Ennismore, Accor‘s lifestyle and leisure hospitality business, has signed a further hotel under its Mama Shelter brand, adding another site in the south of France.
Mama Shelter Toulon is expected to open in 2027, delivering a vibrant new addition to the destination that will encompass a new social venue, as well as a 100 room hotel. Unusually for a hotel, the emphasis at Mama Shelter properties is as much on food and beverage, inviting in a local audience and residents, as it is on providing overnight accommodation.
Repurposing a historic building
Forming the basis for the new hotel is the Ancient Eveche de Toulon, a historic property that will be given a modern makeover. That upgrade will include installation of a glass roof, surrounding a mature plane tree and creating a memorable restaurant space with more than 150 covers.
Guests will be greeted on arrival within a double height space, before being shown to their rooms. Those rooms will be available in a range of sizes, to suit couples or families travelling together.
Externally, a terrace will open onto the town’s Place Paul Conte, reinforcing the venue’s integration with the local community. And for those seeking a modern way to bring business associates together, Mama Shelter Toulon will include high technology seminar and meeting rooms for hire.
“With Mama Shelter Toulon, we will bring a new energy to the city and create a space where locals and travellers can gather, celebrate, and experience the unique Mediterranean lifestyle,” said Cedric Gobilliard, Ennismore’s chief operating officer for Mama Shelter. “This project embodies the spirit of Mama, playful, unconventional, and always full of life – while embracing Toulon’s rich history and coastal charm.”
In its home territory of France, the brand is now well established, and Mama Shelter is expanding at pace internationally. In Europe, sites under construction include Mama Shelter Amsterdam, Lake Como and Zurich. The Lake Como property is a new build being developed by partners Zanklon Capital and Extendam, and will feature 150 rooms in five different categories, while guests will also be able to enjoy a rooftop bar and poolside restaurant.
Building a global brand
Further afield, on the African continent, works are underway to deliver Mama Shelter Casablanca, and in the south, Mama Shelter Cape Town. And in the Americas, work is under way in Colombia on Mama Shelter Medellin. While in Los Angeles, a Mama Shelter is sure to give the brand momentum as it looks to grow in the USA.
The brand is also expanding in Asia, with its new hotel in Singapore promising to be a dramatic architectural statement. With an exoskeleton, the seven storey block was designed by award-winning architects Ong & Ong and meets exacting building efficiency standards. Once again, a rooftop pool features as one of the amenities guests of its 110 rooms will be free to enjoy.
