Bordeaux, FranceHotel de Ville - Quinconces
Mama Shelter Bordeaux
Whimsical Art Deco tower
Hotel de Ville - Quinconces Bordeaux, France
Opened
2013
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social HeritageOutside the door
The house
AccorWhimsical Art Deco tower
The 1930s utility tower runs as an irreverent social hub, filled with communal dining tables and panoramic rooftop drinks.
“Stay at the Bordeaux outpost of funky budget-boutique chain Mama Shelter to see the city at its most vibrant (and to soak up the views from the rooftop terrace).”
What it’s good at
Notable
Chalkboard graffiti ceilings and superhero bedside masks animate Philippe Starck's concrete interiors.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
minimalist-chic rooms, livened with a bit of whimsy (superhero masks, splashes of pale pink or neon green), stocked with the bare minimum of necessary luxuries: free wi-fi, connected TVs, and not much else.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Saint-André Cathedral and the Pey-Berland tower are just steps away across Place Saint-Christoly.
The rooms
Rooms keep to minimalist concrete, cheered by superhero masks on the reading lamps and bright neon accents.
Mama Bordeaux Restaurant
Clusters of woven lamps hang over long wooden tables. Nearby, an open stage hosts live gigs and Sunday brunch concerts.
At the table
The sixth-floor rooftop terrace serves wine and cocktails looking straight across to the spires of Saint-André Cathedral.
How it began
Built in 1934 as the municipal gas headquarters, the concrete tower sparked local outrage for rivaling the nearby cathedral.
Bordeaux
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.