Mama Shelter Lyon

Mama Shelter Lyon: A Vibrant Michelin Key Stay with Quirky Charm

Mama Shelter Lyon, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives very positive feedback for its distinctive design, energetic atmosphere, and exceptional staff, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a modern and playful hotel experience in Lyon. While some minor issues are occasionally noted, the overarching sentiment points to a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Mama Shelter Lyon is overwhelmingly positive, with an average guest review score of 8.3 out of 10 on Booking.com, reflecting a "Very Good" rating. Guests frequently praise the hotel's "young vibe," "playful" aesthetic, and the friendly and helpful nature of its staff. The hotel is often described as "clean and well-run."

Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make Mama Shelter Lyon stand out:

• Design: The hotel boasts a quirky, urban decor envisioned by renowned designer Philippe Starck, featuring elements like black chalkboard ceilings with elegant handwritten phrases and colorful display cases. Rooms are noted for their modernistic and eclectic style.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives exceptional praise, with a high rating of 9.3 for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Many guests feel genuinely welcomed and valued.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, in-room iMacs (serving as entertainment systems with free movies on demand), and comfortable beds are frequently appreciated. Suites also feature kitchenettes equipped with a microwave, minifridge, sink, and basic utensils. The hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a bar, and a sunny terrace, which is ideal for al-fresco dining and DJ sets during warmer months. Private parking is available on-site for an additional cost.
• Vibe: The hotel's "vibe" and "good vibes" are frequently mentioned as a significant draw, attracting a youthful and adventurous crowd.

Room Quality

Mama Shelter Lyon's 156 rooms are generally described as "compact yet visually inspiring." They feature a minimalist yet stylish design with exposed concrete walls and brick accents. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and pillows, with some noting the mattress quality is comparable to 4 or 5-star hotels. Rooms include air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and free toiletries by Mama Skin by Absolution. Some rooms also have an area to hang clothes and power points on either side of the bed. A unique feature is the 27-inch iMac in each room, functioning as both a TV and an entertainment system. Some guests also appreciate the ability to open the windows in their rooms.

Dining Experience

The hotel's on-site restaurant serves French cuisine and is generally well-regarded. The atmosphere in the restaurant and bar is considered fun and enjoyable, with live music or DJs at night. The buffet breakfast is often described as "amazing" and of a "high standard" with a huge selection, including creamy scrambled eggs. Breakfast is available for a fee (EUR 21 for adults, EUR 10 for children). The hotel also offers a popular brunch on weekends from 12:00 to 15:30 for EUR 42, featuring a generous selection of homemade dishes, fresh juices, pastries, hot dishes, and an extensive dessert buffet, often accompanied by entertainment for children.

Service & Staff

The staff at Mama Shelter Lyon consistently receives top marks for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests report feeling well-cared for, with staff going out of their way to assist. The team's ability to speak English is also a plus for international visitors.

Location & Accessibility

Mama Shelter Lyon is located in the Jean-Macé district and is considered convenient to public transportation. It is approximately 984 feet (300 meters) from Jean-Macé Metro Station, which offers direct access to Stade de Gerland and Lyon-Part-Dieu Train Station. A bus stop is also right outside the hotel, providing good connections to the city center. The hotel is a 25-minute walk from Place Bellecour and close to the Musée des Confluences, and about 2953 feet (900 meters) from the Rhône River.

Value & Pricing

While some guests consider the hotel "too pricey for what you get", many find Mama Shelter Lyon to offer good value for money, scoring 8.2 out of 10 in this category on Booking.com. A typical price for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from around $86.34, excluding taxes and fees. The unique design, comfortable rooms, and excellent service contribute to its perceived worth.

Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive reviews, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Restaurant Food Quality: While the restaurant is popular for its ambiance, some guests have found the food quality to be "passable" or "not great" for certain dishes, and potentially overpriced for what is offered.
• Breakfast Crowding: During peak hours, the breakfast area can become crowded, with occasional issues regarding staff refilling clean glasses and mugs.
• Parking: The on-site private parking garage is described as "extremely tight/cramped." It is not covered and not accessible to persons with disabilities.
• Room Size: Some guests note that rooms are "small, like all rooms in Europe."
• Maintenance: Isolated instances of mildew in showers and sinks have been reported.
• Temperature Control: A few guests have experienced issues with rooms being too warm, with difficulties in regulating the temperature, especially when the heating system is active and air conditioning is unavailable.
• Lobby Comfort: The lobby area is sometimes found not to be very comfortable for sitting and conversing due to loud music from the restaurant.
• Lack of Kettle: Some repeat guests have noted missing a kettle in their rooms.

Sources

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11. lyonhotelsweb.com
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15. booking.com