Membership in The Hidden Parlor is intentionally limited. The following notes offer a glimpse into how The Hidden Parlor operates and what members may expect inside its doors.
Every good society invites a certain number of questions. We have taken the liberty of sharing a few answers below.
The Hidden Parlor is a private members society built around the timeless game of American Mahjong and the community that naturally gathers around it.
Within its walls, members come together around beautifully set tables for American Mahjong, conversation, and the easy camaraderie that forms whenever people gather in good company.
The thoughtfully designed space and gracious hospitality create an atmosphere where both seasoned players and curious newcomers feel equally at home. Members share an appreciation for beautiful surroundings, elevated experiences, and the simple pleasure of gathering together in a private setting.
The Hidden Parlor is, above all, a private society defined by good company and time well spent.
If you know, you know.
Our intended home is on the first floor of a building in downtown Andover, Massachusetts.
Discussions with the landlord and the Town of Andover have been underway since November 2025, and we are working closely with all parties to thoughtfully bring the space to life.
The specific address is reserved for members and serious membership inquiries.
We are currently working toward a soft opening in August 2026, followed by a grand opening after Labor Day in September 2026.
As with any thoughtfully designed space, timelines occasionally shift as final details come together. Members will be kept informed as milestones approach.
Creating a new kind of gathering space requires patience and precision.
From licensing and design to operational planning and thoughtful programming, The Hidden Parlor is being built from the ground up. Rather than rushing the process, we have chosen to move forward carefully so the club opens exactly as envisioned.
After all, anticipation has always been part of the charm of any good society.
Daily operations will be overseen by a Founding General Manager with strong hospitality experience, supported by a gracious team responsible for welcoming members and ensuring the club runs smoothly.
Instructional programming will be led by qualified independent Mahjong instructors.
The Hidden Parlor carries a touch of mystery.
The club will be led by a dedicated Founding General Manager, while those who first imagined The Hidden Parlor prefer to remain quietly behind the scenes.
After all, a little intrigue is part of the charm.
Membership supports the space itself including the facility, staff, programming, technology, and the many details that allow The Hidden Parlor to operate gracefully behind the scenes.
Like many traditional clubs, The Hidden Parlor operates on an annual membership model to maintain a consistent and welcoming experience for Members of The Hidden Parlor.
Yes.
The Hidden Parlor is intentionally designed to remain intimate and comfortable for its members. For this reason, membership will be limited.
Initial membership will be capped at a level that ensures the club remains welcoming and tables remain available.
Yes. Memberships are available for renewal annually on the anniversary of enrollment.
For those who join prior to opening, the initial membership period is prorated to begin at opening, anticipated August 2026, and run through the anniversary of purchase.
Membership may be used once the club opens, anticipated August 2026.
In advance of opening, members may be invited to occasional gatherings and collaborations within the community.
The Hidden Parlor is currently being thoughtfully prepared for its opening.
While we are not offering general tours at this time, members who join prior to opening may occasionally be invited to preview the space as it comes together.
The club is being designed with great care to ensure a beautiful and welcoming setting for Mahjong and gathering.
In the meantime, many prospective members enjoy passing by our location in downtown Andover for a glimpse of where The Hidden Parlor will soon take shape.
After all, a society hidden in plain sight is sometimes best discovered that way.
Yes. Memberships may certainly be given as a gift.
To arrange a gifted membership, please contact hello@thehiddenparlorsociety.com and our team will be delighted to assist.
Some membership levels include complimentary play opportunities, leagues, or other programming, while additional programming may be offered throughout the year.
Members should refer to the membership descriptions for details on what is included at each level.
The Hidden Parlor will offer American Mahjong play during daytime hours, evenings, and weekends.
Exact operating hours will be announced closer to opening as programming and member activity patterns take shape.
Members will be able to reserve Mahjong tables during operating hours through the club’s member portal.
During daytime hours, Members of The Hidden Parlor will enjoy complimentary coffee and water.
During select evening hours, The Hidden Parlor intends to offer wine and malt beverages, subject to local licensing approvals.
In accordance with local regulations, a modest menu will also be available. The Hidden Parlor is not a restaurant, and the menu will remain intentionally limited.
Members and their guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages as well.
Yes.
Accessibility has been a priority from the beginning.
The Hidden Parlor is planning to be located on the first floor of the building and can be accessed via ramp without stairs.
Restroom facilities are located downstairs within the prospective building and may be reached by elevator or stairs.
Yes.
At our anticipated location in downtown Andover, we expect to have a set number of dedicated parking spaces, clearly designated for Hidden Parlor members and guests.
A municipal parking lot is located directly next door, and street parking is available immediately outside the Parlor.
Handicap parking spaces for the building are also located near the entrance.
Select membership levels include personal lockers, allowing members to store small items such as Mahjong cards or personal game accessories.
Availability is limited and details are outlined within the membership descriptions.
The Hidden Parlor is guided by a simple principle: good company and good manners make for the best games.
Members are asked to be mindful of the shared atmosphere of the club and to approach the table with gracious play and a welcoming spirit. The Hidden Parlor is designed as a place to unplug and enjoy the game, and members are encouraged to keep phone calls and devices discreet.
After all, the most memorable games are rarely about the tiles alone.
Yes. The Hidden Parlor follows a country chic style of dress, reflecting the relaxed yet polished character of the club.
Members are encouraged to dress in a well-styled, casual manner appropriate for a social club setting. Athletic or overly casual attire is generally discouraged, with the exception of Hidden Parlor branded pieces available through our boutique.
From time to time, the Parlor may designate certain evenings or special events where a different style of dress is invited.
Members of The Hidden Parlor are welcome to visit as often as they wish during operating hours.
To ensure tables are available, members are encouraged to reserve Mahjong tables through the member portal, though walk-ins are welcomed when space allows.
Members may also stop by simply to relax, read, knit, or enjoy the sitting areas when tables are not in use.
Members may bring a limited number of guests for a guest fee. Certain membership levels include a select number of annual complimentary guest passes. Members should refer to the membership descriptions for details on what is included with each level.
Guest visits allow members to occasionally share the experience of The Hidden Parlor while preserving the club’s intimate and member-focused atmosphere.
Current guest table pricing for 2.5 hours is:
Daytime Mahjong seating: $65 per player
Evening Mahjong seating: $85 per player
When space allows, members may also invite a guest to participate in a six-week league on a one-time basis. Leagues are designed primarily for members, and guest participation is offered only when availability permits.
Current six-week league guest pricing is:
Daytime league: $500 per guest per league
Evening league: $600 per guest per league
You will be in excellent company.
Instructional sessions and beginner-friendly programming will be offered throughout the year with experienced instructors. Many Members of The Hidden Parlor will also be learning or refining their game.
Every seasoned player was once a beginner.
No.
The Hidden Parlor provides Mahjong tables, mats, racks, and tiles for members to use while in the club.
The club features custom Hidden Parlor Mahjong tiles, created specifically for play at The Hidden Parlor. These Founding Edition tiles will also be included with select membership levels so members may enjoy them both within the club and at home.
Members who have a favorite Mahjong set of their own are always welcome to bring it or store it in their locker. Our hostesses are happy to prepare a table using a member’s preferred tiles.
Members are encouraged to bring their own National Mah Jongg League card when they come to play.
Members who join before the club opens are eligible to receive a complimentary 2026 National Mah Jongg League card. If you would like your card in advance of opening, please email hello@thehiddenparlorsociety.com after purchasing your membership and we will be glad to send it by mail.
If a member forgets their card, National Mah Jongg League cards will also be available for purchase at the Hidden Parlor boutique.
Many members may choose to keep a spare card stored in their locker at the club.
Mahjong is traditionally played with four players, but the game can easily be adapted for two players (Siamese) or three players as well.
Members are welcome to visit the club at any time. Our hostesses are happy to help connect members who are looking to form a game.
Members may reserve Mahjong tables during operating hours, with reservations available during both daytime and evening play.
Reservations may be made through the member portal, by calling or emailing the Parlor, or by visiting in person when tables are available.
Current member reservation rates for 2.5 hours are:
Daytime Mahjong seating: $20 per player
Evening Mahjong seating: $35 per player
Certain membership levels include a set number of complimentary reservations each month, while others are subject to guest rates for evening and weekend play. Members may refer to the membership descriptions for details on what is included with each level.
Reservation rates are subject to change as programming evolves.
The Hidden Parlor offers organized Mahjong leagues throughout the year for members who enjoy regular play and friendly competition.
Leagues typically follow a six-week format, meeting at the same day and time each week, with occasional adjustments for holidays.
Current pricing for six-week leagues is:
Daytime leagues: $200
Evening leagues: $300
Certain membership levels include a set number of complimentary leagues each year. Other memberships participate at the published member league rates, while memberships designed primarily for weekday daytime play may join evening or weekend leagues at guest rates. Members may refer to the membership descriptions for details on what is included with each level.
League offerings and pricing are subject to change as programming evolves.
Yes.
Throughout the year, The Hidden Parlor will host instructional sessions, open play gatherings, organized leagues, tournaments, and special society events.
Programming is designed to bring together Mahjong enthusiasts while building a vibrant community within the club.
We welcome inquiries from experienced instructors.
Instructional programming will be led by qualified independent teachers.
Yes.
The Hidden Parlor will host friendly tournaments and special Mahjong events for members who enjoy a bit of spirited competition.
Select opportunities for private member gatherings may be available.
Because The Hidden Parlor is first and foremost a members’ club, any private use of the space will be limited and carefully scheduled so as not to disrupt regular member access.
Additional details will be shared with members following opening.
Yes.
In addition to American Mahjong play and leagues, The Hidden Parlor will occasionally host small, thoughtfully curated gatherings such as floral evenings, seasonal workshops, and other social experiences for members.
These gatherings are designed to complement the rhythm of the club while preserving its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Yes.
A collection of Mahjong accessories and Hidden Parlor society pieces are available through our online boutique.
Certain pieces are released in limited quantities or offered only from time to time, in keeping with the spirit and traditions of The Hidden Parlor.
Hidden Parlor pieces are already appearing. A hat at the grocery store. A travel mug on the sidelines of a game. A sweatshirt on a walk through town.
Those familiar with The Hidden Parlor will not miss them.
Watch for them.
If you know, you know.
Access to The Hidden Parlor Society is extended in phases. Invitations are first offered to those on our early access list, with additional invitations extended to the waitlist as space allows.
Memberships are released in small quantities and remain available until the Society reaches its initial capacity. If you have received a preferred access code, it may be applied at checkout.
Once membership is purchased, members receive access to additional member-only information, programming, and offerings as they are introduced.
Membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase, unless using a preferred code for a shorter limited offer term. Members are invited to renew at the end of their term.
Once The Hidden Parlor officially opens, memberships will be offered strictly on an annual basis.
Preferred codes allow you to secure membership to The Hidden Parlor Society prior to opening. All memberships secured before opening will begin when the club opens (anticipated August 2026).
Each preferred code is tied to a specific initial membership length and price. Earlier codes offer a shorter initial length of membership at a more favorable rate, requiring less upfront commitment. As we approach opening, new memberships will be offered at standard one-year terms only.
Early members benefit from preferred pricing and priority access.
At the end of the initial term, members are invited to renew for a full one-year membership.
Prior to opening, memberships are fully refundable.
Once The Hidden Parlor officially opens, memberships become non-refundable, similar to most private clubs.
Members will have the opportunity to renew their membership annually on the anniversary of their purchase.
Memberships are intended for the individual member and are non-transferable.
The Hidden Parlor is
an American Mahjong society
hidden in plain sight.
Those who spend time within it
quickly discover
it is something much more.
