"Why book? For a vibrant urban refuge with foosball, cocktails, and weekly DJ sets. Set the scene From the outside, Mama Shelter isn’t much to write home about: two gray tower blocks to the west of Rome’s center. But step inside and things start to get interesting. Décor is bold and pop-art-themed, with candy-colored tables and chairs, a garden ceiling and neon lights. There are mismatched carpets and curtains with lemons on them. Somehow, it works. The backstory A family passion for hospitality is at the heart of Mama Shelter. Co-founder Serge, whose father started Club Med, cut his teeth in the family business before joining forces with his sons Jérémie and Benjamin Trigano. Together, they opened the first Mama Shelter in Paris back in 2008. They’ve had unrivaled success since, opening across nine countries, with the brand garnering a reputation for fresh, exciting design, good food and a playful atmosphere. The rooms Rooms are much more subtle than the common areas, with neutral, unfussy furniture contrasted with pistachio green and pale pink walls. The bathrooms are an invigoratingly yellow color with arcade-shaped mirrors designed to echo Roman architecture. They’re big on natural materials: raffia lampshades, rattan headboards, and oak wood furniture. Food and drink The ground-floor pizzeria is part Italian brassiere, part 1950s fever dream: leatherette chairs and heart-shaped backs, ultra-wide columns, pink cabochon floor and surrealist ceiling painting. (The pizza is excellent, too). The indoor winter garden, meanwhile, has an osteria serving Italian and American classics, from cacio e pepe pasta to beef burgers and fries. Head to the outdoor summer garden for its rooftop bar and restaurant, plus DJ sets from Thursday to Sunday, photo booths, and arcade games. For families There are 19 family rooms and 116 interconnecting rooms, making Mama Shelter ideal for family vacations. Extra beds are available in many of the rooms, and kids will love the presents they get from the friendly reception staff on arrival. Accessibility There are 17 accessible rooms."
