Hotel rooms with a St. Andrew's cross

The St. Andrew's cross is the most common piece of BDSM furniture in a rented room, and for good reason. It is simple to use, it looks the part, and it puts the person tied to it on full display: arms and legs spread in an X, wrists and ankles held by cuffs, front or back to the room. For a lot of couples it is the first piece they try, and the one that turns an ordinary bedroom into a playroom.

In the stays on this page, the cross is usually the centrepiece of the room: a wooden X in dark wood or lacquered black, padded or bare, sometimes lit from behind or set against a mirror. Some are freestanding and can be moved; most are bolted to a wall, which makes them steadier.

Wall-mounted or freestanding

A cross fixed to the wall holds firm whatever you do on it. A freestanding one is lighter and can be turned to face the bed or the mirror, but check that it is stable before you put any weight on it.

Cuffs and attachment points

Look at the photos for rings or eyelets at the ends of each arm, and ask whether cuffs are provided. Many hosts supply leather cuffs; others expect you to bring your own restraints. If you use rope, ask whether the fixing points are meant to take it.

The rest of the room

A cross is rarely alone. The list above shows what else each room has, from a spanking bench or a sling to a private hot tub for afterwards. Use the filters to combine the cross with another piece.

Agree on a safeword before the first cuff is closed, and keep a pair of safety scissors or the cuff keys within reach. Check circulation in the hands and feet regularly: tingling or cold fingers mean it is time to loosen or release. Arms raised above the head tire quickly, so short sessions and breaks work better than one long one.

Respect the host's rules on the furniture. Most ask you to clean what you have used and to tell them if anything is loose or damaged; some provide wipes or disinfectant spray for that.