America’s Coveted Private Members Clubs

Aman New York (New York)

Aman hotel group is undoubtedly the crème de la crème of luxury, and its club membership is ultra exclusive and coveted. The lifetime membership, offered on an invitation-only basis, gives members priority access to amenities and spaces across Aman's impressive global portfolio. Those fortunate enough to snag a membership can access all of Aman New York’s facilities, which include signature Aman restaurants, the 25,000-square-foot, three-floor Aman Spa, and priority reservations to The Jazz Club. Aman Club at Aman New York also offers a private Aman Club lounge, exclusive to members, which features a cigar terrace. Should you want access to more Aman club spaces in the U.S., you have Aman Miami Beach and Aman Beverly Hills to look forward to in the coming years. 

Should you decide to splurge on the Aman club experience, the asking admissions fee is set at $200,000 (plus $15,000 in annual fees). 

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Club Bardo (Savannah, Georgia)

While Savannah doesn’t boast the sizeable population of large American metropolises, its picturesque cobblestoned squares lined with towering oak trees attract those with a taste for southern charm and a love for the city’s vibrant art scene. Nestled within a historic building next to Forsyth Park, the charming Club Bardo also doubles as a resort; featuring 149 rooms (including 50 suites) and boasts an on-site wellness center that doubles as a fitness facility, plus a chic 25-metre pool where guests and members can find a cool haven away from the Georgia heat. The in-house restaurant, Saint Bibiana, in addition to serving an incredible spread of coastal Italian dishes, also hosts cooking classes open to guests and members. 

Guests of the club’s hotel, Hotel Bardo, can enjoy a lot of perks that members have access to, making the property accessible for those who want to dip their toes into the member-only lifestyle before splurging on a membership. That being said, members gain preferred room rates, priority reservations, unlimited access to the pool and fitness facilities, personalised gym sessions, and access to a secluded members-only lounge. 

The one-time admission fee is $3,800 for members under 40, and $4,800 for those 40 and over. Additionally, members are required to meet a $200 minimum monthly resort spend.

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Astor Club  (Chicago, Illinois) 

In the “Windy City,” you’ll find a charming speakeasy-style private members club that’s all the rage at the moment despite its hush-hush approach to exposure. The club’s founder, Adam Bilter, explains that the club doesn’t engage in advertising, making its word-of-mouth popularity among the Chicago crowd all the more special. The club is situated in what used to be the Astor Club (Maxim's), a restaurant that replicated the famous Maxim's de Paris. Over time, it became a beacon of excellence, with the five-star restaurant attracting a star-studded crowd— Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Elton John, to name a few. 

Yet the restaurant was converted into a cultural centre in 2000 and wasn’t revived as a social setting until Bilter and his wife, and co-founder, Victoria, restored the building to its original glory. This club aims to recreate an intimate supper club feel. Members can enjoy good music, world-class dining (as proven by their Michelin Star-awarded chef, Trevor Teich), a fantastic selection of wines, drinks, and cocktails, and a desire for great company from all walks of life. 

The Social Membership includes a $4,800 admission fee and $300 in monthly fees. Additional options include the "Under 40" Social Membership at $3,600 with $200 monthly dues and the "Non-Resident" Social Membership, which offers 12 visits per year for a $2,400 initiation fee and $100 in monthly fees.  

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The Aster (Los Angeles, California) 

Los Angeles’ lively spirit and creative energy are undeniable. So it should come as no surprise that Angelenos yearn for a space to exchange ideas, network, and brush shoulders with creatives and innovators. 

At the intersection of Hollywood & Vine sits The Aster, which boasts an impressive list of amenities and perks that includes a recording studio, a private cinema, a cabaret with performances specially put on for members, a multi-purpose club lounge, as well as private meeting rooms and workspaces. 

Members also receive 24/7 access to ​​The Aster’s fitness and wellness spaces, priority entry to in-house restaurants and lounges, and access to partner clubs across five continents that members can enjoy while traveling. The Aster also doubles as a luxurious hotel, boasting suites up to 1,100 square feet. Guests need not be members, as long as they are willing to pay $330+ per night to enjoy a bit of exclusive luxury. While amenities such as the recording studio and private lounge are off limits, guests can enjoy spaces such as the Aster Park Lounge and the outdoor pool and patio.  

Standard memberships are $300 per month with a $500 initiation fee and include a $250 credit, with the 29 & Under Membership being $225 per month with a $300 initiation fee and a $300 credit.   

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The ‘Quin House (Boston, Massachusetts) 

Within the sought-after neighborhood of Back Bay stands The 'Quin House. Formerly the Algonquin Club, the recently renovated Beaux-Arts building includes four restaurants, six lounges, three bars, eight guest quarters, a roof deck, a fitness and wellness center, and various private event spaces. Not to mention, their impressive private art collection consists of originals by Alberto Giacometti and Man Ray. 

Co-founder Sandra Edgerley attributes the club’s excellence to having a group of diverse changemakers. “The questions we ask [prospective members] are, ‘What impact are you having in your field, in your community, or in the world? How are you making a difference?’ ” says Edgerley. 

To champion this goal, The 'Quin House provides discounted pricing to a select number of members who apply for the Arts, Civic, and Non-profit membership. This specialised membership is reserved for those who are actively making a positive impact in their field. 

Yearly membership costs at the invitation-only private membership club range from $2,000 to $4,000 — costs are determined by age. Prospective members must be recommended and nominated by existing members of the club.

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The Battery (San Francisco, California) 

Located in a former candy factory, The Battery — a 14-room boutique hotel and private members club — exudes an immaculate level of style and chicness. Thanks to award-winning designer Ken Fulk, each room is tastefully decorated with vintage furnishings and colour combinations that give off a lively, maximalist flair. Guests of the hotel are considered resident members and can enjoy the amenities that members have access to.

The Battery’s ethos is centred around giving, as the private social club has allocated more than $31 million in grants to 240+ nonprofits since its inception 11 years ago. The various causes the club raises funds for include homelessness, women’s health and wealth, and climate action.

Once nominated and accepted for membership, the cost to join this San Francisco-based club is $2,800 per year, plus a $1,000 admission fee. 

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Park House (Dallas, Texas) 

Dallas, Texas— a city you may recognize as home to the Dallas Cowboys and their world-famous cheerleaders — is also one of the wealthiest and most coveted cities in America. Located here is Park House: a private members club that seeks to play host to the city's epicureans, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and beyond. 

The club features four bars and lounge areas, a dining experience that serves a contemporary European and Mediterranean-inspired menu, members-only speaker events, live entertainment, and an art program that showcases the work of both known and emerging artists.

Membership prices range from $2,400 to $7,100, depending on age and residency status. Park House also has a location in Houston with a similarly spectacular clubhouse that Houstonians can call home. Park House members can purchase a duo membership that grants access to both locations for an extra $1,000. The club also has a discounted membership program, otherwise known as a “Culture Member,” for those in the creative and non-profit fields who’d otherwise be unable to purchase a membership at full price. The annual dues for this membership are $500.

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