Nowadays renowned and appreciated, the Mama Shelter touch is characterised by the very discreet exterior architecture, entirely inconspicuous, and an interior decor that combines fun, design and variety.
Once inside the Mama Shelter, guests land directly in the world of Philippe Starck, and right away they can tell if this is the hotel for them or not. Indeed, the decor is a real divisive issue; the least that can be said is that you either love it, or you don't... Clearly, those looking for purity and a Zen atmosphere won't feel at home in the communal areas of the hotel. The tone is set from the lobby - the first space guests see - with a black ceiling covered in multicolour chalk pictures, display cases filled with children's masks, a large bright red toboggan for a bench, a big square wooden table with two Mac computers and the famous Starck chairs/stools. The ambiance can be described as playful-regressive, technological-colourful!
Next comes the bar and restaurant area, where guests will find the same atmosphere with a huge table football table, an equally huge long central bar topped with garlands of multicoloured rubber rings hung from the ceiling, and matching garlands of saucepans hanging above the counter of the open kitchen. There's no doubt about it, the hotel is aimed at a chic, trendy, boho, return to childhood but with the comfort of an adult, style clientèle.
Speaking of comfort, we liked the black and white striped seats where you can sit and relax with a drink, although unfortunately there aren't enough of them. Standing against a table covered in books, magazines and lamps, they make you feel as though you are 'at home, in Starck's home'. Those who aren't lucky enough to enjoy this limited comfort have the choice of sitting at the bar counter with its charming Lyonnais restaurant feel, of squeezing onto the surprisingly low chairs (like the ones at school) at the tables that line the large bay window, or taking a seat at the back of the room in the stylish canteen atmosphere with mismatched iron chairs.
On sunny days, guests can also sit out on the furnished outdoor terrace with its artificial lawn, its little shrubs, and its tables for two, four or twelve people. A very pleasant spot, closed off from the street by rush fencing which, when the sun shines, makes it feel like you're on your summer holiday.