Mama Shelter Rio de Janeiro Santa Teresa

Mama Shelter is a small artsy hotel with uniquely designed rooms in Santa Teresa up the hill. Getting there from Rio central by foot is definitely doable (and should be done at least once), but be aware it's quite exhausting. Getting there by car, however is definitely a bumpy ride. The lady checking us in was very friendly and made us feel at home immediately. We very much appreciated her helpful recommendations and enjoyed the nice chats. Our room (104) was very spacious and individually designed. We liked fact that there were two showers and two wash basins, even though all of them did run off very slowly. The bed was super comfortable. The complimentary waters in the room were very appreciated. The window shutters (in order to get any light in the room) need getting used to, however they perfectly fit the style of the hotel. As for breakfast: the selection was quite small compared to other Accor hotels, however the food seemed prepared with love (e.g. freshly baked bread, juices out of glass bottles with handwritten labels). We feel that is a perfect match to the style and the target guest group the hotel is aiming for. The breakfast room is also used as a restaurant and visited by locals as well. We enjoyed it once in the evening. The area with deck chairs and showers for sunbathing, a foosball table and ping pong and the multiple seating areas throughout the premises created a very cozy atmosphere enabling interactions with other guests. We liked the word plays with "Mama" and the gift shop, we even bought a "Yo Mama" shirt. We did enjoy the Accor loyalty recognition through a room upgrade, welcome cookies and welcome drinks at the restaurant and felt safe and valued throughout our stay.

Nice staff, good price, great location, perfect service: this is the hotel that was missing in Rio where prices are either too high or service too deficient. My wife and I stayed there for three nights before Carnaval. The rooms are clean and comfortable (an armchair in the larger rooms would be nice though), the wifi working well, and the general atmosphere relaxed and cordial. Very easy to get transportation in the area, and many dining options around.

I stayed at Mama Shelter for 4 nights over New Year. It was a great choice - I did not want to pay a fortune down by the beach and Mama Shelter was priced properly. It is in a great location in Santa Teresa and has a very relaxed friendly feel. I was very well taken care of by Syd and Clarissa and the restaurant manager and her team. They all had a good command of English, were very sweet and accommodating and looked after guests very well. Breakfast was very good daily with plenty of choice and fresh fruit galore.I would definitely say spend time in Santa Teresa rather than just visit from a downtown location. ||On New Years Eve the hotel had a package that included transport to and from the metro and a metro return ticket for guests. This was a great way to go to Copa for the fireworks so no need to stay at a beach hotel that were ridiculously priced.||Great hotel and people. Thank you all. Claire

Amazing hostel in Santa Teresa, my go-to place to stay when in the area. Comfy , cosy and excellent service. The massive open air restaurant for breakfast is stellar. The bar being closed at 7.30pm a bit shocking but overall a great stay and well priced

This was my second visit to Rio and I'm so glad I chose to stay in Santa Teresa at the Mama Shelter. The hotel is what I would describe as "boutique", it has character, art, smaller in size, incredible staff, and a perfect location. It was easy to take an Uber whenever we needed to get out of the area but I would encourage you to walk, there is so much to see and do in Santa Teresa which makes it convenient to come back to your room when you needed to. The popular Escadaria Selarón is easy to get to, which is best seen in the early morning when it is not overrun by all the visitors. Breakfast was ok, it had bread, eggs, meat, coffee, juice and fruit which was enough to start the day but not something you'd rush down for. The decor was lively with bones of a building to remind you of the stunning history that runs through the neighbourhood.

Unfortunately we didn’t stay here (masses of FOMO as it looks great). We did however pop in for breakfast, the buffet was great, there was an egg station and you could order tapioca pancakes. Really great spread, lovely vibe and friendly staff. Would be staying here next time we are in Rio for sure. Santa Teresa is a great area and I would love to explore it more.

Beautiful industrial chic rooms and vibes with a great restaurant at great prices. Good drinks menu with a couple of proper deadly beers on offer. Location wise it's smack in the middle of Santa Therese which is a sorta bohemian local with friendly people and little shops. Gloria is the closest metro station but be warned, Santa Theresa is built on a hill so walking anywhere can get rough after a few days. Views are great and during Carnival there is Blocos everywhere but the hotel area generally remains quiet. DJ every Friday and Saturday nights.

I really enjoyed my stay at Mama Shelter!!! The room was not big but had a balcony/terrace just outside that really helped with additional space. I loved the big windows that let in all that gorgeous Rio sunlight!! Very friendly staff and an awesome warehouse like lounge/restaurant/performing hall. And location!? OMG nothing beats Santa Teresa neighbourhood !!! Highly recommended property if traveling to Rio.