The Vibe: Fun French.

The Area: Mama Shelter London – Shoreditch is located in hip East London, on Hackney Road, the border between the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney. This long road is also home to an eclectic tapestry of late-night dive bars, cool florists, wine bars and hot-ticket restaurants. You’re also well placed for top restaurants such as Bistrotheque (a 10-minute walk away) and Peg (a 10-minute taxi).

The DNA: Classic Mama Shelter: maximalist to the core, with a touch of the 1970s. In the open-plan ground-floor, a mish-mash of lampshades – tassled, wicker, in the shape of Mexican sombreros – hang from a chalkboard ceiling graffitied in symbols and words. Mismatched chairs, Liberty London prints and shelves full of London-centric tomes, beaded masks and animal-shaped ceramics complete the picture. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s a breath of fresh air from the basic budget beige favoured by many similarly priced chains. 

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms come on small, medium and large categories. Like the public areas they feel kistch Seventies in style but are calmer than the riot downstairs: peach walls, monochrome carpets, wooden seating, and cool, colourful cushions and lamps. The brand’s signature masks (Tweety Bird, Spiderman), hang from mirrors.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 195 rooms (11-35m2) (118-377 sq ft) • hotel opened: September 2019 (formerly Days Inn) • interior design: Dion & Arles • bathroom amenities: custom • street parking (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible