Enjoy perks with your peers at these private clubs in Seattle and Portland

Rich history. Engaging community. Luxury worth celebrating. The list of reasons to join a private club are obvious, but what isn’t always as cut-and-dry is which social organization best fits your lifestyle. There are some that lean into fitness, others that emphasize business, but the ones that truly stand out offer a taste of it all.

When it comes to “third places,” these are first rate.

Seattle

The Rainier Club

Shared experiences and upscale amenities are the foundation of this storied clubhouse built downtown in 1904. Whether you're feeling the burn during a morning personal training session or keeping your afternoon productive in one of the private offices, the Rainier Club is designed to feel like your home-away-from-home, setting the stage (and the table) for well-rounded living. The Club has valet parking, several bars and restaurants, and private dining spaces that members can rent. And it’s hard to beat the pricing — many items on the menus are available “at cost” for members, making it one of the best deals in town. Accessing all the perks is easy thanks to the Rainier Club app and its Reciprocal Club program means you have access to similar comforts on the road at 100+ national and international clubs.

Washington Athletic Club

From pickleball to a swimming pool on the sixth floor, you’ll find all the amenities you need to lead an active lifestyle here. For 95 years, Washington Athletic Club has brought together likeminded people looking for an elevated heart rate and experience that goes beyond the gym and group fitness classes. Dining options include the iconic Torchy’s Restaurant & Bar, Hagerty’s Sports Bar, and a cafe, and there are also 109 rooms on site, ideal for a staycation — take full advantage of the spa and barber shop — or hosting out-of-town guests during their visit. This is a great place to see and be seen by Seattle’s top business leaders.

World Trade Center Seattle

Economic growth and opportunity are on the minds of leaders from the Port of Seattle, corporate execs, and nonprofit heads who use this space to host seminars and above all, network. There are plenty of reservable meeting rooms and the Alaska Airlines Member Lounge provides a drop-in coworking space to connect with different people and their diverse perspectives. Refuel at the Bayview Room, which serves Northwest lunch cuisine daily overlooking the waterfront. Anthony’s Pier 66 and Bell Street Diner are across the street if you want to grab a post-coworking bite.

Portland

Soho House Portland

The newcomer on the Rose City’s social club scene, this unassuming brick building in the Buckman neighborhood belies the creativity brewing inside. It’s a gathering place for the painters and photographers, the sculptors and script writers, and art is on display everywhere. Italian cuisine prepared with Oregon farms’ best is on the menu, as are a well-equipped gym and 62-foot infinity-edge pool, with cabanas and a dining terrace that offers panoramic views. It’s all backed by the international network of clubs that started in its namesake corner of London and spread to far-flung locales like Ibiza and São Paulo, so when members need a change of scenery (or just a break from the rain) they can travel the world with full access at all 28 locations and return feeling refreshed and inspired.

Arlington Club

Joining Arlington Club truly puts you in elite company — it was recently one of 100 clubs around the world to earn Platinum Club of the World status. Its history stretches back 150 years; many movers and shakers, from philanthropists and arts and culture influencers to civic and business leaders, have planned a brighter future together within its halls. Today, members enjoy curated fine dining, event venues for weddings, retirement parties, and other big moments in life, in addition to 17 affinity groups for learning and leisure.

Multnomah Athletic Club

It’s just the largest private athletic and social club in the United States, no sweat. On top of world-class exercise facilities, Multnomah Athletic Club organizes teams in sports ranging from alpine skiing to gymnastics to rock climbing, opening the door to camaraderie as you compete across the country. The in-house catering team is available to help make your events go off without a hitch and there are four dining venues, including 1891, which has seasonal menus and an extensive wine list. The most-coveted perk might be for soccer fans — MAC’s upper terrace opens directly onto Providence Park, home to two of the city’s premier sports teams, the Timbers and Thorns. Watching a match live from your treadmill would be pretty cool.