Mama Shelter Paris East stands at 109 Rue de Bagnolet in the 20th arrondissement, a neighbourhood at the eastern edge of Paris characterised by a mix of long-established working-class communities and a growing creative and independent business scene. The hotel opened in 2008 as the first in what became a global boutique lifestyle brand, designed by Philippe Starck with a brief to deliver maximum design impact at accessible price points. Île-de-France's budget-design hotel segment was substantially shaped by Mama Shelter's opening in this then-overlooked district.
The 170 rooms are divided into Baby, Cosy, and Loft categories, plus a small number of Suites. Each room features Starck's signature visual wit: illustrated ceilings, monochrome interiors, flatscreen iMac computers, and plasma televisions. Room sizes are compact, reflecting the urban density of the building, but the public spaces — a ground-floor restaurant, bar, and terrace — are generously scaled and designed for social gathering.
The restaurant and bar serve an all-day menu ranging from breakfast through late-night dining, with a focus on accessible French comfort food and an extensive cocktail list. The rooftop terrace is one of the 20th arrondissement's most popular open-air venues in summer, hosting DJs, outdoor film screenings, and neighbourhood events. Free game consoles in rooms are a signature feature.
The hotel draws a mix of budget-conscious international travellers, young professionals, and creative industry visitors attending events at the nearby Philharmonie de Paris and the Parc de la Villette. Gambetta Métro station (lines 3 and 3b) is a five-minute walk and provides connections to the Marais and Bastille. Père Lachaise cemetery is 15 minutes on foot.
Room types
- Baby room
- Cosy room
- Loft room
- Suite
Amenities
- Restaurant and bar
- Rooftop terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Playstation in rooms
- Concierge
Location
109 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris, France
48.8588, 2.3889 View on map
Highlights
- Original Mama Shelter, designed by Philippe Starck with trademark illustrated ceilings and iMac workstations
- Rooftop terrace hosting DJ nights, outdoor film screenings, and neighbourhood events in summer
- Accessible price point for a design-forward hotel in Paris's creative eastern arrondissements
- All-day bar and restaurant with French comfort food and a broad cocktail menu
- Five-minute walk from Gambetta Métro and 15 minutes from Père Lachaise cemetery
Tips for visiting
- The rooftop bar is free to access for hotel guests and hosts DJ events on Friday and Saturday evenings in summer.
- Baby rooms are the most compact — solo travellers or couples on a budget should consider Cosy rooms for more comfort.
- Gambetta Métro (lines 3 and 3b) is five minutes away and connects to République and the Marais in about 15 minutes.
- Père Lachaise cemetery, one of Paris's most visited landmarks, is a 15-minute walk east of the hotel.
- Booking directly with the hotel often yields competitive rates; the hotel frequently offers packages including breakfast.
Accessibility
The hotel offers accessible rooms with wider doorways and adapted bathrooms, along with lift access from the main entrance to all floors. The Rue de Bagnolet entrance is step-free. Guests with specific mobility requirements should request accessible room configurations at the time of booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mama Shelter Paris East suitable for families?
The hotel accommodates families in Loft rooms and Suites, which offer more space and can be configured with additional beds. The lively bar and rooftop atmosphere are better suited to families with teenagers than to those travelling with very young children.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Mama Shelter?
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 12:00. Late check-out and early check-in may be available on request subject to availability, sometimes for an additional fee. Luggage storage is provided for guests arriving or departing outside these times.
Is the rooftop terrace open year-round?
The rooftop is primarily a warm-weather venue and typically operates from spring through autumn. Winter access is limited and weather-dependent. The ground-floor restaurant and bar are open year-round.
What attractions are within walking distance of the hotel?
Père Lachaise cemetery is 15 minutes on foot. The Marché de Belleville, one of Paris's largest street markets, is 20 minutes. The Bastille district and Place de la République are reachable in 20–25 minutes by Métro or 30–40 minutes on foot.