Behind the Scenes at Three of Houston’s Most Private Clubs
Clockwise from left: The Briar Club; Petroleum Club; and the Houstonia Hotel, Club and Spa
Despite being known for its welcoming, all-inclusive nature, Houston is still home to plenty of private, members-only clubs, most of which are off-limits to the public. Here’s what the initiated aren’t missing out on at the legendary Petroleum Club, swanky Briar Club, and the well-manicured Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa:
|
Petroleum Club |
The Briar Club |
The Houstonian |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Founded |
1946 | 1949 | 1980 |
|
Neighbor-hood |
Downtown | River Oaks | Tanglewood |
|
Total |
1,000+ | 1,000+ | 5,800 |
|
Initiation |
$1,500 to $5,000 | $35,000 | $7,500 to $28,000 |
|
Monthly |
$200 | $400 | $200 to $436 |
|
Primary Function |
Business meetings, networking, power lunching |
Getting out of the house, swimming, lounging |
Fitness, spa, fitness, fitness |
|
Primary |
Your boss' boss' boss | Effortlessly pretty womenand their privately educated children |
The people who pass you on the running trail at Memorial Park |
|
Unofficial Wardrobe |
Kiton, M.Wiesenthal, Patek Philippet |
Adidas by Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines |
Lululemon, Lily Pulitzer, St. John |
|
Most Delightful |
Being able to smoke indoors (cigars, at least) |
Old-school Pac-Man console table in the lounge |
On-site shoe shines and repair |
|
Conversation Starter |
“Did you see Shell is leaving downtown?” |
"Can you recommend a good au pair?" |
"Vail or Breck?" |
|
Excessively Proud Of |
Displayed photos of past club presidents |
3D-printed model of renovated campus |
Photo of past UN meeting at Manor House |
|
Most Spectacular View |
The chef’s table, with a view of the kitchen and downtown skyline |
The resort-style pool, part of a recent $33 million renovation |
The massive live oak arrayed with 60,000 twinkling fairy lights |
|
Best Way |
Get invited to a meeting | Get invited to a wedding | Get invited to a spa day |
|
Best Way |
By referral only | Application + sponsorship | Application + sponsorship |
|
How You'll Be Greeted |
Mr/s. [First name] |
Mr/s. [Surname] |
Mr/s. [Surname, until granted, first-name privilege by member] |
