More -- Hotel Linens Quiz

Answer: Branding

Durability is generally determined by the thread count (number of threads per square inch of fabric), but the type of material used is also a factor. The purchase price is always important, especially if you are working with a budget, but you must never forget to factor in the laundry cost as well. The heavier the sheets, the more it will cost the hotel to have them cleaned.

Answer: Twill

Plain weave looks like the lines in tic tac toe, with the warps (horizontal threads) alternately passing over and under the fillings (vertical threads). Twill weave is similar to plain weave, but the fillings are diagonal, rather than perpendicular, to the warps. Leno is another type of weave, loopy with large air pockets.

It is not a common weave for linens, it's more something you would see in a thermal blanket.

Answer: False

It depends on what the sheet is for. A sheet with a thread count of 180 is fairly tight and will hold warmth well; it's a good winter sheet. A sheet with a thread count of 130 is looser and allows the skin to breathe; a summer sheet. Some hotels use the same linens the year round, and buy sheets with thread counts between 160 and 170.

Answer: the threads start to separate.

Your linen supplier will have this information. You should also inquire about the linen's tensile strength: how many pounds per square inch of pressure can it withstand before it stretches or tears?

Answer: Damask

Damask is very expensive, double-layered linen made from 100% cotton. It weighs upwards of 10 ounces per square yard (in contrast, the 180 count winter sheets weigh about 3.2 ounces) and has a thread count of 200+. Damask shrinks less than other cotton weaves (less than 10%) and is extremely absorbent. Combed cotton, broadcloth and momie weave are other popular linen weaves.

Answer: Mangle

Also called a mangling iron. Most are about three feet wide, but some properties have mangles up to eight feet wide!

Answer: Theft

Because they are small and concealable, the logo-adorned towels were a prime target for souvenir "shoppers"; the colours made them possible accessories for the guests' bathrooms at home. Although some people still have a "thing" for the plain white hotel towels, toilet linen theft isn't as prevalent as it once was.

Answer: More intricate folds

There are whole books written on the art of napkin-folding! Designs range from the simple, to the simply stunning! Another reason for purchasing large napkins is that they cover the whole lap. You wouldn't want your lady diner to spill vichyssoise on her Balenciaga original!

Answer: 3

One set on the bed, one set in storage, and one set being laundered.

Answer: Bathroom (W.C.)

It's actually called a huck towel, but "towel" would have given it away! A huck towel is a small hand towel with a very smooth, almost linen-like feel. It's something you might see in New York City's Plaza hotel, but probably not in a Motel 6.

Answer: Finish

Blankets warm in two ways: they trap body heat and they insulate the body from the outside air. Tighter weaves are warmer. The blankets should also be porous enough to release moisture, or absorbent enough to take it up. The body chills if perspiration is left on it.

The blanket's durability is also important. Most blankets shrink ten percent after ten washes; buy oversized or pre-shrunk fabrics. The last characteristic is weight. People sleep better with lighter blankets, because they are less restrictive.

Answer: Rayon

Rayon is highly inflammable and will ignite quickly if brought into contact with fire (e.g. from a cigarette or match). If there is a hotel fire and rayon sheets are used, an injured person can sue the hotel for being negligent.

Answer: is in good shape.

The pillows should be soft, but firm. If the ends of the pillow droop or sag over your arm the pillow is too soft and needs to be restuffed or replaced; otherwise, it could cause neck strain for an unfortunate guest.

Answer: True

Not everyone likes the polyester- or latex-stuffed synthetic pillows most often found in the guestroom. Often the hotel has a limited stock of other types of pillows that you can get by calling room service. Still, frequent travellers often prefer to take the perfect pillow with them from home!

Answer: They are softer than natural fabrics.

Natural fabrics (like cotton and silk) are much softer than their synthetic counterparts.