Private members’ clubs are all the rage in New York City and Los Angeles. A new wave, alongside the tried-and-true guilds, has emerged, elevating exclusivity across these metropolitan hotspots. Below, Editor Britney Eschelman dives into this elusive concept and unpacks the hefty price-tag experiences. Read on.
The Twenty Two New York (Flatiron, NYC)
Born in a Georgian manor in London’s chic Mayfair, The Twenty Two has made its long-awaited New York debut in a 19th-century townhouse in Flatiron’s Union Square. The posh hotel and private members’ club welcomes guests with an authentic room key cabinet backdrop and offers luxe spaces like The Living Room, The Dining Room, and The Terrace. Cafe Zaffri, popular with the stars, is open to all. Membership starts at $1,800 annually, with a $1,000 initiation fee.
Ned’s Club Washington, DC (Washington, D.C.)
Housed in the historic Walker and American Security Bank Buildings, The Ned’s newest outpost in Washington, D.C., is a refined three-story club across from President’s Park. Designed by Stonehill Taylor, the interiors blend Art Deco and Neo-Classical details. Open to professionals across industries, the organization shares a rooftop terrace with White House views, plus dining spots like Asian-infused Kaia, Italian-American restaurant The Gallery, and the all-day Library Bar. Annual membership to join this coveted D.C. social haven costs $5,000.
Fitler Club (Philadelphia, PA)
With a come-one, come-all mentality, Philadelphia’s Fitler Club embraces all types—urbanists, entrepreneurs, athletes, parents, and more. Membership tiers unlock select perks: parents enjoy a state-of-the-art playroom and “Kids Eat Free” Saturday brunch; advocates access artist-in-residence events; urbanists enjoy spa treatments and coworking spaces; entrepreneurs benefit from conference rooms and networking opportunities. The base rate begins at $5,000 annually, plus a one-time $2,000 initiation fee.
San Vicente Bungalows (New York & LA)
New York’s West Village and LA’s Santa Monica—Westside sisters in different zip codes—now share a buzzy new addition: San Vicente Bungalows. The ultra-exclusive celebrity members’ club has opened its West Village outpost next door to the historic Jane Hotel, an early-aughts party landmark. After hosting the ritzy SNL50: The Homecoming Concert after-party, locals are whispering “who’s who”—with many dubbing it the most hush-hush society since Casa Cipriani. There’s even a separate San Vicente member-run Instagram page, adding to the air of exclusivity. Annual membership starts at $4,200, with a $1,800 initiation fee.
Core Club (Midtown, NYC)
Anchored in Manhattan and Milan, Core Club steers clear of second-tier cities. Its Midtown flagship at 711 Fifth Avenue—once home to Coca-Cola and NBC—ushers in a new era while honoring its iconic Roaring Twenties past. Members enjoy sweeping skyline views from the rooftop, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, minimalist guestrooms, and a striking Peter Marino-designed lobby. Membership starts at $15,000 annually, plus a $50,000 initiation fee.
Remedy Place (Soho, NYC)
Forget boozy happy hours—Remedy Place Soho redefines the post-work unwind. This 7,400-square-foot wellness social network on Green Street is where New Yorkers swap cocktails for cold plunges, lymphatic compression, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Founded by Dr. Jonathan Leary, it blends ancient practices with cutting-edge tech for a new kind of luxury. Annual memberships start at $25,000, offering access to treatments and a like-minded wellness community.
The Aster (Los Angeles, CA)
Located in a historic theater near Hollywood & Vine, The Aster is a hybrid hotel and members’ club that defies convention. Members enjoy 24/7 access to 95,000 square feet of glamorous amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness studios, a screening room, a recording studio, and a sultry cabaret lounge. While the hotel and rooftop restaurant Lemon Grove are open to the public, full association access is reserved for members. Annual memberships start at $3,600.
Chez Margaux (Meatpacking District, NYC)
Opened in December 2024 by hospitality visionary Michael Cayre—whose firm, Midtown Equities, is behind Casa Cipriani and Mercer Labs—and culinary icon Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Chez Margaux is a sultry members’ collective in NYC’s Meatpacking District. Think 1930s Paris meets London’s nightlife: a Japanese-inspired lounge, the glittering Salon de Caviar, and late-night revelry at Gaux Gaux. It’s the type of space we imagine the Sex and the City crew slipping into for a night out on the town. Membership starts at $1,000 to join and $2,400 annually for under-30s; $2,000 and $3,600 for those 30 and up.
Zero Bond (NoHo, NYC)
Zero Bond, a members-only social club in NoHo, has become a favorite of NYC’s elite since opening in 2020. Spanning multiple floors, it offers a chic lounge, dining rooms, and a stylish bar. With a no-photos policy, it attracts A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, and Tom Brady, who enjoy total privacy. Now, guests of The Mercer hotel in Soho can sneak in, thanks to Bond Hospitality’s Scott Sartiano. Membership is age-based, with initiation fees ranging from $750 to $5,000 and annual dues between $2,750 and $4,400.
Gravitas Beverly Hills (Los Angeles, CA)
Gravitas is as prestigious as its 90210 area code and is in Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle. This 27,000-square-foot social circle takes luxury to the next level, where everyone feels like a star (whether they’re already famous or just rich enough to join). From an open-air garden bar with a retractable roof to wine lockers, meeting rooms, recording studios, and a hidden entrance with car concierge, guests are treated like royalty. Membership comes with a hefty price tag: $5,500 annually and a $2,500 initiation fee, with a spousal package available.
Casa Cipriani New York (Seaport, NYC)
Occupying Manhattan’s iconic Battery Maritime Building, Casa Cipriani is the epitome of NYC luxury and exclusivity. This members-only organization boasts 47 rooms, chic dining spots, a jazz café, and a serene wellness center. The spa, you ask? Pure indulgence with Knesko facials, reflexology, and stress-melting massages in a tranquil, minimalist oasis. Members can unwind on the rooftop this summer, enjoying heated pool views of the East River and Statue of Liberty. It’s the ultimate hotspot for those who’ve made it. Membership starts at $3,600 annually, plus a one-time $600 initiation fee.
