As the name suggests, Mama Shelter Paris East is located in the eastern part of Paris. The residential neighbourhood is a lot less touristy than other, more famous, parts of the city such as Le Marais or the Latin quarter but there is just as much to see.

Before hopping in and out of cafes and bars in Charonne (10 minutes from the hotel), a few hours need to be dedicated visiting the iconic Cimetière du Père Lachaise. A peaceful and architecturally beautiful cemetery where you can pay a visit to legends such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison or Édith Piaf. 

The building that hides the hotel could be a normal, modern, residential building – it’s inside where Mama Shelter Paris East’s bold style really shines. Entering the lobby is a bit like gaining access to an exclusive club: the lights are tamed, the staff are friendly and the roof is covered in graffiti art.

In front of the (very smiley) reception desk, the full collection of Mama’s merchandise is on display: hats, t-shirts but also wrestling masks. You never know what you might need. 

The rooms, designed by Philippe Starck, are simple and quirky. Every room has a screen and free films, free-wifi (of course), an iMac with Photo Booth and Video Booth, as well as a few masks to use as props when taking snazzy pictures for your Instagram feed.

The products provided in the bathroom are made exclusively for Mama by Absolution. They are all organic and available to purchase. 

The rooftop is the heart of the hotel in the summer. A colourful and leafy terrace perfect to chill while sipping on a cocktail or even stop for lunch or dinner. The chefs cook fresh and speedy nibbles as well as rotisserie chicken and pizza. You can also indulge in a table football game between a glass of chardonnay and a camembert bite.

There is a meeting room available in the hotel, but do you really want to work while in Paris? Mama is better suited to parties than work, to be honest.

For a light lunch or some nibbles, the rooftop bar is perfect. But if you want real delicious French food, then head to the restaurant curated in collaboration with the multi-starred chef Guy Savoy.

From the traditional duck parmentier, beef tartarr and cassoulet to lighter dishes such as poké bowls and grilled scallops. Anything you choose will be delicious, but make sure you leave some space for the lemon meringue pie.  

The metro station is only a 10-minute walk from to the hotel so getting to Mama Shelter Paris East is very easy.

From Orly, take the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau then the line 4 to Réaumur - Sébastopol and finally the line 3 to Gambetta. The hotel is a 10-minute walk away.

From Charles de Gaulle, take the RER B to Gare du Nord. From there, take the line 5 to République and then the 3 to Gambetta.

From Beauvais, take the bus that gets you to Porte Maillot. From there get the 1 to Nation and then the 9 to Maraîchers. The hotel is 12-minute walk away. 

• Make sure you book a dinner at Mama Shelter Paris East during the weekend. Not only the food is outstanding but the restaurant slowly becomes a super fun club, to wine, dine and dance all night.
• Do your research and explore the neighbourhood. Bagnolet might not be the most famous district in Paris but it’s full of surprises.
• Get chatty: Mama Shelter Paris East is a real hub for Parisians that enjoy the rooftop bar, the restaurant and the terrace so why not make some friends along the way?

Pictures: provided by Mama Shelter.