Last Updated: 3/27/25
When it comes to luxury vacation experiences, Equity Estates and Inspirato are two alternatives with very different business models. Both offer unique ways to access high-end properties around the world, but they differ in their approach to membership, pricing, and overall value. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between these two companies to help you determine which is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
What Is Inspirato?
Inspirato is a publicly traded company that operates a subscription-based membership club offers access to luxury properties with curated experiences.
Inspirato secures long-term leases on luxury homes, then provides them to its members in exchange for annual fees and variable-rate nightly charges.
What Is Equity Estates?
Equity Estates offers a distinctive investment opportunity, allowing accredited investors to own a share in a global portfolio of luxury vacation properties. Since its inception in 2006, the fund has raised more than $300 million, granting access to extraordinary homes and enabling unforgettable travel experiences across over 25,000 trips. Investors not only benefit from staying in these premium properties but also have the potential to earn returns when the homes are sold. It’s a seamless combination of high-end living and intelligent investment.
Equity Estates vs Inspirato: A Comparison
While the two services hold some similarities, ultimately there are large differences in the experience that are worth exploring. Let’s look at Equity Estates vs Inspirato in detail:
Home Availability
With Equity Estates, you can benefit from 24/7 access to more than 65 luxury homes in over 25 countries. With a target occupancy rate of just 60%, Equity Estates allows for easy access for investors and has the best availability in the industry.
Inspirato has more than 400 homes available for its 11,000 members. Their model is intentionally geared towards driving maximum occupancy, meaning access is highly competitive. In 2024, Inspirato’s total occupancy was 72% according to quarterly reports.
Membership options
Investors have the option to choose from five investment levels, with between 15 and 45 nights of annual travel included at Equity Estates.
At Inspirato, the Club membership program is the most prevalent way to enjoy the company’s offerings.
Pricing & Fees
With Equity Estates, there is a minimum investment level of $380,000. Once residences are sold after around 10 years, investors will get this back, followed by 80% of the profits thereafter. There is also a $1,463 prorated annual shared nightly expense to help maintain the homes.
At Inspirato, the Club membership comes with an upfront fee of $15,000, followed by an annual renewal of $6,000. Members pay nightly rates based on the property’s location and season. Rates begin at under $500 per night for smaller homes in the off-season and can reach several thousand dollars per night for larger properties during peak times. The average nightly rate for Inspirato residences in 2024 was $1,825 per night. The “Jaunt” program also offers discounted last-minute bookings for homes at short notice.
Services & Amenities
At Equity Estates, we prioritize providing exceptional service to our investors. Each property comes with a premium five-star concierge service that covers everything from pre-trip grocery shopping and dinner reservations to private chefs and activity bookings. Additionally, daily housekeeping is provided to ensure a seamless and luxurious stay. Inspirato’s services are similar.
Investment Return
Equity Estates ensures that investors receive 100% of their capital back before any profits are distributed. After that, they enjoy the lion’s share of any profits.
Inspirato doesn’t offer an investment structure, so this model does not apply.
Value
The value of Equity Estates lies in the potential return on investment plus profit sharing.
Alongside this, Equity Estates offers excellent availability and the average nightly costs to stay in the homes is far less than Inspirato.
In contrast, Inspirato offers a membership-based model with monthly fees and additional nightly rates, but no investment opportunity or profit-sharing structure, which may not appeal to those looking for financial returns alongside their luxury travel experience.
Events
Both Equity Estates and Inspirato offer member-only trips outside of their portfolios throughout the year.
Equity Estates introduced their Expedition Program in 2016, which is a way for investors to enjoy Equity Estates in the company of fellow members. This allows members to travel the world and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime, custom-crafted itineraries, with previous trips including a private yacht tour of the untouched Galapagos Islands and an African Safari.
Inspirato runs dozens of Inspirato Only Experiences each year, which are designed exclusively for members and include cruises, safaris, land adventures, cultural trips, and sports and entertainment options.
Transparency
Equity Estates works with a top five accounting firm each year to do a comprehensive audit, and also has third party appraisals done on the real estate. All of this is shared with investors. Inspirato is a publicly traded company that is listed on the NASDAQ exchange. Their financials are provided in quarterly and annual filings.
Conclusion
As you can see, while Inspirato offers similar services to Equity Estates, there are a number of distinct differences which it’s important to be aware of before committing to one or the other. Speak with a member of our team for more information to help you make an informed decision with your next investment.
