Review: Mama Shelter London Shoreditch – Ibiza Energy Meets East End Chic
Looking for a great place to stay in London? Whether you want to entertain the family or have a special night away as a couple or with friends, Mama Shelter London offers incredible value.
Checking into Mama Shelter London Shoreditch feels like stumbling into an Ibiza hideaway in the middle of East London. The hotel has the same electric, playful energy you’d expect from legendary party destinations such as the Hard Rock Hotel or Ushuaïa in Ibiza. But instead of Mediterranean sands, it’s set against Shoreditch’s industrial-cool streets and creative pulse. There’s a buzz here, but also a warmth—the perfect combination of contemporary design and a genuinely welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
From the moment we walked through the doors, the staff set the tone. Everyone we encountered, whether on reception or in the restaurant, was approachable, helpful, and full of personality. Mama doesn’t do stiff or corporate—it does real hospitality, the kind that instantly makes you feel like you belong.
The place was nicely busy, with families, couples, groups of friends, with a brilliant ambiance. We could happily have just sat in the bar all night!
The Rooms: Comfort Meets Character
Travelling as a family of four (two adults and two children), we opted for inter-connecting rooms—and it was the best decision. Each room felt spacious, airy, and designed with both comfort and style in mind. Soft, modern furnishings, plenty of seating, and beds that were so comfortable we almost didn’t want to get up in the morning.
The rooms balance home comforts with modern touches—streamlined lighting, playful design flourishes, Smart TVs, Tea and coffee facilities and everything you need for a fuss-free stay. For families, couples, or even business travellers, it’s a setup that feels indulgent without being intimidating.
Location: At the Heart of Shoreditch
Nestled on Hackney Road, Mama Shelter is brilliantly placed for anyone wanting to dive into East London’s energy. Shoreditch itself has long been a hub for art, music, and nightlife, but it’s also become something of a screen star. The neighbourhood has featured in Fleabag (the hair salon scene), Nathan Barley (a tongue-in-cheek ode to early hipster culture), and most recently Netflix’s Too Much starring Lena Dunham. It’s a place with character—and you can see why filmmakers keep returning.
Transport is a dream: just a five-minute walk to Cambridge Heath or Bethnal Green stations, and from there you’re only ten minutes from Liverpool Street. In other words, you get the edge and creativity of Shoreditch with the convenience of being practically central.
Dining & Drinks: A Standout Experience
Dining at Mama Shelter is not just an add-on—it’s a highlight. The restaurant offers exceptional value with a menu that caters brilliantly for both kids and adults. During our stay, we sampled:
A juicy burger cooked to perfection
A generous kids’ chicken nuggets and fries (easily devoured!)
An enormous plate of fish and chips—crispy, golden, and hearty
A selection of small plates, including smoky grilled peppers and, the star of the
show, the teriyaki chicken, which was bursting with flavour
The food is so well cooked and with generous portions and excellent presentation, it’s clearly made with great care.
The breakfast offering is massive. Muffins, pancakes, waffles, full english, yoghurt, fruit, bread, hams and cheeses… there’s nothing they haven’t thought of. We found the food to be outstanding. It’s apparent that the hotel prides itself on quality ingredients.
The bar deserves its own mention. With an extensive cocktail and drinks list, there’s something for every taste—from craft beers to elegant cocktails—and, again, the service was excellent. The vibe is relaxed, fun, and stylish; a place as suited to a family dinner as it is to a night out with friends.
Mama Loves Dogs: A True Dogcation
One of the most unique aspects of Mama Shelter London is its Mama Loves Dogs offering, which makes the hotel just as appealing to four-legged guests as their humans. The hotel is unapologetically dog-friendly, going above and beyond with its own dog menu. Choices include slow-cooked beef or braised chicken with rice and carrot sticks, homemade biscuits, and even “dog wines” and a cheekily named Bottom Sniffer Beer.
For special occasions, there’s the dog party package: complete with treats, dog-friendly drinks, and a basket of goodies for the birthday pup—plus a complimentary glass of bubbles for the owner. They’ve even thought of karaoke nights where dogs can join in (yes, really), and offer eco-friendly harnesses and leads from EDDGY in the hotel’s shop. It’s thoughtful, fun, and a real differentiator—Mama Shelter is clearly as much for pets as it is for people.
The Extras
Beyond rooms and dining, Mama Shelter brims with little surprises:
Japanese-style karaoke rooms for letting loose
Private meeting spaces with a creative, atelier feel
A garden terrace for relaxing with a drink
An on-site gym for guests who want to keep up their routine
Hoxton Radio broadcasting live from the hotel, adding to its cultural edge
It’s all woven together with Mama’s playful design language, curated by Parisian designers Dion & Arles. The result? A hotel that feels more like a neighbourhood hub than a place you just pass through.
Final Thoughts
Mama Shelter Shoreditch is not your average London hotel. It’s a destination in itself: playful, stylish, dog-friendly, and full of heart. Whether you’re here as a family, a couple, or with your four-legged companion, Mama manages to create something rare—an atmosphere that feels both world-class and wonderfully down-to-earth.
With its Ibiza-style energy, outstanding dining, thoughtful extras, and unbeatable Shoreditch location, Mama Shelter is the kind of place you check into for a weekend—and end up not wanting to leave.
The hotel deserves every one of its four stars and it all comes at outstanding value, too. Check out the website and you’ll see what we mean: https://mamashelter.com/london-shoreditch/