Review of Mama Shelter Lyon

How important is a hotel when you travel abroad? As I travel alone quite a bit, I'm always looking for that home away from home feel to a hotel. I most certainly found that at Mama Shelter on a whirlwind weekend break to Lyon.

A friend of mine had recommended this mini-chain of trendy yet cosy hotels, boasting Phillipe Starck designs. She always stays at Mama Shelter when she goes to Paris, so I was really keen to try one myself.

I already loved them when I received an email from them stating that Mama was waiting for me with open arms. My own mum doesn't tell me that when I am about to return home.

I had been sightseeing all afternoon in the pouring rains, and I was drenched. So when I stepped out of the grey and wet streets of Lyon and into the colourful and warm lobby of the hotel, I immediately felt at home.

Check in was friendly and smooth after which I made my way to my room. The room itself had that industrial look with exposed concrete walls and ceiling. On the floor was a carpet that looked like  someone had written in wet concrete, which I thought was kinda cool.

On the two lamps that were lighting the room, were two plastic masks casually slung around the shades. One was of Darth Vader and one of Tom the cat.

The modern and clean bathroom had a rain shower which always makes me feel like I'm in that Herbal Essences ad. Sort of.

Around dinner time, I ventured downstairs to the bar and restaurant area, where a DJ was warming up on the stage. I took a spot at the bar and ordered a carpaccio with some bread. The food menu was put together under the watchful eye of Jerome Banctel, and my dish certainly reflected that. I stayed for a little while, till I was almost surrounded by a big group celebrating a birthday.

I went back upstairs and surfed the net a little bit on my massive in-room Apple screen, which doubled as TV and movie channel, which offered an amazing collection of blockbusters. All included in the price. Just the way I like it.

If you want to stay with Mama as well, have a look at their website.