Racquet Club of Philadelphia

About

The Racquet Club of Philadelphia is a private, tradition-oriented athletic and social club located in Center City, near Rittenhouse Square. The club emphasizes historic architecture, community-oriented programming, and member camaraderie through affinity groups and a curated social calendar. Established in 1889, the current clubhouse, designed by Horace Trumbauer, dates to the early 1900s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The club is historically significant in the development of racquet sports, being the site of the invention of squash doubles and hosting various court-tennis and racquets tournaments. More information can be found on Wikipedia.

Member Experience

Members enjoy full access to world-class racquet facilities, including squash, court tennis, and racquets, as well as a fitness center and complimentary group classes. Additional amenities include an indoor heated pool, locker rooms (including a family locker room), a pro shop, on-site dining, overnight guest rooms, extensive reciprocal-club privileges, event-hosting services, and package/parking conveniences. Details about member benefits can be found on the club's website here.

Athletic Programmes

The club's racquet sports program features six international squash singles courts, one squash doubles court, a court-tennis court, and a racquets court. It is supported by professional racquet-sport staff, a pro shop, match-making services, and organized tournaments and club play. The club also offers swim instruction, fitness classes, and personal training. More information is available on the club's membership page here.

Tennis Programme

The Racquet Club provides facilities for court tennis and racquets, which are historic racquet sports. However, modern lawn tennis courts are not listed among the club's facilities.

Fitness Facilities

The fitness center is set in a historic ballroom and includes free weights, strength and cable machines, and cardio equipment. Members have access to a dedicated stretching and recovery area, complimentary group classes (such as HIIT, Pilates, and yoga), personal training, massage therapy, steam rooms, saunas, and an indoor heated pool. Further details can be found on the membership page here.

Dining Services

On-site dining options include the Gold Leaf Café for lunch and the 1889 Pub & Grille for dinner. The club also offers private dining and banquet services for events, as well as daily food and beverage service within the clubhouse. More information on dining services can be accessed here.

Social Events

The club hosts a dynamic calendar of member events, including affinity clubs such as fiction/book clubs, backgammon, bridge, sailing, and wine societies. Seasonal and themed member gatherings, exclusive off-site outings, and annual club traditions and dinners are also part of the social offerings. Details are available on the membership page here.

Event Hosting

The Racquet Club offers facilities and coordination for events ranging from 10 to 250 guests, featuring multiple historic rooms such as the Lobby, Reading Room, and Main Dining Room. In-house event planning, catering, and overnight accommodations for attendees are also provided. More information can be found here.

Guest Information

Guests must check in at the Front Desk and be accompanied by their host unless a pass is arranged. Reciprocal guests require a Letter of Introduction and membership card, are limited to 14 visits per calendar year, and a $30 daily reciprocal guest athletic fee applies. Further guest information can be found here.

Access Policy

The club maintains a smart-casual dress code in the clubhouse, with athletic attire permitted only on sports floors. Racquet-sport clothing must meet club guidelines, and players are asked to wear predominantly white. Protective eyewear and non-marking shoes are required for most courts, and the use of cell phones and electronics is restricted to designated areas. More details can be found here.

Accommodations

The club offers thirteen on-site guest rooms, including eight standard rooms, three junior suites, and two luxury suites, available to members, sponsored guests, and reciprocal members. Stays include access to the fitness center and heated pool, continental breakfast, court access, discounted parking, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping. More information on accommodations can be found here.

Membership Options

The club does not publicly publish initiation fees or dues. Prospective members are encouraged to submit an inquiry form. The membership process requires a proposer and seconder. Membership benefits and reciprocal privileges are described, but specific dues and fee schedules must be requested from Membership. More information is available here.