Hello!
Just wanted to pose a theoretical question out there. Let's say you were looking for a space for a new hostel and you found a great property of the right size and in the right location... with the only caveat being that on the first floor, there is a new strip club/gentleman's club that will be opening shortly. What would be your thoughts?
The potential problems are certainly obvious - making some guests uncomfortable, potential unsavory characters nearby, being on the closer watchlist by the city's officials, etc. But there are a number of pluses too - it is a good space, large capacity, pretty good location. Can this still work or do you think that it can end up being a major liability on the success and the image of the hostel?
Feedback and comments are welcome! If you heard of any other hostels in a similar situation, please let me know, as well.
Thanks!
15 years
Assuming you have completely separate street entrances, then logically it should not be relevant. But I can visualise that a few narrow-minded female guests might freak out when they 'imagine' what is happening below them.:eek:
If the city is short of hostels, then go for it, but maybe have a view to moving to a more desirable location in a few years.
15 years
I think it would be a stellar marketing tool. I do agree with UK that some guests might look elsewhere if there is a strip club downstairs, but I feel like that's a good thing and not a bad thing. Why? Because the men/women that are too up tight to just stay in a hostel that's above a strip club, are probably not the guests you want anyway. So, it's like having an automatic guest screening process. I do see your point about being under more government scrutiny, which would be a major downside.
Also, depending on where your location is (country/city) I typically find that areas around strip clubs are safer than most areas because of increased security, constant guest traffic, police are happy to "check in" either in the parking lot or inside the club, etc. None of this extra security is a cost to you.
And of course, you could work out a kickback deal with the owner for sending guests from the hostel. The obvious is, that if you like strippers, you'll probably get to know most of them in a short time. I think the upside heavily outweighs the downside.
15 years
Interesting theory. :)
I wouldn´t like a red light business in the same building anyway.
15 years
Good point, but again, I guess it depends on the country or city. A strip club in the United States for example, isn't necessarily a red-light business. On the contrary, they are typically under so much scrutiny from the local government, that there isn't much going on but stripping. In other parts of the world, a strip club is just code-word for a brothel. So, I guess it depends on where you are.
15 years
If it looks seedy it might have an effect on location ratings. Depends on the kind of hostel. Some hostels are located around strip clubs and do fine...
Reviews of a hostel near strip clubs:
"It is on a street with a couple of strip clubs but even walking by myself i still felt safe." - 100% rating, Australian female 18-24
"First off, the hostel is located in the middle of an area filled sex shops and strip clubs. Walking to and from the hostel, my friend and I were asked by bouncers "Hey ladies, want to work here?" Uh, no. It's pretty skeevy and uncomfortable to walk around here at night, but there are always a lot of people, so it doesn't feel too desolate." -- Yelp - 4 out of 5 stars. Female, USA.
15 years
Hi everyone!
Thank you for the feedback.
The city that I am referring to is New York City.
From the safety perspective, I don't think that's the biggest concern. This will be (the club is not there yet) an upscale gentleman's club (as upscale as they can be :)). It's more about the comfort of the guests and image of the hostel. A lot certainly depends on the signage, as well - so that it doesn't have images on the outside that makes guests feel uncomfortable.
What types of practical things do you feel can be done ti minimize the impact of the club downstairs on the experience of the guests? Assuming that the owner is willing to cooperate?
15 years
I think it is A&O Hostel in Berlin that has a sex shop and porn cinema underneath them. Yet anytime I've gone to Berlin I always see lots of young guests at the hostel (male and female) who have no problem with the location.
It probably makes it easier to explain directions if you have a visible business of any sort downstairs!! :D
15 years
I think it is A&O Hostel in Berlin that has a sex shop and porn cinema underneath them.
Bwahaha, next time visiting Berlin, I'm staying with them! :D
15 years
the devil is in the detail. the berlin example is right next to zoo station - the main station of west berlin. if you're in amsterdam, the red light district is a tourist attraction in and of itself. in montreal, strip joints are considered as legitimate as regular bars. is it above a spearmint rhino (big, international, fancypants(less) chain) or bobs titty bar and peep show? in melbourne, king st is the 'mens club district' and it has a few hostels on it. the whole street gets a little seedy at night if you ask me, but business is still fine for those hostels (as far as i can tell; theyre still running).
if its down some dark dodgy ally and strippers are generally frowned upon in that city, then id advise against it. if its all above board, open and popular then i wouldnt see the slightest problem.
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