Temptations Episode:
Hi, I’m Mayumi, and I’m here to guide you through the world of swing clubs, sex-positive events, and other social spaces for sexually curious people around the world. How much do these events cost? Are they worth it? And how does everything work once you’re in? I’ll tell you it all!
I recently visited a dozen different open-minded destinations, so you don’t have to. Follow along with my tales to help you choose the event and location that best matches your style and interests.
I’ve been researching sexuality, fetishes, and the swinger lifestyle for over a decade. And I’m here at the invitation of the Ysos app, a dating platform that brings together couples and singles looking for something spicier—without the hassle of conventional dating apps. The Ysos community is honest about what they’re looking for and it’s a fun, safe place to explore your sexuality.
You’ll find the Ysos link in the description. Check it out!
Today, we’re stopping in New York City at a swing club known as Temptations.
Alright, guys, I have to be honest here—this wasn’t the best experience I’ve ever had, but maybe I just picked the wrong night.
I went on a Thursday during winter, on a rainy week, which probably didn’t help with the atmosphere.
Temptations is located in Manhattan, which is great—it’s in a safe neighborhood with a discreet entrance in a commercial building.
The only annoying part is that you have to take an elevator to access the two floors of the club. My friend and I arrived late at night and ended up sharing the elevator with two single men who were heading to the same place. So of course came that awkward smalltalk on the ride up…
You know the vibe, right?
The club is small but has two floors. The decor is simple—colored lights here and there, a few LED strips. It has a kind of hipster nightclub feel, but it’s hard to explain exactly. It’s like someone took a regular apartment, pushed the furniture aside, bought some low-budget decorations, and threw a party for swingers.
On the first floor, there’s a bar, a space that looks like a dance floor, and a few sofas. The second floor has several rooms, ranging in size, all equipped with mattresses, sheets, condoms, lubricants, and towels.
But even there, the setup feels kind of makeshift, with thin office-style dividers separating the rooms.
Since Temptations is in Manhattan, I expected something more upscale. But at best, the venue is simply “functional.”
One downside of my Temptations experience was that it was supposed to be a night exclusively for couples and women—at least, that’s what the event claimed—but it turned out to be mostly single men.
I believe there was a mistake in the event promotion, since I’ve heard that their theme nights and events usually go to more to plan.
But this particular night? It was basically empty. Just a few guys hanging around the bar.
At some point, a woman showed up alone—she had come by herself to celebrate her birthday. And honestly, I thought she was bold! I’m sure she found the fun she was looking for.
But since I was there more as an observer that night, to scope out the club and the people in the NY scene, I realized nothing else was going to happen, so I left early.
Maybe the place is livelier on other nights or for different events, but I can’t say for sure. The club itself is very basic, with no standout features, so it’s not a place that leaves a lasting impression or makes you want to come back.
Tickets cost $25 for women, $80 for couples, and $100 for men, which is quite a bit for a night that might not lead to anything scintillating.
Sometimes it’s best to chat with other sex-positive couples to avoid disappointments. I recommend setting up encounters directly with like-minded adventure seekers before you venture out. In both Brazil and the U.S., the Ysos app connects you with people who share your interests and are looking for fun.
Why not give it a try?! Download the app:
So there’s my thoughts about the swinger-club Temptations NYC in Manhattan. A simple venue that didn’t quite deliver what I was looking for. But that’s not always the case in the world of the sexually open-minded. Check out my other adventures in this 12-part podcast series. See you at the next destination!