Mama Shelter brought its formula of fun design, good beds and a lively bar to Marseille and found the perfect neighbourhood for it. The hotel stands in the 6th arrondissement, a short walk from the Cours Julien and La Plaine, the creative, slightly scruffy heart of the city’s nightlife, street art and independent shops, and about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the Vieux-Port. Around 125 rooms were designed by Philippe Starck, in the brand’s typical style of bold colours, witty touches and comfortable beds, with air conditioning, soundproofing and Wi-Fi. The ground floor is the social hub: a big restaurant with a central bar and an open kitchen serving simple dishes made for sharing, popular with locals as well as guests, and busy well into the evening. There are also meeting rooms, accessible rooms and a secure garage, rare in central Marseille, and pets are accepted. It is not the place for a quiet retreat, but for a sociable, stylish base at a sensible price it is hard to beat.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 64 rue de la Loubière in the 6th arrondissement, in a residential street between the Cours Julien and the Préfecture area. A metro station is within a few minutes’ walk, and buses run nearby, so the Vieux-Port, Saint-Charles station and the Vélodrome are easy to reach. On foot you can be on the Cours Julien in a few minutes, down the Canebière to the Old Port in around 15 to 20, and up to Notre-Dame de la Garde if you fancy a stiff climb.
Rooms: rooms are compact to medium-sized and designed for comfort rather than views. Ask for a higher floor for more quiet, and note that accessible rooms are available.
Who it suits: younger travellers, friends and couples who want a lively bar and restaurant downstairs, food lovers exploring the Cours Julien and Noailles, and road-trippers who need a secure garage.
Good to know: breakfast is charged separately. The garage has a limited number of spaces, including a couple with electric charging points, and is paid by the day, so reserve when you book. The restaurant and bar are busy at weekends, which is part of the fun but worth knowing if you want an early night.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooms designed by Philippe Starck
- ✓Restaurant with open kitchen
- ✓Central bar
- ✓Secure garage with EV charging (paid)
- ✓Air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Accessible rooms
- ✓Pets accepted
Good questions
How far is Mama Shelter from the Vieux-Port?+
It is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the Old Port, or a short metro or bus ride. The Cours Julien is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Does Mama Shelter Marseille have parking?+
Yes, there is a secure garage with a limited number of paid spaces, including electric charging points. Reserve a space when you book.
Is Mama Shelter Marseille noisy?+
The ground-floor restaurant and bar are lively, especially at weekends, but rooms are soundproofed. Ask for a higher floor if you want more quiet.
