London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Looking for a design hotel in Paris, one that could appear in the glossy magazines that make us sigh with envy, yet without emptying your bank account?

Say no more – Mama Shelter’s the name. Nestled in the 20th arrondissement and decorated by Starck, this is quite a bargain. Book early and you will find rooms at a mere 79€… Yes, you read that right.

It is quite a universe – very modern, creative, clever illusions,very humouristic too. With such an ecclectic mix of styles to look at – from the stone like chair to the spider Pixar lamps light – you might even forget to do your check in!

Oh, they will keep a smile on your face too: the walls are covered in funny anecdotes from the secret life of the goldfish to improbable statistics. The glass window looks down on the neighbourhood roofs in a La vie en rose style. This quite sets the tone – happy mood guaranteed.

Each floor starts with a huge mirror decorated with the day’s tips for Paris: a special exhibition, a nice place to have apéritif, a concert… And as each room is equipped with iMac screens and free Wifi, it will be quite easy to plan the day ahead. Reception does have Paris maps too and will help you decide the best itinerary from the hotel.

Don’t hesitate to go up to the 6th floor. You see, each facade window is decorated with part of a picture which only makes sense when you discover the top one -  a diplodocus!

Even the carpets note their difference. Take the time to read this modern calligraphy, different at each door.

The rooms are based on an almost Asian purity – straight lines, almost geometrical arrangement, beautiful light, nothing superfluous. The smooth, almost waxed concrete walls have quite some charm. The duvet is so comfortable it will take quite some convincing to not stay there. The very famous mask lamps can be take off the wall. The interactive iMac screens give you access to TV, a wide selection of recent movies but also to a photobooth. The webcam can take a souvenir photo of you (yes, you be Superman for a while) which will then be sent to you email address or the hotel intranet. New facebook profile picture in view!

The bathroom is mostly white – more practival than design – a little silver, a purple arum flower bringing a dramatic effect. The shower is extraordinary -  you can choose the tropical rain effect or an almost massage like one. Bonus points for teo fabs Kiehl’s products: the amino-acid shampoo (that leaves hair so light and tamed) and the coriander shower gel (for instant renewed energy).

The usual minibar is there with a very handy microwave. Not much place for big suitcases though: most people come here on a citubreak, 2-3 days and do not bring much luggage.

Very contemporary yet a homey feeling too, all that at a fabulous price  – why resist?

On summer days, you can go up to the roof terrace, sip on a cocktail, look at the orangy sunset or why not fight a game of table tennis? Can you imagine barbecues here?

The hotel has a restaurant, sure, where you might spot a few celebs. We preferred to try their pizzeria – long cheerful communal table, vichy cloth, chats with complete strangers that become great dinner friends, lots of shared laughs, background music that makes you feel like dancing, a few individual table based on chess/board games. A good dose of joie de vivre. Service can be slow so do not hesitate to ask the waiters to check on your order, they will gladly do so.

Pizzas are 10 to 12€ and are worth the wait. A nice crunch, generous portions (although delicious, we had to give up on the last slice). The Reine is particularly tasty but my award goes to the vegetables ones – roasted veg, moussaka touch, fruity olivve oil, tapanade, peppery roquette…For desert, they even do a chocolate version. You can also have them to take away if you fancy a quiet night in or even leave in that neighbourhood.

The cherry on the cake -whether you are staying here or not -  is the Sunday brunch. Oh, la, la! It might cost 39€ but what a feast. This starts at noon till 16.00 though do come before 15.00. At 15.30, plates are not refilled and you really want to make the most of this. Above all: BOOK. Comfy sofas, outside terrace, kids friendly -  it is trendy and loved.

The black ceiling is covered in quites and chalk tattoos, Eiffel towers are turned into lamps, inflatable toys bring a Koons touch, large wooden tables here and there, pile of art books to be leafed through: a great place to spend your Sunday, even better if it is a rainy one. The staff is adorable and whirls happily around.

Guests butterfly around the bar counter, now covered in food. A whole side is dedicated to hot dishes – delicious cooked salmon, crunchy vegs, poached eggs with mushrooms… A bit further, a huge choice of gorgeous salads, charcuterie, salmon rillettes, cheese… Lots of friends? Do ask them for a big plate to bring back to your table and share. There also is bread, chocolate spreads, croissants, waffles, home made cakes, vanilla rum baba, French orangy pancakes, cream buns, all kind of delicious treats, tea, coffee, fresh fruit juice. No wonder people stay at leats 2 hours: there is so much to taste then gravity anchors you to the chair!

Verdict – one of those Parisian secret you share with friends who want an extrordinary trip but want to splash out on Paris life rather than just the hotel. Big on comfort, small on price -  a winning cocktail in a neighbourhood little known by tourists. the graphism, abundance of colours, or crazy little details will remind you of the comics world. Oh, no way you can go without getting one of the masks from the hotel boutique…

Mama Shelter
109 Rue de Bagnolet
75020, Paris.

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