Plato’s Retreat opened its doors in 1977. Located in the basement of the famous Ansonia Hotel, an ornate 19th century building where Broadway and 230 West 73rd Street meet, the club operated a “member’s only” establishment which required patrons’ strict adherence to the Club’s rules. Couples could be straight only – no homosexuals allowed. Drugs were not allowed. Alcohol could not be consumed on the premises. Plato’s Retreat featured a pool room, steambaths, disco dance floor, an in-house sauna room, and a swimming pool with waterfalls. It was popular with many celebrities and other “well to do” people – Bette Midler, Sammy Davis Jr., Richard Dreyfuss, and the entire cast of Saturday Night Live were reported to have paid visits to Plato’s. Located in the ultra-popular Manhattan area, it was New York City’s most famous and popular pit of filth – a sex club – which also featured a mattress covered orgy room and 20 “mini swing” rooms for one to three couples.

Originally housing the Continental Baths, a famous gay bathhouse, owner Larry Levinson cleverly ensured that the number of women outnumbered the number of men – couples only were allowed and the woman’s male counterpart was required to accompany his companion. Sexual activity between men was strictly prohibited but lesbianism was always welcome.