15 MOST EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP CLUBS IN NYC

In the vibrant heart of the city that never sleeps, a privileged few discover sanctuary within New York's most coveted private clubs. From the timeless allure of The Metropolitan Club to the modern sophistication of Aman, these clubs are more than just spaces – they're stories waiting to be told. They're where elegance meets innovation, where connections are forged, and where history and modernity collide in a whirlwind of exclusivity and allure. Beyond their elusive doors and meticulous application processes lies a world of legacy and intrigue, waiting to be explored. So, are you ready to unlock the secrets of New York's most exclusive social clubs? We've got the insider access you've been searching for.

 

Casa Cipriani serves as the stylish hub within the vibrant tapestry of New York City. Here, luminaries from diverse backgrounds converge to savor life's simple joys away from the glare of flashing cameras. Set within the breathtaking Beaux-Arts elegance of the Battery Maritime Building, this private members club boasts panoramic vistas of the city's iconic landmarks—the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. It's a sanctuary where music resonates and where notable figures like Gigi Hadid and Leonardo DiCaprio were glimpsed departing together after an evening rendezvous.

Estimated Price: NY only under 30 annual fee of USD$2,500 with an initiation fee of USD$1,000 | NY only general individual annual fee of USD$3,900 with an initiation fee of USD$2,000 | global under 30 of USD$4,000 with an initiation fee of USD$1,000 | global individual annual fee of USD$5,000 with an initiation fee of USD$2,000  Application Details

 

ZZ's Club New York. Located at 35 Hudson Yards this exclusive members club occupies a breathtaking two-floor space designed by Ken Fulk featuring an array of luxurious spaces and experiences, setting a completely new standard for what a private members club can provide from the culinary excellence to the sophisticated celebration.

Prepare to discover a range of extraordinary social spaces and white-glove amenities including dedicated Culinary Concierges whose mission is to make any wish come true and indulge in our two stunning restaurants: the signature Japanese restaurant ZZ’s and CARBONE PRIVATO, the first-ever private restaurant of our iconic Italian concept

Estimated Price: A membership for 1 individual to ZZ’s Club New York - annual Fee: $10,000. One-time Initiation Fee: $20,000.  A membership for 2 individuals to ZZ’s Club New York - annual Fee: $10,000. One-time Initiation Fee: $30,000

The Aman Club — an extension of the exclusive Aman resorts said be favored by Mark Zuckerberg, the Kardashians and the Beckhams is one of this century’s most exclusive memberships.

Perched high in the 26-story, gilt-facade Crown Building on Fifth Avenue, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy’s  with muted palette and subtle Japanese influences The Aman Club is a testament of modern sophistication.

Club members have access to 2 restaurants Avra and Nama, a 14th-floor piano bar with a wrap-around terrace and a cigar lounge. A spa sprawls over three floors and 25,000 square feet, though part of that is shared with hotel guests as well. There is a Moroccan hammam and a Russian banya, as well as a 67-foot indoor swimming pool. Underneath it all in the basement is the jazz club dubbed Jazz Club (also open to the public).

Estimated Price: The Aman Club membership is $200,000 – but the cost can be split between five people taking it down  $40,000 per person. Aman's annual fee is $15,000. And of course there's a waitlist.

 

Casa Cruz, the sister property to his Notting Hill restaurant-slash-late night hotspot favored by Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. 

Casa Cruz, which is part restaurant and part VIP club, currently has 99 members, each of whom pays between $250,000 and $500,000 in annual dues, giving them exclusive access to dine in the establishment's private rooms, alongside original works by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Keith Haring and Fernando Botero.

 

Part hotel, part members-only club, this sibling to The Ned, London and cousin to every Soho House occupies a unique spot on New York City, offering members a prime seat on bustling Broadway as it is for clinking martinis on the roof and enjoying performances in private club rooms.

Estimated Price: annual fee of USD$5,000 with a joining fee of USD$1,500 | present Soho House members: annual fee of USD$2,500 | new members younger than 30: annual fee of USD$4,000 with a joining fee USD $350

 

A clever and stylish reimagination of the modern workplace as part office, part social space. Situated in the iconic Flatiron District, Madison Square was previously home for Tepper Galleries, a well-known Manhattan auction house for international artists and collectors in the 1930s. NeueHouse offers a diverse set of creative spaces including Private Studios, Broadcast & Podcast Facilities, Conference Rooms, Screening Rooms, Private Phone Booths, Wellness Rooms and more.

Estimated Price: Salon membership annual fee of USD$3,600 | Off-Site membership annual fee of USD$3,500 per member | Resident membership price tailored per location

 

Zero Bond has firmly cemented its status as a coveted destination among today's Hollywood elite. From hosting Drake's Barclays Center debut afterparty to being the venue for Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson's second date night, and even Elon Musk's 2021 Met Gala afterparty, the club has become synonymous with A-list glamour. Situated on Bond Street in NoHo and opening its doors in October 2020, Zero Bond encapsulates the essence of New York—a city known for its character, vibrancy, and liveliness. With a rumored $15 million art collection and amenities like an omakase sushi bar, Zero Bond promises to remain a prominent fixture on the city's social scene for years to come.

Estimated Price: under 28 annual fee of USD$2,750 with an initial fee of USD$750 | 28-45 annual fee of USD$3,850 with an initial fee of USD$1,000 | over 45 annual fee of USD$4,400 with an initial fee of USD$5,000 

 

The Soho House website explains: “Unlike other members’ clubs, which often focus on wealth and status, we aim to assemble communities of members that have something in common: namely, a creative soul.”

But the Soho House brand comprises more than its famously members-only clubs. Soho House owns restaurants all over the world (restaurants that anyone can go to), has a burgeoning e-commerce operation, and, over the past 20-plus years, has established its presence as a global hospitality brand.

Estimated Price: annual memberships cost $2,100 to join a single club and $3,200 to have access to all of the Soho Houses.

 

Emerging as a beacon in New York's thriving private members club scene, CORE Club captivates the elite with its blend of luxury, modernity, and impeccable amenities. Beyond its chic ambiance, it serves as a nexus for socialites and influential figures across 13 diverse industries, including architecture & design, art, banking & finance, and technology. Founded in 2005 by Jennie Enterprise, its esteemed roster of members includes notable personalities such as Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, making it a coveted hotspot for those at the pinnacle of success.

Estimated Price: annual fee of $15,000 - $18,000 with an initiation fee of USD$15,000 - USD$100,000.

 

The Knickerbocker Club (known informally as The Knick) is a gentlemen's club in New York City that was founded in 1871. It is considered to be the most exclusive club in the United States and one of the most aristocratic gentlemen's clubs in the world. It is one of the oldest gentlemen's clubs in the city and was once beloved by political figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the financier J.P. Morgan, as well as poet T. S. Eliot and Hollywood star Douglas Fairbanks. The Knick's current clubhouse, a neo-Georgian structure at 2 East 62nd Street.

Estimated Price: undisclosed. Application undisclosed. Address: 2 East 62nd Street, New York, USA

 

At the dawn of private social clubs in New York, there stood The Union Club. Established in 1836, it was the city's inaugural private club, initially welcoming 250 "gentlemen of social distinction." Revered as the 'Mother of Clubs,' it counts among its former members the founders of esteemed institutions like The Knickerbocker Club, The Metropolitan Club, The Brook, and Union League Club of New York. Today, this venerable establishment resides at the intersection of 69th Street and Park Avenue. While no longer restricted to gentlemen alone, its prestige remains unparalleled among the elite. Notable members throughout its storied history include Dwight Eisenhower, Ulysses S. Grant, William Randolph Hearst, and Cornelius Vanderbilt, among others.

Estimated Price: annual fee of rumoured USD$5,000 - USD$7,680 with an initial fee of USD$14,000.

 

In 1907, Florence Harriman, a prominent figure in society circles, established The Colony Club, the first ladies-only private members club in New York. Designed by the actress-turned-interior designer Elsie de Wolfe, the clubhouse exuded elegance and luxury, offering established women a home-away-from-home experience. On its first anniversary, The New York Times published a complete membership list, featuring leading figures such as four Vanderbilts, four Whitneys, the three daughters of J.P. Morgan, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Ethel Barrymore.

Estimated Price: undisclosed.

 

Formed on the evening of February 20th, 1891, The Metropolitan Club originated from a distinguished assembly of gentlemen from the realms of politics, finance, and business. Among its founding members were luminaries such as William K. Vanderbilt, James A. Roosevelt, and the inaugural club president, J. Pierpont Morgan, a former Union Club member. Throughout its storied history, The Metropolitan Club has hosted notable figures including Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon, further cementing its place of prominence. Reflecting the opulence of New York's bygone era, the club's three-story mansion and sixth-floor penthouse exude the timeless elegance of the Gilded Age.

Estimated Price: annual fee of USD$5,000 with an initiation fee. 

 

Crafted by the esteemed architects McKim Mead & White, The University Club stands as a beacon of refined elegance. Its regal exterior and opulent interior evoke the grandeur of an Italian Renaissance palace. Within its serene halls, members unwind in the iconic Library, reminiscent of the Borgia apartments of the Vatican, boasting a collection of over 100,000 volumes and periodicals. Membership entails an earned Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, along with a proposal of admission and 3-5 recommendations from existing members.

Estimated Price: annual fee of USD$1,000 - USD$5,000.

 

The Yale Club, a haven for brilliant minds hailing from the prestigious university. Established in 1897 on Madison Square and now towering on Vanderbilt Avenue, this 22-story clubhouse is unrivaled in size, boasting portraits of five Yale-educated Presidents including Taft, Ford, the Bushes, and Clinton. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle, members find solace and a sense of kinship, making it the ultimate retreat from the demands of professional life.

Estimated Price: Those who have received a degree from Yale University, full-time graduate students who are completing a degree-granting program at Yale, and full-time professors are eligible for membership.