Mama Shelter Belgrade

Mama Shelter brings the French group’s cheeky, colourful style to the very top of Knez Mihailova, and it is our mid-range pick for travellers who want to be in the thick of things. The hotel sits above a shopping centre at the end of the pedestrian street, so Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress are a minute away, and its rooftop terrace, with views over the city, is one of the most popular places in Belgrade for a drink, open daily from breakfast until midnight all year. The 125 rooms, designed by Jalil Amor, are compact but cleverly done, with bold prints, comfortable beds and good soundproofing. Mama Restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas and sharing plates all day, with a popular Sunday brunch. Expedia lists it with a wonderful guest rating of 9.2 from almost six hundred reviews.

Location and getting around: the hotel is at Kneza Mihaila 54A, at the fortress end of the street. Reception is on the fourth floor of the shopping centre building, which can confuse first-time arrivals, so follow the signs. Kalemegdan Park is a one-minute walk, the Belgrade Fortress about five minutes, Republic Square about eight, and Dorćol and the Danube are downhill to the north. The airport is about 25 minutes by car.

Rooms: rooms are modern and bright, with good beds, air conditioning and fun touches; some have city views. They are on the small side, so families should look at larger room types.

Who it suits: couples and friends who want a lively base with a scene, first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, and families with older children who enjoy the relaxed restaurant.

Good to know: breakfast is a buffet charged separately unless your rate includes it, parking is in a paid garage, and the hotel accepts pets. The rooftop gets busy on warm evenings, so book a table if you want one at sunset.