Mama Shelter, Marseille
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“Tucked into the hipster cours Julien district, this unique hotel is the brainchild of designer Philippe Starck. Rooms are bright and cool, from the modular furnishings to the wall-mounted Macs offering dozens of free on-demand movies. Downstairs, Egyptian graffiti artist Tarek has tagged the industrial-chic restaurant’s ceiling.”
“Part of a funky mini-chain of design-forward hotels, Marseille’s Mama Shelter offers 125 Philippe Starck–imagined rooms over five floors. It’s all about keeping the cool kids happy here – with sleek white-and-chrome colour schemes, a live stage and bar; and a giant babi foot (fussball) table.”
“The Marseille member of the fast-growing Mama Shelter clan rocks this mini-chain’s popular formula of low(-ish) prices and light-hearted, high-concept urban chic. Zesty public areas and neat Zen bedrooms combine to offer a pleasurable cocooning experience in an outlying district of the city.”
What guests liked
- Comfortable beds
- Top location
- Great breakfast
- Boutique style
- Private parking
All you need to know
Mama Shelter is a fantastic fit for this vibrant port city, and its location, halfway between the Old Port and the arty Cours Julien district, puts you close to both known tourist attractions and cultural institutions. This is a destination that’s hard to leave, located right in the city center, near the Cours Julien district. The urban art feels and mix of concert halls and sunny terraces make it one of the popular hotels to stay in.
In Mama Shelter, whimsical and wacky design style is on full display. They certainly have mastered the art of bringing these small, bare-bones places to life. The hotel is primarily about socializing, buzzing, and keeping its members entertained. Definitely, the hotel is not for pure luxury addicts. But, Mama Shelter is far from boring.
Mama Shelter isn’t a palatial hotel, but it’s also not uncomfortable. This is the budget boutique done perfectly, with just a hint of opulence where it counts the most. There are 125 cozy rooms distributed across six stories, with smart displays, and contemporary schemes inspired by the Mediterranean palette. The ground floor restaurant, is Mama’s hub, with its large bar, open kitchen, and generous dining tables, seasonal specialties accompanied by live music several evenings a week. Three Ateliers, a sunny patio, and lots of break-out places or a fast game of table football can all be found here. The bar tones down the pretentiousness and aspires for a game-room vibe. Mama’s Shelter knows how to provide a relaxed yet entertaining atmosphere.
Location
Other Marseille hotels
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Lonely Planet + 1 more“Morocco comes to Marseille at this stylish hotel, which takes its inspiration from the riads (traditional houses) of North Africa, all woven cushions, patterned rugs and colourful throws. There’s a lovely garden, the top-floor room (‘Mogador’) has its own mini roof terrace.”
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Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Marseille.