Mama Shelter Marseille

So, what brings me back to this part of the world? Firstly, I was keen to see the effects of Marseille’s cultural regeneration in the flesh. Being the European Capital of Culture in 2013, new museums were opened, existing ones revamped, dilapidated buildings restored and weather-worn monuments touched up. In short, a long-running series of changes over the last decade have breathed a new lease of life into France’s oldest town. Secondly, following my visit to the Mama Shelter Bordeaux, I already acquired a taste for Philippe Starck’s mesmerizingly quirky, contemporary design and the chain’s fashionable and sociable atmosphere, and I decidedly wanted more.

The Mama Shelter Marseille is a far cry from the grand architecture of the traditional hotels surrounding the legendary Vieux Port. Set in a former butcher’s shop, in a residential area within walking distance of the historic centre, it was the ideal compromise for me – a modern and luxurious twist on the authentically gritty Marseille that I used to know and love. It is situated just minutes from the Cours Julien, the trendiest area of modern Marseille with its striking street art, plenty of fashionable bookstores and cafés, and a lively, creative, artistic spirit.

This spirit is reflected perfectly by the Mama Shelter. It is no wonder that Philippe Starck is so highly esteemed in the world of hotel design – his creations are preposterously inventive and imaginative, and full of modern artistic flair. Here, an eclectic mix of furnishings blend retro and futuristic, wacky patterns adorn the walls and upholstery, there is graffiti on the ceilings, and the floors are embellished with hand-drawn illustrations… In the rooms, I recognised the top-notch facilities, including free Wi-Fi and iMacs with free on-demand movies, along with playful touches such as the cartoon character masks.

The hotel is as sociable as you want it to be, welcoming a friendly, fun-loving crowd while also catering for those looking for a more intimate experience – for example, individual dining tables complement the canteen-style benches in the restaurant, and the peaceful terrace bar, which specialises in varieties of Pastis, offers a more intimate ambiance than the main bar. After a delicious evening meal, I struck up a conversation while sipping cocktails in the bar, and finished by playing table football to some live music in the company of Mama Shelter’s high-spirited crowd.

Marseille, now even more so than when I used to know these streets like the back of my hand, is an intoxicating mixture of ancient monuments and modern culture, quintessential charm and avant-garde style. It is well worth making sure your batteries are fully charged to make the most of this remarkable city, and the Mama Shelter Marseille offers a fantastic solution.