What Soho House is and who it's for
Soho House is a private membership club with locations in major cities across North America, Europe, and beyond. Members pay annual dues to access clubhouses that offer dining, bars, co-working spaces, hotel rooms, and event venues. Unlike some private clubs tied to golf or a single sport, Soho House markets itself to creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and people in media, entertainment, and business who want a social and working space.
The club operates on a membership model: you pay to join, then pay annual renewal fees. There is no single "Soho House" — each city has its own clubhouse with its own character, though members can often use facilities in other cities where the club has a presence. Membership is not automatic; the club reviews applications and can decline them.
Key Takeaways
- Soho House membership requires an annual fee that varies by location and membership tier, typically ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
- The club reviews all membership applications and can decline applicants; acceptance is not may provide even if you pay the fee.
- Members can use dining, bars, co-working spaces, and hotel rooms at their home location and often at other Soho House locations worldwide.
- Membership tiers exist at some locations, with higher tiers offering additional perks like guest privileges, priority reservations, and access to exclusive events.
- You can cancel membership, but cancellation policies and refund terms depend on your location and the specific terms you agreed to when you joined.
Membership tiers and what each one includes
Soho House offers different membership levels at most locations. The exact names and benefits vary by city, but the structure is similar: a base membership tier, often called "Soho House" or "Classic," and one or more premium tiers with additional perks. A higher tier typically costs more but includes things like more guest passes per year, priority access to reservations, invitations to exclusive member events, or discounts on food and beverage.
Your membership tier determines how many guests you can bring, whether you can book private event space at a discount, and sometimes whether you can reserve rooms at the hotel component of the clubhouse. Some locations also offer corporate memberships for businesses, which may have different terms and pricing than individual memberships.
The specific benefits and pricing for each tier are set by the individual Soho House location, so you need to check the membership page for the city where you want to join. What you get in New York may differ from what you get in London or Los Angeles.
How much membership costs and what affects the price
Annual membership fees vary significantly by location. A location in a major city like New York or London typically costs more than a location in a smaller market. Initiation fees — a one-time charge when you first join — may also explore, though some locations waive these during promotional periods. Premium membership tiers cost more than base tiers at the same location.
Beyond the annual membership fee, you will incur additional costs when you use the club's services. Dining and drinks are charged separately and priced like a restaurant or bar. Hotel room nights are charged per night. Some events are included with membership; others charge an additional fee. Co-working space is typically included with membership, but private office rentals or dedicated desks may cost extra.
To find the exact fee for a specific location, visit the Soho House website and navigate to the city where you want to join. The membership page will list current pricing. Fees can change, and the club sometimes runs promotions for new members.
The membership process process
Soho House does not sell memberships to anyone who pays the fee. The club reviews applications and makes acceptance decisions. The process typically asks for your name, professional background, and sometimes references or a statement about why you want to join. The club uses this information to decide whether you fit the community they are building.
The review process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the location and how busy the membership team is. Some locations may contact you for more information or to schedule a tour of the clubhouse before making a decision. If your process is declined, the club is not required to explain why, and you typically cannot reapply when ready.
Once you are accepted, you will be asked to pay the initiation fee (if applicable) and the first year's membership dues. You will then receive login credentials for the member app and portal, which you use to make reservations, book hotel rooms, and access member-only events and information.
Using your membership at other Soho House locations
One of the main benefits of Soho House membership is reciprocal access: members can use facilities at other Soho House locations in different cities. However, the extent of this access depends on your membership tier and the specific location's policies. A base membership may allow you to use the dining and bar areas at other locations but not reserve a hotel room or book private event space. A premium tier may grant fuller access.
To use another location, you typically need to make a reservation in advance through the member app or by contacting that location directly. Some locations have limited capacity or may prioritize their own local members during peak times. Hotel rooms at other locations are often available but may be charged at a different rate than your home location.
The reciprocal access policy is set by Soho House corporate, but individual locations can have additional rules. Before you join, ask the membership team at your home location what access you will have at other cities where you travel frequently.
Canceling your membership and refund policies
You can cancel your Soho House membership at any time, but the refund terms depend on when you cancel and what your membership agreement says. Most locations do not refund the annual fee if you cancel mid-year, though some may offer a prorated refund if you cancel within a certain window after joining. Initiation fees are typically non-refundable.
To cancel, contact the membership team at your home location. They will walk you through the process and explain what, if anything, you are owed back. Some locations allow you to pause membership for a set period rather than cancel outright, which may preserve your membership status without charging you for months you do not plan to use the club.
Read the membership agreement you sign carefully, because the cancellation and refund terms are spelled out there. If you are unsure, ask the membership team before you pay your first fee.
What to know before you join
Soho House membership is a significant annual expense, and it only makes financial sense if you will actually use the club regularly. Calculate how often you plan to visit, what you will spend on food and drinks, and whether the co-working space or hotel access adds real value to your life. If you visit once or twice a year, the membership fee may not be worth it.
The club's culture and community are a big part of what you are paying for. Soho House attracts a particular demographic — creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and people in certain industries — and the experience varies by location. Visit the clubhouse or attend a member event before you explore if you can, so you know whether the space and the people feel like a fit for you.
Membership is not a may provide of anything beyond access to the physical space and services. The club can revoke membership for violations of house rules, and members have reported that the community and experience can vary widely depending on the location and the time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I join and then decide it's not for me?
Most locations do not refund annual membership fees once you have paid them, though some offer a short window (often 14 to 30 days) to cancel and receive a prorated refund. Initiation fees are almost never refundable. Read your membership agreement or ask the membership team about the specific refund window before you pay.
Do I have to pay extra to bring guests to the club?
Your membership includes a certain number of guest passes per year, depending on your tier. Once you use those passes, additional guests may require a fee or may not be permitted. Premium tiers typically include more guest passes than base memberships. Check your membership tier details to see how many guests you can bring.
Can I use my membership if I travel to another city?
Yes, but access at other locations depends on your membership tier and that location's policies. You typically need to make a reservation in advance. Some locations may limit reciprocal access during peak times or for certain amenities like hotel rooms. Contact your home location's membership team to understand what access you have at the cities you visit most.
What happens if I break the house rules?
Soho House can revoke or suspend membership for violations of house rules, which typically cover conduct, dress code, and use of facilities. The club does not have to give you a refund if your membership is terminated for a rule violation. Review the house rules before you join so you understand what conduct is expected.
Is there a way to try Soho House before committing to membership?
Some locations offer day passes or trial memberships for a limited time, though availability varies. You can also visit the clubhouse as a guest of a current member to get a sense of the space and community. Contact the membership team at your local Soho House to ask whether a trial or guest visit is an option.