How to Choose the Right Members Club
If you’re considering joining a private members club, it’s likely because you’re looking for more than just a place to grab a drink. You might want a community, an environment that aligns with your lifestyle, access to experiences and perks, or something else entirely. We’ve tested out several of the top contenders and here’s what we’ve learned about how to pick the members club that’s right for you.
1. Start with your “why”
Are you looking for:
A place to work and take meetings?
A like-minded community?
Social events and nightlife?
A wellness space or gym?
A place to impress clients or dates?
Travel perks and global locations?
A polished networking environment?
Your reasons should drive your choice. For example, if you want a reliable workspace and casual networking, Parlor or The Harvard Club might be more your speed. If your focus is on events and scene, Zero Bond or Casa Cipriani might be worth the splurge. Each club has different offerings, which brings us to our next point…
2. Do your research
Once you know what you want, it’s time to understand the different options and see what clubs meet your criteria. Here’s our quick take on what a few clubs you might be considering offer, and who they might be right for:
Soho House: Globally accessible and a favorite for creatives. You can read our full take here.
Zero Bond: The scene is buzzy and the crowd leans polished and entrepreneurial.
Casa Tua: A broad footprint with a lounge-forward offering that leans very classic and traditional.
Parlor: Ideal for filling up your calendar with social events, this one is less about a space and more about meeting people.
MILA: A newer addition in Miami that feels more like a luxury nightlife club than a true members space.
We’ve tested out tons of others, including Spring Place, The Well, KX and even the Harvard Club. We even have tested memberships like Equinox E to see how they stack up. Trust us when we say that each membership offers something unique!
3. Test it out before you commit
Most clubs offer tours, referral events, or even trial passes—use them! Try to visit at different times (weekday morning vs. weekend evening) and ask current members what they love or would change. If they have a restaurant, book a table and make sure you like the menu!
For clubs that we did not join ourselves, we visited through guest passes, attended events, and took tours. This let us evaluate the crowd, culture, amenities, and whether we actually used it.
4. Factor in price and perks
Some clubs charge initiation fees, others just an annual rate. Some include different membership offers, such as global access vs a single location. Consider:
What cities you live in or travel to most
Whether events, guest passes, or gym access are included
How much you’d actually use it
For us, the clubs we loved most were the ones that matched both our routine and energy. Remember to embody intentional luxury. A gorgeous lounge isn’t worth it if you’re never there.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all members club. The right club depends on what you value. Try before you commit, and don’t be afraid to ask: Do I actually want to spend time here? If the answer is yes, then it’s probably the right fit.
For us, the right membership keeps being Soho House (global access), but we have phases where we add on another membership or two as well. And we also love our Equinox Hudson Yards membership (global access again).
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