Ahead of their official opening, Citizen Femme was invited to stay at the newest Mama Shelter for an exclusive sneak preview of their first hotel in the Czech Republic.
So we went off to Prague, to visit the eighth and most recent Mama Shelter hotel. The Trigano family’s hotelier nous is complemented by Philipe Starck’s mischievous and playful designs in this burgeoning hotel chain. Mama now loves you in Prague.
Located in Holešovice, Praha 7, on the former site of the Park Hotel, Mama Shelter have unleashed their technicolour magic on this formerly dreary and dated hotel, bringing it not only up-to-date but adding a much-needed injection of effervescence.
After you’ve explored the area, known for its thriving art scene and home to Prague’s National Gallery, there’s a tram stop directly across the road from the hotel. In just a few stops, you’ll be whisked to the heart of the Czech Republic’s capital to explore this glorious city.
For those who prefer to be even better prepared, it’s worth purchasing the https://www.praguecard.com which can be bought in two, three or four-day increments. Not only does this include unlimited public transport — very handy when staying at Mama Shelter and popping back for a pre-dinner shower and outfit change — but it also gives free entry into 50 of Prague’s top attractions and discounts on many more.
Mama Shelter differs from the many hotels who opt for a universal generic style of their brand, unreflective of where they are in the world. Such is their commitment to this, one of their key mission statements promises, “Each Mama tells the story of the city it is located in”. This is very much in evidence here, no more so than in the bright splashes of colour adorning the carpets throughout, depicting some of Prague’s key sights.
Of the 238 bedrooms, there are four different types, Medium Mama, Large Mama, XXL Mama, and the Mama Penthouse. This 742 sq ft penthouse comes with a kitchenette and beds aplenty, including a swinging bed, for those times when the traditional floor-based double doesn’t quite cut it. The bathroom in our Medium Mama was very compact, but we did appreciate the organic Mama products provided.
Although clearly designed with fun in mind — the standard variety of Arcade Games and pool and XL Foosball tables are present here, that we’ve come to expect in all the Mamas. They’ve gone to great lengths to create various spaces for work and play. There are several meeting rooms, large and small, which can be joined together, accommodating up to 180 people. All the rooms are adorned with hand-painted art and graffiti, making this undoubtedly one of the funkiest places to hold a conference. It’s just a shame the instruments are all wired to the wall of the stage, deterring from an impromptu jam and bonding session.
Breakfast is served in the bright restaurant, featuring an open kitchen. There’s a reasonably priced menu featuring mezze, pizzas and various mains. Guests can also dine on the lovely outside terrace, which seems to have become a fast favourite of the many locals who incorporate a drink and a catch up with their neighbours here, mid dog-walking session.
Unlike all the other Mama Shelters which have rooftop bars or pools, the Prague outpost has certain restrictions on it as it’s a heritage building. There are, however, currently plans afoot to build a gym.
Mama Shelter Prague is an ideal base for those on a budget. We forfeited square footage for a view of the city, but for just €10 more per night, we could have had a larger room. The only time we really spent in there was at night when we relaxed in bed watching the varied selection of movies available in all the rooms.
The best deals are to be found booking directly, where they offer 15% off for booking four nights or more. We defy you not to lust after almost every item in use and on display here, and the good news is that you can take a piece of Mama Shelter home with you as the Mama shop sells an excellent selection of products, from their organic cosmetic line Mama Skin by Absolution, their home perfume and scented candles in collaboration with the artists Lola James Harper, as well as their world of numerous collaborations with Le Slip Français, K-Way, Sundry, Kulte, Le Chocolat des Français, Kerzon, Papier Tigre, Kumo and more.
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