Hi Hotluvrs and RusticMagic - So, this was Club Labyrinth in Los Angles. It was the first night they reopened since COVID, and was a theme night (kink/bdsm, in a separate room from the main area). They capped the room at 50% normal (supposedly) to help keep safe distance. It is two floors, maybe 1500 SQL ft of space. When I asked about semi private areas, they told me they used to have them, but due to a women recently being killed in NYC in a semi-private room, they no longer have them for the protection of women. As for single men, I was pretty sure they posted on their website no SM before midnight, but I was not able to find that the next day. Our thinking is that they were strapped for guests after being shut down for so long and opened up for extra money (SM pay more than couples). And no, no private areas at all. Downstairs had a bunch of thin transparent sheets creating an open set of "rooms" that everyone could see from the rest of the floor. Upstairs was the theme room with BDSM fetish toys and two open beds with seats around to watch. The SM would hover next to couples hoping to be invited to join. I had to be firm to one guy and let him know to leave us alone. The other couple that arrived at the same time as us told us that it was their first time visiting (but the women was in the lifestyle and goes to clubs a lot, the guy was totally new). I overheard her complaining to the staff about the music and SM too, that it was killing her mood. As my wife and I were leaving, it looked like they were finally starting a bit of MFM with a few SM watching (just making out, nothing more).
I did ask the "bar" host if this was normal, and she said no, it is usually pretty hot and heavy, but did agree the SMs were a bit odd.
Not a great start at a club. But, we made it fun, watched people and made out, then took it back to our hotel for some real fun. I'm looking into some other clubs (in Los Angles and San Francisco) for a follow-up. Nice thing, it didn't scare my wife off, and we had some good discussions on what we will are OK with for each other in terms of play with others (boy, do I love this woman!).
So, it was a win, as we grew closer and communicated very well. And, discovered that we are better at this than we thought. Ready now for the net step of meeting couples one on one to see if there is chemistry (have a few that we are working on a schedule with) and maybe real house party. Regards, B&R