Mama Shelter is set to open its doors in Nice in June 2024, marking its 11th opening in France and 18th worldwide.
The hotel will open in Nice’s Riquier district, close to the Old Port. Occupying three buildings – including one from the early 20th century – the hotel will comprise 102 guestrooms. Benjamin El Doghaïli, architect and head of the Mama Shelter design studio, has embraced Nice’s artistic heritage, drawing inspiration from the works of the many painters who settled there, including the collages of Matisse, Braque’s birds and Picasso’s ceramics from the Vallauris period.
On the white walls of the lobby, hand-painted frescoes will pay homage to these artists, illuminated by large mirrors alongside giant hangings by artist Kate Mary. White carries over into the rooms, textured directly on the walls and brightened by ochre curtains to resemble the walls of 19th century Niçois buildings. Carpets have been designed by artist Laureline Galliot using pointillism, a painting technique in which small, distinct dots of colour are applied in patterns to form an image. Powdered pink bathroom tiles form a checkerboard from floor to ceiling, while Mama’s signature cartoon masks will hang on bedside table lamps.
Throughout the property, El Doghaïli demonstrates his love for bright and vibrant hues by marrying saffron yellow, red ochre, ultramarine blue and Nice olive green with the smeared palettes of impressionist painters. In collaboration with artists and artisans like Lola Mercier or Beniloys, bouquets of mediterranean fruits, flowers and vegetables – such as lavender, sunflower and wheat poppy – adorn the top of columns enhanced with plaster capitals, evolving with the seasons, in the style of a Van Gogh still life.
The ground floor restaurant comprises a large room with an open kitchen, slanted mirrors and cast iron columns adorned with frescoes. At the centre of the space, an olive wood bar reigns on a floor paved with terracotta tiles, and suspended luminous sculptures inspired by festive street lights light up the room.
Between the three buildings is a verdant patio and flowered alleyway covered by a retractable glass roof, while the building’s rooftop is home to a mosaic swimming pool with wicker screens for shade, lounge chairs and bar.
“Nice and its neighbourhoods are ever-evolving, and are attracting young people and families more than ever,” says Cédric Gobilliard, General Manager of the hotel. “Our latest addition in France, the 11th Mama, will settle in this welcoming city where conviviality and creativity reign. Within its walls, Mama Shelter Nice will tell both the ancient and contemporary story of the city – an inspiring story rich in flavours, maritime essence and artistry.”
