Private House Brothels: What You Need To Know

Looking for a more discreet sexual encounter in Amsterdam?

The tourist trappings of the window girls are vibrant and exciting but are less than private. When it comes to getting a slice of the action, not every man wants passers by knowing his business, particularly when the streets of the red light district are crowded out with walking tours, stag parties and holiday makers.

The private house (privehuis) brothels of Amsterdam cater for men looking for a more confidential experience in the city. In our guide to the privehuis brothels we take a look at what you need to know before heading out of town.

Privehuizen: Amsterdam’s Secret Brothels

Private houses in the Netherlands are also known as privehuizen or privehuis brothels and are usually located outside of the city in quiet and discreet residential areas. They are usually much smaller than the larger venues and have half a dozen rooms with a handful of ladies working their books.

How do you find a private house brothel?

Private house brothels don’t advertise in the same way that the big boys do with neon lights, red lit windows and all the bells and whistles. If you walked past them without knowing what goes on inside you would be none the wiser from the unassuming frontages. In fact, the only giveaway that these are places of business at all are usually a small nameplate indicating the house name and a symbol of the credit cards they take on the window.

You can find details of some of the best private houses in our guide to Amsterdam’s brothels.

Getting to a private house.

Unlike sex clubs or some of the larger brothels, most private houses are situated out of town and you will need to arrange a taxi to get to them or other public transport (unless you have a car). The problem with this  is that a lot of taxi drivers have arrangements with the taxi providers in the city whereby a commission is paid for every customer they bring to the house. It’s a good deal. The house knows that many tourists ask to be taken somewhere they can get a hooker so they get the extra business and the taxi driver cleans up. Unfortunately this means you end up picking up the bill for that commission when you settle up with the house. To avoid paying extra, ask to be taken to an address near the private house you are visiting and walk the rest of the way.

Arriving at the house

Walk ins are welcome during business hours and you will need to ring the bell or knock to be admitted. You will be shown to a private waiting area by a hostess and, although most do not have bars as such, you will likely be offered a drink. You should note that private houses arrange this so you are alone as discretion is at the heart of how they operate. It is unlikely in the extreme that you will meet another client during your visit.

Making your choice

Most houses have a menu from which you can browse the services and costs before deciding on what you are looking for. If this is your first time then it is recommended that you pay for a half hour up front and then extend the time if necessary. Unlike in the red light district, an experience at a private house is less hurried and without the same time pressure. If you need (or would like) more time then you can extend this as required.

Once you have made a choice on what you want, you will be shown a line-up of suitable girls specific to the needs you have and the availability at the time. Some houses only have a handful of girls working whilst others may have up to a dozen on a busy night. If you see a girl you like the look of then remember her name as you will be asked about your choice when the line-up is over. Don’t forget that if you none of the girls take your fancy then you are more than welcome to leave without paying anything.

What happens next?

Once you have settled on (and paid for your time with) the girl of your choosing then you will be shown to a private bedroom with clean sheets where you can take a shower to freshen up first. This is good etiquette as well as hygienic for the girl in question. You may be lucky and your choice of hostess will join you in the shower.

Once clean, you can get down to the business at hand but don’t feel rushed about your prepaid time. If you finish within this period then you are at leisure to fill the time how you wish. Again, unlike with the window girls in the city, you won’t be asked to leave moments after you have finished. Some girls will even allow a second service if you are up for it. The key is that you have paid for the room for an agreed time; shower, talk or relax as you please.

Once you do decide to leave, your hostess will ensure that the hallways and exit are clear of other clients so your experience remains a private one.

What are the prices like?

Maybe surprisingly, the prices for sex at a private house are often lower than those charged by the window girls for similar time. By comparison a 15 minute session in the city could cost you just €50 but you may end up paying extra for oral. Private houses charge around €50-60 upwards for a half hour but for this you get your full half hour in a more pleasant environment and without being gawped when you leave.