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The first rule of Soho House is don't talk about Soho House. Given the amount of attention dedicated by gossips and media bloggers, you’d think this members-only British import was shrouded with the secrecy of a fight club or Skull & Bones society. While membership acceptance policies still carry a sense of intrigue, plebeians can plunk down a chunk of change for a temporary entrée into high society. For anywhere from $445 to $1,250 per night, visitors can reserve one of the Meatpacking District club's 24 guest rooms, each featuring exposed wooden beams and brick and equipped with plasma screens and DVD players. Reservations can be tricky, as members are given preferential treatment when booking. Those who do manage to score a room receive access to all areas of the club including the bar, restaurant, game room and famed rooftop pool. — Chris Strauss

Out-of-towners looking to impress their friends back home with minor celebrity encounters and other "New York stories" will feel right at home.

Cons
The aura of exclusivity may not be going quite as initially planned considering media blog Gawker.com's recent characterization of Soho House members as "publicists and wannabe socialites."