Mama Shelter hotel debuts in Dubai: Sky pool, neon lights and stays for under Dh500

Sassy and flamboyant, the design-led hotel in Business Bay is the brand’s first in the Middle East

Mama Shelter Dubai is now open. All photos: Mama Shelter

The hotel showcases the brand's playful, inclusive reputation

Its design reflects Dubai's multicultural vibe

A bold entrance awaits at Mama Shelter Dubai

The hotel offers 197 rooms and affordable rates

It has four swimming pools on the terrace

Poolside vibes at Mama Shelter Dubai in Business Bay

Neon lights abound at the property

Fans of the brand can purchase Mama merchandise in the hotel gift shop

Mama Restaurant is all about good food and a good atmosphere

Basque cheesecake and lemon meringue tart served at Mama Shelter Dubai

Mama Restaurant is one of three eateries at the hotel

Mama Skypool at night

The XXL Mama Crazy Suite sleeps up to four adults

Mama Shelter Dubai has opened as the city's newest hotel.

The skyscraper property in Business Bay, initially slated to open in 2021, has finally opened its doors to guests.

It's the first property in the Middle East for the flamboyant hotel brand, which is known for its bold personality, inclusivity and affordability. Located on Al Asayel Street near Dubai Canal, the four-star hotel is all about playfulness, fun and celebrating Dubai's melting pot of cultures.

"What inspired me was the idea of a 'crossroads of civilisations', somewhat like a modern trading post connecting the East and the West,” said Benjamin El Doghaili, head of design at Mama Shelter Dubai. “You'll find nods to the East, but also a melting pot of influences from Western cultures.”

With no less than four outdoor swimming pools on its terrace, including Mama Skypool, which offers poolside dining and fantastic views over the Dubai skyline, the hotel also has a distinct appeal for film lovers via its private 50-seat CineMama, an outdoor cinema, where an eclectic selection of films will be screened under the stars.

Dining options include Mama Trattoria, which serves authentic Italian eats, as well as Mama Restaurant, which specialises in comforting brasserie-style dishes. In keeping with the brand’s sharing and inclusivity ethos, diners can expect family-size tables where everyone is welcome.

Partying is also encouraged, and there are neon lights aplenty, DJ sets and live music, plus Mamm's Bar – a stylish venue inspired by 1920s speakeasies.

Rates at the hotel are relatively affordable, starting from Dh450 for a medium Mama Double room with a king-size bed. The XL Mama Suite is designed for families, while the largest XXL Mama Crazy Suite sleeps up to four adults and has a private bar and Jacuzzi, with rates from Dh1,260. All rooms have epic city views, satin bedsheets and organic toiletries from the brand’s own Mama Skin range.

Echoing the sentiment that "Mama knows best", the hotel eschews traditional star-rating systems and opulent decor, prioritising an inviting atmosphere for all guests.

“In Dubai, at a time when all the world’s luxury hotels compete in a Star Wars battle for five, six or even seven stars and hotels are replete with marble and thick carpets, Mama Shelter has simply chosen to settle here, preserving its soul and character,” said Serge Trigano, co-founder of the hotel brand.

Mama Shelter was founded in France, where the first property opened in Paris in 2008. Today, the brand is part of Ennismore and Accor, and has more than 17 hotels around the world. More expansion plans are in place with new openings earmarked for several destinations including Singapore, Zurich and Amsterdam.