California, USA
Design-driven Mama Shelter’s LA outpost is a little bit French, and a whole lot funky.
The latest property in the French Mama Shelter group is in the beating heart of Los Angeles, off Hollywood Boulevard and only minutes from the Walk of Fame. A little bit European, a little bit SoCal, with a lot of urban style, Mama Shelter Los Angeles is cool central – in a casual French, understated way. The ground floor lobby is part authentic Hollywood Art Deco diner, part inviting restaurant and bar, with a riot of colour from floor to low ceiling, which effectively conveys warmth, and a playfully artistic style.
My Hollywood View Standard Room is cool, calm and collected, with a French black-and-white minimalist decor, trompe l’oeil carpet design and plenty of space. Splashes of colour and vibrant Mama style come in the details: quirky Star Wars masks on the beside lamps and well-known American film scripts for my reading pleasure sit on the clever bench that doubles as desk, shelving and table. My window frames the iconic Hollywood sign and the mirror has a personal welcome scrawled across it.
No wardrobe – no problem. Wooden hangers on a chrome rail do the job perfectly. Baskets are supplied for laundry, and Mama postcards for bragging rights. Two vibrant wicker lamps provide stylish lighting. The huge white expanse of the king-sized bed and crisp pillows are as comfortable as they are inviting. Fast connectivity, a lap-top compatible safe and flatscreen TV provide practical conveniences. The bathroom is more industrial style, white-onwhite with a large rain shower.
Head to the rooftop terrace and bar for near 360-degree views over the city, and stay to watch sunset over downtown LA; evocative and magical. With exotic cocktails, craft IPAs and French or Californian wines on offer, it’s an easy place to settle into a lounge cushion for a taste of casual Cali at its finest. Not to mention the entertainment – everything from stand-up comedy to tunes from live DJs. Plus, people-watching on steroids.
Mama Shelter over-delivers with attentive, friendly service and some surprising extras: an arcade room, Mama-themed gift-shop and newsstand are nice perks. The atmosphere is fun, high-energy, friendly. French style meets rhinestone cowgirl and Hollywood fan-boy.
Rates start from $528 per night; mamashelter.com