Mama Shelter is a unique Paris-based hospitality brand that has transformed the landscape of urban accommodation since its inception in 2008. Founded by the Trigano family—Serge, Jérémie, and Benjamin—along with Cyril Aouizerate and renowned designer Philippe Starck, Mama Shelter was created to offer a playful, inclusive, and affordable alternative to traditional hotels. The Mama Shelter logo reflects the brand’s unique identity and ethos. This article delves into the evolution of the Mama Shelter logo and other details of the brand over the years.
The Genesis of the Mama Shelter Logo Design (2008 – Present)
The name “Mama” signifies warmth and nurturing, while “Shelter” reflects a safe haven for guests. This duality is central to the identity of the brand. The Mama Shelter logo was conceived in 2008, the year of its founding, and featured a simple yet striking text-based design.
It encapsulated the brand’s core values of inclusivity, creativity, and playfulness. The text-based logo features the words “MAMA” and “SHELTER” in deep grey and in two levels. At the top lies the word “MAMA” in a bold, friendly font, while underneath it is mentioned the word “SHELTER” in a smaller size. The bigger word “MAMA” has letters with pointed ends at the top, while the smaller word “SHELTER” is placed right at the centre of the word above.
The Elements of the Mama Shelter Logo
Font
The font of the Mama Shelter logo is that of a modern sans-serif, which enhances visual recognition.
Colour
The colour scheme of the Mama Shelter logo is deep grey. The colour evokes feelings of warmth, calmness, and stability. As a neutral colour, it provides a calming backdrop that does not overwhelm the senses. This neutrality allows it to blend seamlessly with various design elements, styles, and themes in hotel decor.
The History of Mama Shelter
The journey of Mama Shelter began in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, specifically on Bagnolet Street. This is where the founders envisioned a space that would serve as an “urban refuge.” This concept was rooted in the idea of providing comfort and community in an often impersonal urban environment. The name “Mama” reflects warmth and nurturing, which is akin to a mother’s embrace, while “Shelter” signifies a safe haven for all guests.
The first Mama Shelter opened its doors on September 5, 2008, and provided 172 rooms designed by Philippe Starck. The hotel quickly became a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. This was due to the fact that it offered not just accommodation but also a vibrant social scene with dining options that included Michelin-starred menus at accessible prices.
Following the success of the Paris location, Mama Shelter expanded its reach globally. The brand now boasts a collection of 17 hotels across various cities worldwide, including Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, and beyond. Each location is designed to reflect the local culture while maintaining the core values of the brand, that is, inclusivity and creativity.
Mama Shelter hotels are characterised by their eclectic decor, which often includes graffiti art and playful furnishings. This aesthetic is intended to create a lively atmosphere that encourages social interaction among guests. Besides, the hotels offer a range of amenities such as communal dining spaces, rooftop bars, and recreational activities like table tennis and karaoke rooms. These features foster a sense of community among guests. The hotel rooms are priced competitively, which makes them accessible to a wider audience—from business travellers to families seeking unique experiences.
The philosophy of Mama Shelter revolves around creating spaces that are places to sleep as well as act as environments for gathering and sharing experiences. The brand emphasises inclusivity (welcoming guests from all walks of life), community engagement (encouraging interactions between locals and travellers), and quality service (providing quality hospitality courtesy of a diverse staff trained to embody the brand’s values).
As Mama Shelter celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2023, there are plans for further expansion. New locations are set to open in cities like Dubai and Nice to continue the brand’s commitment to creating urban havens that blend comfort with local culture. The Trigano family envisions Mama Shelter to grow into a portfolio of 50 hotels worldwide. Each new property aims to uphold the principles of authenticity and creativity that have defined the brand since its inception.
Interesting Facts About Mama Shelter
- Mama Shelter was established by Serge Trigano and his sons, Jeremie and Benjamin.
- The concept of Mama Shelter was envisaged by the founders to create an urban place combining affordability and a vibrant environment.
- Mama Shelter is credited with being one of the pioneers of the lifestyle hotel movement in Europe.
- Mama Shelter opened its first hotel on September 5, 2008, in Paris, especially in the 20th arrondissement. Before the hotel came up, the place was a parking lot.
- Each hotel of Mama Shelter offers quirky interior designs, which include local art and cultural elements.
- Mama Shelter hotels are known to offer high-quality amenities and services at affordable prices. For instance, the tariffs of rooms start approximately at 70 euros, and there are Michelin-starred menus at affordable rates.
- Mama Shelter operates 17 properties in places such as Los Angeles, London, Belgrade, Luxembourg, Rome, and Rio de Janeiro, among others. It plans to open facilities in places such as Dubai, Zurich, Nice, Downtown LA, and Medellin.
- Mama Shelter became a part of the Accor group in 2014.
- Mama Shelter hotels keep their restaurants open to non-residents. Besides, they host events to encourage interaction between locals and guests.
- Mama Shelter offers diverse menu options to its guests. For instance, the menu at the London hotel offers traditional British dishes alongside other items, such as Portuguese peri peri chicken burgers and California-inspired salads.
- Several locations have a private cinema called “CineMama” to provide a unique entertainment experience to their guests.
- Mama Shelter hotels offer engaging events for their guests, such as DJ nights, themed dinners, and karaoke sessions.
Finally
The Mama Shelter logo shows its adaptability and commitment to creating unique hospitality experiences across different cultures. From its origins in Paris to its expanding global footprint, the logo remains a vital part of Mama Shelter’s identity. It symbolises warmth, creativity, and community spirit. With the growth of Mama Shelter continuing, its visual identity is likely to keep evolving while staying true to its foundational values.