This unusual hostel, which takes its theme from the classic Chinese tile game, caught our eye due to its clever design flourishes, like cement work that incorporates vintage tiles, and cozy-looking throw pillows that also reference Mahjong.
As we looked into the place, however, we learned that it’s actually one of the highest-rated economy stays in the conventionally pricey Hong Kong. The Mahjong has scored awards from TripAdvisor each year in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
But it’s still a hostel, some of you may think. Yup, you’re right. It’s still a dorm living, shared kitchen having, people washing their smelly socks below a sign in the bathroom sink that implores them not to do laundry there kinda life. But, if you’re gonna stay in a hostel, this one’s pretty cool.
Photos show groups of travelers trying the classic game in the social areas and reviewers report loving that they can choose double beds tucked into cubby holes, called pods, at this hostel.
Apparently, The Mahjong, while not near an MTR station, is right in front of a bus station and is within an old-school neighborhood with low-rise buildings — mostly 60s-era — and all kinds of great street food and local bakeries that you might not get if you choose to stay closer to the city center, say in the popular Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Mongkok.
The bilingual staff also gets great reviews, with many of them being called out by name by reviewers, who thank them for teaching them to play mahjong, helping them arrange transport, and even taking them on walks through the local wet market.
FIND IT:
The Mahjong
16 Pak Tai Street
To Kwa Wan
Dorm beds from HK$180 (US$23)
20 minute walk to MTR Ho Man Ting
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