Mama Shelter Marseilles Philippe Starck Hotel

Mama Shelter Marseilles follows Mama Shelter Paris as the second hotel in the Mama Shelter brand designed by Philippe Starck. Starck, the Trigano family (who were cofounders of Club Med), and French philosopher Cyril Aouizerate worked together to launch the Mama Shelter brand, and the hotel's decor reflects the diversity of this collaboration.

This is not a hotel for minimalists or the morose. Patterns are vibrant and nearly cacophonous in public, shared spaces, and the best words to sum up the effect are fun, irreverent, and energetic. With 127 rooms spread over six floors and an affordable starting rate of 69 euros, the hotel provides a hip, vibrant spot to rest your head while traveling in France.

Starck, the Trigano family, and Aouizerate plan to open more Mama Shelter hotels in 2013, in cities including Bordeaux, Lyon, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. Keep reading to take a closer look at the hotel, which just recently opened.