Style on full gas
Mama Shelter, Bordeaux. France
VIBE
One of the most prestigious wine regions in France, Bordeaux is home to a hotel that couldn’t be further removed from the grandiose, ornate French architecture for which the city is renowned.
Instead, this rather ugly former gas tower is now the 97-room Mama Shelter Bordeaux – one of the hottest addresses in town. Facing Place Saint-Christoly in the historic centre, the hotel couldn’t be better placed.
STYLE
French designer Philippe Starck has taken hold of this nondescript building and shaken it until vibrant colours literally pour from the foundations.
His quirky signature style is everywhere, from the rows of candy coloured inflatable pool floats suspended above the bar to the superhero masks masquerading as amusing lampshades in the rooms.
The ceiling of the bar/dining room features graffiti and long wooden communal tables are lit by brightlycoloured woven cane lampshades.
Rooms come in varying sizes and are painted in a muted candy pink with another Starck signature; flowing white curtains covering the large windows.
Bathrooms feature the hotel’s own brand creams and shampoo, and microwaves, kettles and a Nespresso machine are handy if you just fancy lounging alone.
Some rooms have illuminated headboards, statement black and white striped sofas and all bedding is crisp white.
FOOD AND DRINK
On a warm night, there’s no better place than the rooftop terrace. Here live music entertains the young crowd as they sit on colourful chairs and nibble on mixed boards such as roasted cod and pizzas. On the ground floor, the open air restaurant is where it happens.
Most guests start the evening with a cocktail while sitting around the huge oval bar before moving onto dining on dishes that include, beef tataki, creamy burrata, parmentier of candied duck and yuzu-marinated sea bream. All are served by effervescent, young staff who seem to love this place.
THE SIGHTS
Bordeaux is a joy to wander. Narrow winding streets, with Gothic buildings and ornate iron balconies, lead onto courtyards lined with lively cafes. Don’t miss the shrine to wine, the spectacular Cite du Vin, showcasing the best of the region’s produce as well as a comprehensive history of the sacred grape with plenty of tastings. The main thoroughfare, across from Place de la Bourse, is home to the world’s largest reflecting pool, the 37,100 sq ft Miroir d’eau which has a water system allowing it to create mist every 15 minutes. In a former submarine base, Les Bassins de Lumieres – the world’s largest digital arts centre – projects great works from masters such as Canaletto and Monet’s depicting scenes of Venice across the walls and pools. More art from masters such as Picasso, Rubens and Matisse can be viewed at the Musee et Galerie des Beaux-Arts.
‘‘ Ugly former gas tower is now one of the hottest addresses in Bordeaux