Mama Shelter Paris East

109, Rue De Bagnolet, Paris, FranceUnrated Hotel

Average: $168 (2 weeks from now)

Review score

8.1

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Reviewed by EuroCheapo.com Editors

Calling all hipsters! The Mama Shelter Paris East, located one block east of Père Lachaise cemetery in the 20th arrondissement, offers 170 rooms with ultra-trendy design in an atmosphere that’s equal parts hotel, nightclub and fashionista den. For this Mama, eclectic design reigns supreme.

A creation of hotel impresario Philippe Starck, the Mama Shelter has been injecting style into Paris’ affordable hotel scene since it opened its trendy doors in 2008. You’ll notice that it’s not-your-mama's-hotel when you spot its modern facade—seven floors that combine concrete and floor-to-ceiling windows at severe angles. It could easily be mistaken for a modern art museum somewhere in Scandinavia.

Despite the innovative touches, rates remain reasonable for this trendy hotel. Doubles average around €140 per night in the peak season, while low-season rates can be found for around €100.

It should be no surprise then that rooms at the Mama Shelter are interesting. First off, they’re practical—each is equipped with a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchenette, and minibar. Large soundproof windows offer impressive neighborhood views. The décor juxtaposes concrete walls with wooden surfaces, and the dark carpeting seems to have been scribbled on by 1,000 silver markers. Someone decided to cover the bedside lamps with masks of cartoon characters, casting a rather Goofy glow over the otherwise entirely too dark rooms. (Seriously, somebody turn up the lights!)

Happily, bathrooms are quite bright, with white tiles and a large glass-walled walk-in shower, and Kiehl’s toiletries. None of the rooms have bathtubs.

The ground floor buzzes with techy exuberance—and moves to a constant beat. Past the spot-lit reception area, a “business center” consists of several large iMacs under a deconstructed chandelier.

When we visited, the restaurant was alive with diners snacking in armchairs and at retro-style school desks. A group of friends was competing furiously at foosball. Candles flickered and electronica music grooved. A deep conversation was underway on the smoking terrace. And my, aren’t those waiters attractive!

Some visitors, especially first-timers in Paris, will find the Mama Shelter East’s location, in the Saint Blaise neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement, far-flung. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the Metro and could never be considered “central.” However, the neighborhood is diverse and vibrant, and presents its own hipster offerings, including the famous “Flèche d’Or” nightclub across the street.

Or you could just hang out at the bar downstairs—the DJ might be better.

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor. This review is based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.

Cheapo File

Average Rate

(Average double rate 2 weeks from now)

  • $168

Essentials

  • Air conditioning
  • Bathroom: Private
  • Elevator
  • Non-Smoking Hotel
  • Telephone
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi: Free

Location: Somewhat central

5,443.9km to city center

Main attractions: Most tourists don’t know much about this northeastern Paris neighborhood, except those who pass through on their way to Jim Morrison or Oscar Wilde’s grave in the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery.

Neighborhood atmosphere: This scruffy, animated corner of the city has an unpretentious feel and is full of funky café-theaters, nightclubs and indie music hotspots where you can grab a drink and soak up some culture (not to mention join the hipsters for brunch on the roof of the Philippe Starck-designed Mama Shelter hotel).

Affordability: One of the more affordable corners of the city.

Stay Here If: You want to get a feel for an authentic Parisian neighborhood on the edge town.

Stay Elsewhere If: You want the proven charms of a more tourist-friendly, conventionally pretty and conveniently central neighborhood.

Père Lachaise / Belleville (20th) hotels

Local Value

Average Rates are 57% more expensive than other Unrated Hotel properties within 2 km

Review score

8.1

Amenities

Hotel

  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bicycle Rental
  • Breakfast Extra Charge
  • Cafeteria
  • City tour
  • Concierge/Booking Services
  • Conference room
  • Currency Exchange
  • Elevator
  • Free Newspapers
  • Gift shop
  • Laundry Service
  • Luggage Storage
  • Non-Smoking Hotel
  • Office Center
  • Parking
  • Pet Friendly
  • Reception: 24-Hour
  • Restaurant
  • Shops in the hotel
  • Table Tennis
  • Wake-Up Service
  • Wi-Fi Connection
  • Wi-Fi: Free

Room

  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm Clock
  • Bathroom: Private
  • CD player
  • DVD player
  • Hair Dryer
  • Handicap accessible rooms
  • Heat
  • Internet Access
  • Key Card Access
  • Microwave
  • Minibar
  • Radio
  • Rooms with view
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed Windows
  • Telephone
  • TV

Contact

109, Rue De Bagnolet
Père Lachaise / Belleville (20th), Paris, France

01 43 48 48 48
Fax: 01 43 48 49 49

Website: https://mamashelter.com/paris-east/

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