Mama Shelter is the trendy hotel group that keeps on proving that mama knows what’s best. Despite being formerly a rather run-down industrial city, Bordeaux witnessed a renaissance since the turn of the century, an explosion of culture, cuisine, restored historic buildings and contemporary design. Set in an old industrial building, beautifully transformed by Philippe Starck’s fantastic modern design, the Mama Shelter perfectly represents the transformation of Bordeaux. What’s more, it is home to a fashionable bar, boasts a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, and holds so many quirks and surprises in store…
In the last twenty years Bordeaux has been opened up to the water, the centre has been pedestrianized and the infrastructure modernised. With its diverse and trendy crowd, dazzling design and fun-loving vibe, the Mama Shelter encapsulates the spirit of the new Bordeaux better than anywhere else.
The Mama Shelter’s architecture of the old gas company headquarters with its giant tower was wacky enough when it was constructed in the 1930s; now it is the interior which is quirky and innovative. In the interior the trademark Mama Shelter graffitied ceilings, the sober shades of black, red and green, the one-of-a-kind decorative features and the checkerboard floor embellished with eye-catching patterns…
In my room, I felt right at home with mama’s homely touch. There was plenty of light and space, with high ceilings and huge windows, and the facilities were bettered only by Starck’s phenomenal and unique design.
The restaurant is perhaps the outstanding centrepiece of the whole hotel. The atmospheric lighting illuminates a weird, wonderful and unusual space which is large and welcoming at once. The teapot lamps dangling from the low ceiling only confirmed what I already knew – I had stumbled across a real Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
As the night wears on, the restaurant gradually becomes a cocktail bar and sometimes even a kind of club after, depending on the night of the week. It has fast established itself as one of the town’s most chic, colourful and essential nightspots, a perfect place to relax, laugh and joke with friends. I moved downstairs, where there is even a ping pong room to keep guests entertained, as if anyone was not having enough fun already.
The Mama Shelter Bordeaux is a whimsical spot to feel at home and in your comfort zone, and always inviting you to have a good time.
Philippe Starck’s design, using a little touch of magic to transform an abandoned building into a unique and special place.
The rooms are bright and comfortable and make you feel right at home.
The bar, a sociable space to sip on a cocktail and appreciate the quirky décor.
The restaurant is colourful and friendly, serving up some simple yet excellent cuisine, and always using the best local and homemade ingredients.
