Established in 1948, the family-run Hotel Luxor will be closed down next month. The reason, according to local newspaper reports, is a lack of business — due in part, says its madam, because of the rise of Internet porn.
Another reason cited by madam Waltraud Mehrer for the drop in brothel customers was the rise of call-girl services, as well as "noisy discos and dance clubs" located near her business.
"You can't make any big money selling sex in St. Pauli any more," Mehrer said. "The only things still in operation are the table-dance clubs."
Today, the Hotel Luxor is only open Tuesday through Friday nights and employs four prostitutes — down from its 1970s heyday when it was open seven days a week and staffed by 12 prostitutes.
"Our customers were well off, they didn't scrimp," Mehrer said. "That's also changed today."
"Two €2,000 [clients] per night – it was like that once," Nicole, one of Mehrer's girls, said. "Now I can only dream of that. I've been here a year and only earn around €200 per shift."