Mama Shelter London

Hotel review

Mama Shelter Shoreditch has a cool, upbeat energy that hits you the moment you walk in (it's a 14-minute walk from Bethnal Green train station and a short walk from the tube). The staff are warm and easy-going, setting the tone for a place that feels genuinely happy. There’s no stiffness here; it’s relaxed, cheerful and designed for people who like life with a bit of character. Solo travellers, families, couples, friends — everyone would love it here — and there are meeting rooms for business travellers.

The open-plan bar and dining area is a social hub, filled with people chatting, eating, or quietly working on laptops. Nobody rushes you, and there’s no pressure to order a thing. It’s the sort of spot where you can sit for hours and still feel welcome. The location is excellent too — easy access to the City, but far enough from the chaos to stay calm.

Bedrooms are compact but cleverly done. Large, deep mattresses on simple wooden frames with crisp, cool bedlinen and squishy pillows make for an excellent night’s sleep; the small bathrooms are chic, stocked with Mama’s own organic products. There are cute touches too — slippers with red hearts, cartoon character masks, fruit and cookies waiting in the room, generous tea and coffee supplies, and mirrors dotted with cheerful handwritten messages. Triple rooms are available for families.

Breakfast is insanely good with everything you could wish for, including pastries, sourdough, eggs, yoghurts, cakes, teas, coffees, yoghurts, avocado, babaganoush, the list goes on (and that's just the buffet); there's an à la carte menu too.

Mama Shelter Shoreditch keeps the good times rolling with plenty of ways to switch off after work or ramp up the energy with friends. Grab a cocktail, have a game of table football or head for one of the karaoke rooms to sing your heart out; share dishes in the open-plan restaurant or unwind in the garden bar after a busy day. There’s even a small gym on-site, complete with treadmills, a Peloton bike, a cross trainer and its own shower, perfect for squeezing in a quick session.

Dog owners will be delighted too. Mama London Loves Dogs, and Luna, the hotel’s resident Chief Dog Officer, has put together a dog menu with bites, wine and beer (who knew?) for four-legged visitors. Doggy birthday parties are a hit too, with themed celebrations, treats and plenty of tail-wagging fun. For overnight stays, the Dogcation package includes a cosy dog bed and bowl so your dog feels as welcome as you do.

Free Wi-Fi, no password, plenty of space to work or relax, and an atmosphere that feels naturally upbeat, Mama Shelter is cool and refreshingly grounded. Great value for money and a happy place to stay or work from. Whilst it might be a little off the beaten track, it's well worth it, and at these prices, it would be crazy to stay anywhere else.

Lulu Townsend