Gimme Shelter: Mama Shelter set up a new outpost in early September – this time a lively 194-room property in east London designed by Dion & Arles.
“While London has always been a popular destination, it’s currently undergoing a property boom with more and more hotels opening in the market,” Jeremie Trigano, CEO of Mama Shelter, told HOTELS. “However, since Mama Shelter occupies a unique space, we’re able to differentiate ourselves in various ways.”
Some of those ways include open lobby spaces for hanging out, a Michelin-star chef overseeing F&B and “fun quirks” like in-room XXX entertainment. “Our standout location in the hip East London is also a huge draw,” Trigano said.
Design is a big focus, including chandeliers, painted ceilings and furniture with funky patterns to be seen as soon as the guest enters the lobby, along with long communal-style tables and big bar with foosball tables, photo and video booths throughout the hotel. Along with separate multipurpose ateliers in the lobby, “we think our most exciting spaces are the private karaoke rooms,” Trigano said.
Projected ADR is about US$186 per night. “Like most Mama Shelters we expect to see a consistent occupancy of around 85% to 90%,” he said, comparing the quality of bedding and mattresses, F&B and service to a 5-star hotel at a lower price.
Baur au Lac reimagines the brasserie: Zurich icon Baur au Lac has opened a new contemporary European brasserie, Baur’s. The casual-luxury concept, which has a separate entrance from the hotel, was conceived by sixth-generation Baur owner Andrea Kracht, Gorgeous Group and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
The space, which replaces Rive Gauche, features a modern art collection, a bar and lounge area and a main restaurant area that seats 66. The menu has updated brasserie fare with vegan and vegetarian options. A dining counter at the center of the restaurant, build in marble and glass, has cold dishes. And a separate cigar lounge also designed by Brudnizki.