Curator’s statement
When I first started playing American Mahjong with friends in 2023, I had no idea that the game would become such a craze. Now, everyone I know is taking lessons or playing: weekly, in tournaments, or in their pool on a floating Mahjong mat! Here in Charlotte, at least two Mahjong club locations are opening in 2026. Even hotels are embracing the trend. While you're traveling, you can take lessons, play in dedicated Mahjong lounges, or participate in open play with other guests. A few properties hold weekly Mahjong events, and others are hosting weekend Mahjong retreats that offer both lessons and open play. Mahjong is definitely all the rage, so here are a few places you can stay and play. Let's mahj!
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Photo courtesy of High Hampton Resort
These are my favorite hotels that offer special Mahjong events and amenities:
The Dunlin, Auberge Collection (Charleston, SC): Sign up for open play on Thursday afternoons and instructor-led lessons in the Willet Room bar
High Hampton Resort (Cashiers, NC): Hosts Mahjong-themed event weekends several times a year with both lessons and guided play
The Charleston Place (Charleston, SC): Join “Mahjong Mondays” in the Palmetto Cafe with wine and play instruction
When you stay at a participating Kimpton boutique hotel, you can “Mahjong & Mingle” with other guests using custom tile sets and drink Mahjong-themed cocktails.
Many Auberge Collection properties also feature Mahjong lessons, dedicated spaces to play, social events, and multi-day retreats.
If you’d like to play Mahjong while on your trip or book a special weekend away to learn or play, here are a few more options:
Northeast
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection (Newport, RI): Take lessons or play with other guests in The Dining Room with cocktails
Ace Hotel (NYC): Offers Mahjong nights and league play in its underground lounge, Libera
South
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, WV): Hosts tournaments and Mahjong-themed weekends for guests
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Austin, TX): Hosts “Mahjong by the Lake” retreats and offers lessons as part of its wellness program
Bowie House, Auberge Collection (Fort Worth, TX): Play Mahjong at dedicated open play evenings in the Billet Room
West
Luxor Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas): Offers weekly tournaments and open play in its HyperX Arena
Le Meridien San Francisco: Its “Mahjong & Martinis” event takes place on the terrace with a themed martini menu
Terranea Resort (Palos Verdes, CA): Guests can book a four-day “Mahjong Getaway”
I’ve also seen themed Mahjong cruises with Royal Caribbean, Oceania, MSC, and AmaWaterways.
Need to know
Contact me if you’d like to travel for Mahjong, whether to take your first lesson or to book a retreat to play or polish your game. I’ll help you find the right hotel that can also deliver all the usual perks!
Travel Advisor
Whitney Kendall
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