Mama Shelter Marseille
What We Love
- The friendly staff have great recommendations for shopping and eating
- The endlessly entertaining décor, especially the inflatable pool toys that hang over the bar
- Not having to leave the hotel to have a good time; the restaurant and bar rev up at night, with DJs spinning and an infusion of locals to mingle with
What To Know
- Ask for a room at the back to avoid the noise from bar-goers at the weekends
- The “Small Mama” rooms are very small indeed
- No room service
- Free WiFi
Amenities
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Handicap-accessible
- Parking On Site
- Pet-friendly
- Restaurant
Overview
The Lowdown
For a base from which to explore Marseille without spending a fortune, Mama Shelter does the trick, with the added benefit of colorful, Philippe Starck–designed rooms and a vibrant social scene. Each room comes with an iMac pre-loaded with movies (ask for a keyboard at reception if you want to use it as an actual computer), and, while many rooms are small and bathrooms minuscule, the décor is on point: concrete walls set off pastel furniture and colorful linoleum floors, while accents like plastic masks are there to play around with. We love the extra terrace bar for warm weather; it has a menu of over 40 kinds of pastis and a pool filled with giant chess pieces. Don’t leave without browsing the hotel shop, which sells a host of products made in collaboration with hip French brands like the Mama Skin organic range of cosmetics, chocolate bars by Le Chocolat des Français, and stuffed plush toys in bright colors.
In the Area
Snuggled between the Vieux Port (the old port) and the artsy Cours Julien neighborhood, Mama Shelter is a good base for checking out the city. It’s a 20-minute walk to the touristy port, crammed with bars, restaurants, and the Notre Dame church and just five from the indie shops and coffeehouses of the much less glitzy Cours Julien. The MuCEM, a landmark museum of Mediterranean culture designed by Rudy Ricciotti and with a very Instagrammable location overlooking the sea, is a half-hour walk. For explorations deeper into Marseille, there are metro stops five minutes away. And, in the summer, there’s always the beach: ask the staff to book you a sun lounger in the hotel’s private section.
How to Get There
Reviews
A modern and versatile place in the heart of Marseille. Parking was an issue and we waited more than half an hour to park in the garage after a laundry truck has done it’s business. It’s so Marseille, no big deal. The vibe is young and fun. We stayed for two nights. No car was needed to tour around the harbor and city. The food was good and the room was clean with windows to peek on the neighborhood. Definitely recommend it.
We stayed for four nights and thoroughly enjoyed our home away from home. Friendly staff helps make this a welcome place in a rather busy city. Good restaurant on-site further makes the stay convenient and easy.
I stayed at Mama Shelter Marseille for ten days, including Christmas. I also stayed there last year, and as I enjoyed it so much, returned. The staff is bilingual, friendly and helpful. I booked a Large Mama room, and it had a wonderful soaking tub and extra area for a pull out sofa bed for my daughter. We also had her kitty there, which was special for both of us. The breakfasts are not to be missed, and dinners nice and convenient. The staff also recommended excellent restaurants outside of the hotel. My daughter lives in Marseille, so when I visit again, I'll stay at Mama Shelter.
A nice way to avoid the more touristy neighborhoods, Mama Shelter Marseille is a quick walk from the Baille Metro stop and the Cours Julien neighborhood with its many bars, shops and restaurants. Friendly staff was very welcoming. Great bar and restaurant. Interior rooms are quiet, but beware of the dj sets on the weekend, you’ll hear the bass! Rooms were clean and modern, but lacked some niceties like extra pillows, a bottle opener, or an ice bucket. Would definitely stay again.
The Hotel atmosphere and the cool staff does a great influence, Young , fresh and nice comfortable rooms with Apple Gadgets are very welcome. Food and Drinks have been delightful and the Music at that evening was very pleasant and the French way of living become alive.