If you’ve walked past 848 Madison Avenue recently, you’ve probably noticed the quiet, imposing shift in the air. This isn't just another Upper East Side renovation. It’s the site of the former Westbury Hotel, and now, it’s home to Maxime’s.
Robin Birley—the man who basically defined the London social scene with 5 Hertford Street—is bringing his specific brand of "British drawing room" luxury to Manhattan. But let’s be honest: in a city already packed with Zero Bond, Casa Cipriani, and Soho House, everyone wants to know the same thing.
How much does it actually cost to get through the door?
The numbers are swirling, and depending on who you ask in the art world or at a Midtown steakhouse, you'll hear different figures. But here is the real breakdown of Maxime's NYC membership cost based on the current landscape and the tiers Birley has set for his New York debut.
The Price of Entry: Breaking Down the Fees
Money alone won't get you into Maxime's, but you certainly need it to stay there. Unlike some of the newer "sceney" clubs that prioritize Instagram followers over heritage, Maxime's follows a more traditional, tiered pricing structure. It’s designed to keep the crowd curated, not just wealthy.
For the established crowd—think 30 and older—you’re looking at an annual membership fee of $2,000. On top of that, there is a one-time initiation fee of $750.
Honestly, in the world of New York private clubs, those numbers are almost shockingly reasonable. Compare that to the Core Club, where initiation fees can hit $50,000 or even $100,000, or the Aman Club, which reportedly asks for a $200,000 buy-in.
Maxime's isn't trying to bankrupt you on the membership fee alone. They want the right people. The revenue comes later—at the bar, in the Japanese restaurant, and through the cigars on the terrace.
The Junior Tier (Under 30)
New York thrives on the energy of the young and successful. Birley knows this. To ensure the club doesn't feel like a stuffy retirement home, there is a significant discount for the under-30 demographic.
- Annual Dues: $1,200
- Initiation Fee: $750 (This remains the same across age brackets)
It’s a smart move. It allows the "up-and-comers" in fashion, tech, and the arts to rub shoulders with the old guard without needing a partner-level salary at a hedge fund.
What Does That $2,000 Actually Buy You?
You’re paying for the "Birley Touch." If you’ve ever stepped inside 5 Hertford Street in London, you know what that means. It’s a mix of velvet, dim lighting, high-end art, and an absolute obsession with privacy.
Maxime's isn't just a room with a bar. The 80,000-square-foot space covers an entire block between 69th and 70th Streets. Within those walls, your Maxime's NYC membership cost covers access to:
- The Private Dining Room: Not just a restaurant, but a place where the staff likely knows your drink order before you sit down.
- The Japanese Restaurant: A high-end culinary addition that separates it from the more traditional "club food" found elsewhere.
- The Nightclub: A space for late-night programming that aims to be more sophisticated than the typical Meatpacking District chaos.
- The Cigar Terrace: A rare luxury in Manhattan, providing a dedicated space for tobacco enthusiasts.
- Exclusive Guest Rooms: Since it’s located in the old Westbury, the property retains a hotel element, though members often get priority or special rates.
The "Vetting" Is the Real Cost
Here’s the thing. You could have $20,000 in your hand right now, and Maxime's wouldn't take it.
The application process is where most people hit a wall. Robin Birley famously selects members based on whether he’d want them in his "own drawing room." It’s an invitation-only culture. You typically need a proposer and a seconder—two people who are already members and willing to put their reputation on the line for you.
The committee looks for "cultural fit." Are you interesting? Do you bring something to the table besides a high net worth? They want a mix of academics, artists, financiers, and "old New York" socialites. If you’re the type of person who takes selfies in the mirror or tries to "network" by handing out business cards at the bar, you’re probably going to get blackballed.
Comparing the Competition
To understand if the Maxime's NYC membership cost is "worth it," you have to look at what else is on the menu in Manhattan right now.
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- Zero Bond: Great for the celebrity and tech crowd. Dues are roughly $3,850 to $5,000 a year. It feels more like a workspace during the day and a lounge at night.
- Soho House: The global standard. It’s about $2,500 to $5,000 depending on whether you want access to every house worldwide. It’s gotten a bit crowded lately, which is exactly why people are looking at Maxime's.
- Casa Cipriani: The "sceney" choice down by the Battery. Initiation is around $2,000 with $5,000 annual dues. It’s beautiful but, as some members complain, it’s a bit of a trek for those living uptown.
Maxime's is positioning itself as the "Uptown" answer to these clubs. It’s for the person who wants the prestige of a traditional club like The Knickerbocker or The Union Club but with the modern amenities and "cool factor" of a London social hub.
The Hidden Expenses
Don't let the $2,000 sticker price fool you into thinking this is a cheap date.
Like most private clubs, your membership fee is just the ticket to enter the theater. Everything else is a la carte. If you're hosting dinner for four at the Japanese restaurant and then moving to the lounge for drinks, you can easily drop $1,000 in a night.
There's also the unwritten cost of the dress code. You aren't rolling into Maxime's in a hoodie and sneakers. The "cost of membership" includes a wardrobe that fits the environment. Think tailored blazers, silk dresses, and polished loafers. It’s an aesthetic investment as much as a financial one.
Is It Worth Applying?
If you value discretion and you’re tired of the "see and be seen" vibe of more commercial clubs, Maxime's is arguably the best value in the city right now.
Birley’s track record is impeccable. He doesn't build clubs that go bust after three years because the "it crowd" moved on. He builds institutions. By keeping the annual dues at a moderate $2,000, he’s ensuring that the club stays populated with a diverse range of interesting people, rather than just those who can afford a six-figure initiation.
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The real challenge isn't the price—it's the pedigree.
Actionable Next Steps for Hopeful Members
- Audit Your Circle: Start by finding out who in your network is already a member of a Birley-owned club (like 5 Hertford Street or Oswald’s in London). They are your best chance for a nomination.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Spend time on the Upper East Side. Maxime's is an UES club through and through. Understanding the local culture (and the dress code) is key before you even think about an application.
- Contact Membership Directly: If you don't have a direct connection, you can email
membership@maximesclub.com. Be prepared to provide a professional bio and a clear reason why you’d be an asset to the community. - Prepare Your References: If you do get an application, you’ll need letters of recommendation. Make sure your references can speak to your character and social standing, not just your bank balance.
Ultimately, the Maxime's NYC membership cost is a bargain for the access it provides—provided you can actually get an invite.
Next Steps for You
If you are seriously considering applying, your first move should be to secure a nomination. Membership committees rarely look at "cold" applications with the same weight as those backed by current members. If you don't have a contact yet, focus on attending charity events or art openings in the 10021 zip code, where the current founding members are most likely to congregate. Keep your professional profile updated and ensure your digital footprint aligns with the club's "low-key and elegant" ethos. Once you have a proposer, the process usually takes three to six months for review.
The club is located at 848 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021. You can reach their general enquiries line at +1 212 516 6914 if you have specific questions regarding the current status of the waitlist or upcoming orientation dates for new members.