Mama Shelter has opened its doors in Nice, bringing a new hospitality offer to the city’s Riquier district. 

Occupying three buildings – including one from the early 20th century, with its façade preserved – the hotel comprises 102 guestrooms and the brand’s first rooftop pool. 

Designed by Mama Shelter’s in-house design studio, led by Benjamin El Doghali, the property embraces the city’s artistic heritage, taking inspiration from the works of the many painters who have settled in Nice. 

Vibrant hues across the hotel include saffron yellow, red ochre, ultramarine blue and Nice olive green, while bouquets of Mediterranean fruits, flowers and vegetables – such as lavender, sunflower and wheat poppy – have been introduced, in collaboration with artists like Lola Mercier and Beniloys. 

In guestrooms, white textured walls are brightened by ochre curtains to resemble the walls of 19th-century Niçois buildings. The carpets, designed by artist Laureline Galliot, celebrate pointillism, a technique of painting in which small dots of colour are applied in patterns to form an image.  

Two restaurants find home at Mama Shelter Nice – a ground-floor venue serving up Mediterranean-inspired fare, and a rooftop restaurant where meats, fish and vegetables are prepared on a Big Green Egg barbecue. The rooftop is also the location of a mosaic swimming pool, with wicker screens, lounge chairs and a bar.