Tucked away in the Saint Blaise quartier in the east-side of Paris, Mama Shelter could be overlooked as travellers could make the mistake of choosing convenient alternatives closer to the tourist trail. What it offers instead is an eccentric and stylish experience, combined with a chance of experiencing a more authentic view of life in this vibrant and eclectic city.
I first heard of this Philippe Starck designed hotel while checking out what was going to be happening at the Fleche D'Or club during my brief visit in September. I was lucky enough to be able to stay during the opening weekend, and, barring a few teething problems, had a fantastic time.
The rooms themselve are not your standard neutral coloured chintz-fest. Instead, they're decked out in black, with design playing a major role in creating a really funky look. Two large mirrors on opposing walls create a feeling of the infinite, but the lighting is sympathetic, neither too dazzling or lost to the darkness of the walls. The bed (a king size in my booking) was fantastically comfortable, after a hard day in Paris and energetic night in the Fleche D'Or mentioned earlier, it almost seemed like it exerted some kind of sleep magnetism, pulling me towards it's soothing embrace.
In every room, there's also a ridiculously huge, flatscreen Mac mounted on the wall. This offers you net access, TV and radio, the ability to play DVD's, upload holiday snaps, basically everything you'd need to continue your online presence. Yes, this makes me a bit of a geek, I admit, but the internet is the de facto source of current information, what better way to find out what's going on? The inclusion of the Mac, itself a style icon, really hammers home the care that the hotels owners have taken. Add to this the superhero masks on the bedside lamps, the fantastic rainfall shower (with complimentary Kiehl toiletries), the furniture and fittings that come right out of the Design museum. I was seriously impressed by it all.
The service at the hotel was top notch, helped, I imagine, by the fact that it had just opened. From the moment you arrive to when you leave, the staff are extremely efficient and courteous. I was greeted at reception by three members of staff, one who dealt with the checking in, one to carry my bags and the third who welcomed me, gave me some useful tips and tricks regarding how to travel, where was good to eat etc. It was a level of personal service I didn't expect from a place I'd only paid £60 for one nights stay for two people. The staff were young and vibrant, they seemed relaxed in their roles and eager to help, yet still retaining a professionalism.
The location itself does seem a little isolated, but in fact is a major bonus. A ten minute walk brings you to the fantastic Pere Lachase cemetary, with its many grandiose tombs. I spent a good hour strolling around it on Sunday morning, visiting the graves of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, amongst others. The Fleche D'Or is just over the road, along with a few good bars (although the hotel bar is really great too, quality cocktails!). There are many cheap places to eat and drink within walking distance, influenced by the north african, middle eastern and oriental migrants that live in the local community, as well as the student population. The 76 bus will take you straight into the cities heart, going as far as the Louvre, so you're well connected, and the metro is only a ten minute walk away (you can get from the Gare du Nord to Alexander Dumas directly, making travel via Eurostar particularly convenient). The surrounding areas contain some really neat places to go out (notably the bar area near Metro Ledru-Rollin, with so many great cocktail bars and restaurants, bustling with activity).
I'm really glad I found Mama Shelter, if I had stayed elsewhere I don't think I would have experienced Paris in the same way. If they can keep the same level of service and attention to detail up as their opening weekend, then there should be a bright future ahead for them, and I wish them the best of luck in their new venture. read more