The Velvet Door Selection
How we choose the establishments listed on The Door
Being on The Door is not automatic. It is the outcome of an editorial selection process applied to every establishment, without exception.
What we verify
Our selection rests on public, verifiable data. We do not perform on-site audits — we apply a rigorous editorial filter based on:
The legal existence of the establishment (commercial register entry, licence where relevant). The consistency of public information (address, declared activity, website). Online reputation (reviews, reports, history). The absence of any signal linked to trafficking, coercion, or exploitation.
This filter varies by establishment type. A strip club is evaluated differently from a tantric spa or a love hotel. Roughly 55–65% of establishments we examine pass selection.
What we require from establishments that claim their listing
When an owner claims their listing on The Door, they sign an honour declaration. This is not an administrative form. It is a commitment.
They declare that:
Accuracy
The information provided is accurate and up to date.
Staff freedom
Every person working at the establishment does so freely, without coercion or constraint. Employees, contractors, performers, instructors: working conditions respect the dignity of each individual.
Consent
The activities offered rest on the informed and revocable consent of every participant — clients and staff alike. Refusal is always respected, without consequence.
Legality and safety
The establishment complies with applicable law, in particular regarding labour, hygiene, and safety.
Transparency
They commit to informing The Door of any significant change.
Accountability
If a credible report contradicts these commitments, The Door reserves the right to remove the listing immediately.
What we exclude
Certain types of establishments will never appear on The Door, regardless of circumstances:
Brothels, including in countries where prostitution is legal. The Door references experiences, not sexual transactions.
Any establishment that has been the subject of credible reports or proceedings for human trafficking, exploitation, or coercion.
Any place involving minors, directly or indirectly.
What we are not
The Door is not a certification body. We do not issue labels, badges, or ethical scores. We perform editorial work: we select establishments that meet our criteria, and we remove those that no longer do.
Being on The Door means that, at the time of selection and based on the information available to us, the establishment meets our conditions. This does not constitute an absolute guarantee — but it is a filter no one else applies in this sector.
Our conviction
We believe the best way to fight doubtful practices is not censorship — it is the visibility of good practice.
When ethical establishments are easy to find, problematic ones lose their clientele naturally. Not by prohibition, but by obsolescence.
That is The Door's role: make the good ones so visible that the wrong ones have no place left.
Right of withdrawal
Any establishment may request the removal of its listing at any time, without justification, by emailing contact@thedoor.vip or via the contact form. Removal is effective within 72 hours.
Any user may report an establishment via the report form on each listing. Every report is reviewed.