The traditional luxury hotel experience has evolved beyond recognisable five-star amenities. Today’s most discerning travellers seek something far rarer: exclusive members hotels that require more than financial means for access. These properties represent the ultimate intersection of private club culture and world-class hospitality, where membership serves as the key to unparalleled privacy and refinement.
Unlike conventional luxury hotels, exclusive members hotels operate on principles of discretion and community. Each property carefully vets potential members, ensuring that guests share similar values regarding privacy and sophistication. The result is an environment where true luxury lies not in ostentatious displays, but in the comfort of like-minded company and absolute discretion.
Aman Club, New York
The Aman Club represents perhaps the most expensive entry point among exclusive members hotels worldwide. Occupying seven floors of Manhattan’s historic Crown Building, this property demands initiation fees reaching $200,000 alongside annual dues of $15,000, making it one of the most costly exclusive members hotels in existence.
Members gain access to elegantly appointed suites within the broader Aman New York property, alongside club-specific amenities including a three-storey spa, rooftop garden with Central Park views, and private jazz club. The wine library houses rare vintages, whilst dining venues prioritise the discretion that defines the finest exclusive members hotels.
The rooftop garden offers panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, creating an urban sanctuary that exemplifies why members hotels appeal to those seeking refuge from public attention. Treatment rooms in the spa provide serene environments designed to transport guests far from the city’s relentless energy.
Quick Summary:
- 💰 Feature: $200,000 initiation fee + $15,000 annual dues
- 🏛️ Style: Inside the ultra-luxury Aman New York (Crown Building)
- ✨ Appeal: The most expensive and exclusive members-only club in NYC, layered within a 5-star Aman hotel
Casa Cipriani, New York
Casa Cipriani transforms a 1920s Art Deco landmark into one of New York’s most sophisticated exclusive members hotels. The waterfront location provides sweeping views of New York Harbour, whilst the property honours its Italian heritage through design details and culinary programmes that celebrate both cultures.
Members receive priority access to 47 guest rooms and suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame harbour views. The club areas include intimate lounges, a jazz café, and private dining spaces that capture the building’s maritime history whilst providing the contemporary comfort expected from premier exclusive members hotels.
Cultural programming distinguishes this property from other exclusive members hotels in the city. Regular events celebrate Italian traditions, from wine tastings featuring rare Barolo vintages to intimate concerts in the jazz café, creating community connections that extend beyond mere accommodation.
Quick Summary:
- 🏛️ Feature: Art Deco landmark hotel + private members’ club
- 🎶 Style: Jazz café, waterfront views, private lounges, early booking privileges
- ✨ Appeal: Blends luxury boutique hotel stays with exclusive club access
casacipriani.com, @casacipriani
Home House, London
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Home House occupies three interconnected Georgian townhouses in Marylebone, creating one of London’s most characterful exclusive members hotels. Twenty-three bedrooms and suites allow members to extend their club experience into overnight stays whilst maintaining the intimate atmosphere that distinguishes the finest members hotels from conventional luxury properties.
Guest accommodations range from intimate rooms overlooking the courtyard to larger suites with period fireplaces and contemporary bathrooms. Members staying overnight receive temporary honorary membership, allowing full access to the club’s bars, restaurants, and private lounges during their visit.
Multiple bars and dining spaces each offer distinct atmospheres, from the vibrant ground-floor bar to contemplative library areas. The courtyard provides an unexpected outdoor retreat in central London, particularly appealing during warmer months when alfresco dining becomes available to members of this distinguished property among exclusive members hotels.
Quick Summary:
- 🏰 Feature: Georgian mansion turned private members’ club with 23 suites
- 🍷 Style: Historic architecture, intimate bars, stylish lounges
- ✨ Appeal: Hotel-quality luxury with the intimacy of a London members’ club
homehouse.co.uk, @homehouselondon
The Arts Club, London
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Founded in 1863 as a gathering place for creative professionals, The Arts Club maintains its cultural mission whilst evolving into one of London’s most exclusive members hotels. The Mayfair location houses luxury suites alongside traditional club spaces, creating seamless integration between accommodation and community that exemplifies the best exclusive members hotels.
The property’s art collection spans contemporary works and historical pieces, creating gallery-like environments throughout public areas. Dining venues emphasise seasonal British ingredients prepared with international techniques, whilst the wine programme features both established and emerging producers.
Members staying in hotel suites enjoy identical privileges to residential members, including access to private dining rooms, the library, and regular cultural programming. The club regularly hosts exhibitions, literary events, and intimate performances that reflect its ongoing commitment to supporting creative endeavours amongst the cultural elite who frequent the world’s most distinguished exclusive members hotels.
Quick Summary:
- 🎨 Feature: Heritage private club with luxury suites in Mayfair
- 🖼️ Style: Elegant interiors, curated art, fine dining
- ✨ Appeal: Combines club exclusivity with boutique hotel-style rooms (for members & guests only)
