Mama Shelter Istanbul ★★★★

Set in the top floors of a high-rise which houses a shopping centre, the hotel enjoys great views from its upper levels, particularly from the roof terrace. It was that terrace which really caught my imagination, the cherry on the top of a beautiful cake. Philippe Starck’s stunning modern design which brings every single space to life is once again present up here – funky patterns on the cushions scattered over the cosy sofas, brightly-coloured oversized flowerpots, checkerboard tables… This is all accompanied and enlivened by a convivial atmosphere, a trendy and diverse crowd, the gorgeous views and the occasional DJ set, when the music is a mix of the modern and the retro, in keeping with the décor.

Just in case this does not satiate your thirst for terraces – in a city which permanently glows golden and glitters in the light of the warm sun, that is just about understandable – VeryChic offers you a stay in a spacious ‘Luxe’ double room with a private terrace. Aside from the outside space which is ideal for a spot of cooling relaxation, it goes without saying, of course, that the design inside is beautiful and incredibly well thought-out.

The combination of exposed brickwork, stainless steel and an elegant black and white colour scheme is urban-chic perfection. There are the inevitable peculiarities, such as graffitied rugs or cartoon character masks which also serve as lampshades. The sight of Batman, Woody, Scooby Doo or Bugs Bunny’s face on your desk only enhances the youthful spirit that the hotel instils in you. With state-of-the-art facilities such as free Wi-Fi, an iMac and free on-demand movies, Mama gives you all the home comforts you need to make you feel like this is your own Istanbul pad. I would happily spend hours relaxing in these rooms, if only the rest of the hotel and the city were not so enticing…

How to sum up the rest of the hotel? Well, I suppose you could say that your Mama does everything possible to look after you. There are the Mama Skin cosmetics, the shop for buying quirky souvenirs or everyday essentials (no problem if you forget your toothbrush here), the digital concierge touchscreen to help you discover the city, the real members of staff who are always ready to help, the business corner for those of you who are hard workers, and daily international newspapers. With all this and more, you will certainly want for nothing here!

Aside from the cool rooftop bar, the other reason why the Mama Shelter is a popular nightspot is its restaurant. This is where Philippe Starck’s design meets the cuisine of Michelin-starred Alain Senderens, Jérôme Banctel and Murat Artukmac. Let’s start with the design, since that is what hits you first. The warm lighting and low ceiling – a chalkboard surface decorated with graffiti and various drawings, such as the giant pirate ship above the bar – are atmospheric and really set the tone. There are some Mama Shelter staples too: a wall of musical instruments, a huge table football table and a psychedelic beam of colourful children’s rubber rings. The décor is a mishmash of patterns, colours and quirky design features, which is somehow harmonious and stylish.

The food itself is worthy of the big names behind the menus. Delicious Franco-Turkish fare is supplemented by a pizza menu, and everything is creative and well presented. Whether you go for a ‘Quattro Formaggi’, a real Turkish kebab or a steak tartare, you will be left full and most satisfied while you linger and watch the friendly restaurant transition effortlessly into swanky cocktail bar as the night moves on.

Despite all of this hidden within the walls of the Mama Shelter, the greatest thing about the hotel is, even still, the city in which it is located. From the bustling streets of Beyoglu to the characterful, charming and labyrinthine old town across the Golden Horn and the exotic Asian half of the city across the Bosphorous Strait, the delights of Istanbul are diverse and fascinating. At least after a hectic few hours of weaving your way around these mazy, narrow and stifling streets, you can enjoy the pure relief and luxury of coming home to Mama at the end of the day.