Mama Shelter is a great concept. This hotel-restaurant-bar-scene opened in Paris in 2008. Conceived by Cyril Aouizerate (philosopher and urban planner) and the Trigano family (Club Med), Philippe Starck created the design. This urban, quirky and accessible place to live is a success. And yet, located on rue de Bagnolet, in the 20th arrondissement, few believed in it… And yet, the establishment has succeeded in taking up the challenge of fitting into this rather working-class neighborhood and creating a warm and unusual meeting place. So why stop in the capital?
Since April 2012, Marseille has been lucky enough to welcome the second Mama Shelter, far from the tourist spots (such as the old port or Notre-Dame de la Garde) without being on the seafront, or having a view of it… Intrigued by this choice of location, Luxsure took a look around: follow the guide.
September, a beautiful summer air, the weekend, the desire to escape, to get some fresh air. A 3h30 train ride and we’re in Marseille. Its Saint-Charles station, its warmth, its Mediterranean. Mama is waiting for us. We’d already spoken to her team by e-mail and on the phone, and the warm welcome was about to be confirmed. Arriving in a rather typical neighborhood, we discover a discreet, elegant, designer building that stands out from the surrounding architecture. It’s a nice change of pace, and makes you feel immersed in the city, which is just as well.
Located at 64 rue de la Loubière, just off the busy Cours Julien, Mama’s 6 floors offer visitors 127 rooms. But that’s not all. This lively place boasts a beautiful inner courtyard, which hosts the aperitif, as befits Marseille, with its“anis BAR“; serving some forty different pastis, we’ll no longer say we don’t like it (as I did before tasting the melon-flavored Manguin): Mama has something for everyone!
The restaurant, Mama’s main room, is a must. Because it’s at the heart of hotel life, because it has large tables where you can come as a group or share your meal with new faces, and because it offers a simple, delicate menu concocted by the famous chef Alain Senderens.
Apparently, their cheeseburger is a must-try, but due to their success, there were no tables available that evening… so reservations are essential, especially if you’re coming on a weekend.
And it’s the place to be from Thursday to Saturday evenings for Bob’s choice of sounds; DJs, local bands and famous musicians take to the stage, while you sip a cocktail“made in Mama” at the bar, as the city of Marseille celebrates.
The program is posted on the Mama Shelter’s Facebook page and Twitter account, enabling locals and visitors to the hotel alike to enjoy the concerts/DJ sets.
We’ve now entered the open, friendly world of Mama. But there’s still a lot to explore. Mama Marseille also has a private beach (“le Mama beach”) just 10 minutes from the hotel by car, away from the crowds and the Prado beaches.
Unlucky for us, the mistral wind got the better of the farniente… but various reports suggest that this is “the place to be”. For its colorful furnishings, with deckchairs and parasols obviously designed by Starck, but also for its breathtaking view over Marseille. So, next time we’re there, we’ll be sure to reserve our place in the sun among the 40 happy-few who can loll about.
Mama has also thought of us professionals, by imagining an astonishing meeting space, “L’Atelier”, which doesn’t take itself too seriously. Combining humor, beautiful furnishings, state-of-the-art work tools ( Bose sound system) and leisure objects, Mama will turn any seminar into a game of fun. At break time, what colleague wouldn’t be tempted by a game of table tennis on the magnificent private teak terrace?
But in the course of telling you all about Mama’s talents, I almost forgot the essential element: the hotel and its rooms. Especially since our short stay here was a true “refuge” from the hustle and bustle of the city. As far as I’m concerned, you’ll find all the advantages of luxury (calm, innovation, comfort, quality of products, service, space if you opt for a Luxe or Deluxe room, for example) with a real simplicity that’s rare these days.
The hotel is full of clever and amusing little details:
- access card to rooms via the elevator, making the premises more secure,
- Mama’s home fragrance, which perfumes the lobby as soon as you arrive,
- words of wisdom, quotations and other definitions from Marseille’s vocabulary on walls and carpets,
- masks of fictional characters to take a few snapshots with friends using photo software on the Apple screen in your room or restaurant
- and the mini-shop with games for kids and adults too (sex toys and naughty accessories)…
From €69 a night, you can enjoy a double room, admittedly rather small, but complete: top-level bedding, silk cotton finery, Kiehl’s skincare products, an iMac in place of a TV, with free video and WiFi access. Above all, you’ll enjoy an original setting thanks to Philippe Starck and his ever more creative ideas: exposed concrete wall, vintage apple-green lino floor, frames of mirrors and luminous bed for a made-to-measure atmosphere, …
Well, vacations at Mama are great, but unfortunately only last a short time. And only a detour to Marseille will give you the opportunity to meet the 70 super-helpful and relaxed staff. Thanks to them, there’s no doubt that you’ll be immersed in the atmosphere that Mama has created, which is as intimate as it is family-friendly.
Even though the hotel is still breaking in after just a few months in business, one can’t help but appreciate the Southern culture that has been well integrated into this clearly trendy space. Hospitality is natural here, and has been skilfully blended with a chic, contemporary style: you’d almost feel“at home“, some would say.
Soon, the Lyonnais will be joining the Mama family, and other projects abroad (Istanbul, and even Los Angeles, we hear) could be on the horizon. Mama loves us all, wherever & whoever you are, and Luxsure definitely loves the Mama Shelter.
Jessica Gauzi
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
