Six of the best naughty hotels in London

Few things scream sexy so much as a secret and South Place has two. One is the aptly named Secret Garden, their rooftop bar that boasts a surprise oasis with a waterfall, palm trees and a retractable roof. The other is their Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy Le Chiffre, a sleek salon named after the Bond villain, with cute cocktails that look good enough to eat (and often are). Events are hosted regularly here, from live DJs to boozy pop-ups, so you can party the night away staggering distance from your bed. You’ll be happy to know that all rooms come with at least a king-size bed and baths big enough for two, but if you save up for Suite 610 you’ll be in for a real treat. This one-bed apartment is huge, open plan and has a glass-sided bath (as well as a separate marble en suite). Ooh la la.

This charming hotel may seem unassuming at first, with good rates, free wifi and a confusing name – the whole shebang – but it has one special feature that makes it perfect for whirlwind romances: there is a day-stay option. Check-in at 10am, check out at 4pm. It’s probably there for photo shoots or to give hurried business folk somewhere to set up base for the day, but let’s not pretend you can’t find a much, much better use for it – especially if you book a Shoebox room, which the website describes as ‘ideal for one or for two, but be prepared to get up close and personal…’.

The several interconnecting townhouses that make up this seriously romantic hotel look rather different today than they would have in 1837 when Mr and Mrs Brown opened the hotel, but we think the far-sighted couple would approve of the Rocco Forte touches here – particularly in the Donovan Bar. This darkly sexy space is filled with brooding 1960s works by the celebrated photographer – and the bar's namesake –Terence Donovan. Make for the ‘naughty corner’ filled with his more risqué black and white shots and let the photos and space work their desired magic.

If you fantasy consists of an upmarket 1970s porno, book yourself into the Sanctum's Junior Suite stat! Everything is blac and silver and there are mirrors everywhere, including the opposite the bed (naturally). Even the freestanding bath – which is right by the foot of the bed – is flanked by a mirrored column and uplit by shimmering pebbles. Or opt for the bigger Junior Deluxe Suite, a pale pink palace with a separate sitting room and silk in abundance.

Hotting it up in front of a fire place is hands down the classiest of romantic activities. But how could you top that? Doing it under the stars, of course! The Marylebone offers just that with their Terrace Suites, which are spacious, luxurious rooms with stunning views across the city. They also have fireplaces on their private, wood-pannelled terraces. If the weather isn't playing ball (when does it in Britain?) you'll be pleased to know the windows and roof are fully retractable. As if that wasn't enough already, the suites also come with a personal mixologist, who will come and kick start your evening of wooing with a specially-made cocktail each.

You know the Shangri-La. It’s the hotel in that massive building made of glass. The rooms are just as sleek as the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer unparalleled views of the city. Plus, there's nothing naughtier than adding a spot of voyeurism to your flirtations and The Shard's windows provide that opportunity in spades.