St. Pauli's Oldest Brothel Closes

HAMBURG, Germany — Even the world's oldest profession is falling on hard times, as evidenced by the announcement this week of the closing of Hamburg's oldest bordello, located in the city's famous red-light district.

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."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More