Mama Shelter embraces the artistic heritage of Nice

Mama Shelter Nice will bring a new offering to the Riquier district, the 11th Mama Shelter location to France, remaining true to Mama Shelter’s commitment to opening in cities and neighbourhoods that are on the rise. Located close to Old Port, the historic centre, the hotel will occupy three buildings including one from the early 20th century with a preserved façade. Mama Shelter will become the vibrant heart of the Riquier district, attracting locals and tourists alike, and set amongst the various parks dedicated to boules.

Image credit: Mama Shelter

“Nice and its neighbourhoods are ever-evolving, and are attracting young people and families more than ever, ” said Cédric Gobilliard, General Manager of Mama Shelter. “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.”

Image credit: Mama Shelter

Benjamin El Doghaïli, architect and head of the Mama Shelter design studio, has embraced Nice’s artistic heritage and designed the hotel to be at one with its environment. El Doghaïli draws his inspiration from the works of the many painters who settled there, in the palettes, motifs, subjects and collages of Matisse, Braque’s birds, Picasso’s ceramics from the Vallauris period.

Image credit: Francis Amiand

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. The carpets are designed by artist Laureline Galliot, and celebrate pointillism, the technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of colour are applied in patterns to form an image.

Powder pink bathroom tiles form an infinite checkerboard from floor to ceiling and Mama’s iconic cartoon masks will hang on bedside table lamps, as they do across all the hotels in the portfolio. 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.

Image credit: Mama Shelter

In collaboration with talented artists and artisans like Lola Mercier or Beniloys, bouquets of mediterranean fruits, flowers and vegetables – such as lavender, sunflower and wheat poppy – will adorn the top of columns enhanced with plaster capitals, evolving with the seasons, in the style of a Van Gogh still life. At the centre of the restaurant, an olive wood bar reigns on a floor paved with perfectly laid terracotta tiles, and suspended luminous sculptures inspired by festive street lights lighten up the room.

Image credit: Mama Shleter

Between the three buildings is a verdant patio and flowered alleyway covered by a retractable glass roof. The rooftop is home to a mosaic swimming pool with wicker screens for shade, lounge chairs and bar.

The ground floor restaurant offers a large room with an open kitchen, slanted mirrors, cast iron columns adorned with frescoes where communal tables rhythmically fill the space and set the tone: convivial, friendly, laid-back. For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired Mama Menu – from sharing platters to vibrant salads – or opt for the daily special. At the rooftop restaurant, meats, fish, and vegetables are prepared on a Big Green Egg barbecue to enhance flavour or are grilled in a Josper charcoal oven for a hint of smokiness.

Image credit: Mama Shelter

The functional but playful ‘ateliers’ at Mama Shelter Nice will provide a space for personalised seminars, product launches, executive meetings and events. In Nice, Mama intelligently juggles work and leisure, business and celebrations. Its teams, adept at welcoming both holidaymakers and professionals, coordinate activities, create animations and breaks, organise customised aperitifs, lunches, and cocktails.

Main image credit: Mama Shelter