The brand’s first Swiss location marks the 19th property in Mama Shelter’s global portfolio and a sleek new 178-room hotel complete with rooftop terrace for Zurich
Mama Shelter has announced the exciting opening of its inaugural Swiss property, located in Zurich’s lively Oerlikon district. Set to open at the end of July, this significant launch represents the brand’s 19th location globally and introduces a fresh, lifestyle-oriented hospitality concept to the Swiss market.
Staying true to the brand’s philosophy, Mama Shelter Zurich is far more than a conventional hotel: hotel: it is a genuine living space, a place for meeting and sharing, open to everyone, locals and travellers alike.
The flamboyant property comprises 178 guest rooms, a convivial restaurant, a green rooftop with expansive views of Zurich, a stylish bar, a banquet hall, co-working spaces, recreational areas including pétanque and table tennis courts, pinball machines and a fully equipped gym. Like all Mama properties, it is a space where one can live, eat, laugh, work, and celebrate all under one roof.
A natural match
Renowned for its elegance, creativity and natural beauty, Zurich offers an exceptional quality of life. Positioned between lake and mountains, it is a capital of bold architecture, fine gastronomy, abundant nature.
Serge Trigano, co-founder of Mama Shelter alongside his sons Jérémie and Benjamin, commented: “Zurich, beyond its banks, is a natural destination for Mama Shelter thanks to its architecture, its lake, its nature, and excellent gastronomy. So Mama Shelter is proud to take over an iconic hotel in this city and completely transform it to fit our concept, making it the 19th in our growing family.”
Mama Shelter Zurich aims to be more than a place to stay—it is designed as an inclusive space for meeting, sharing, working, having a drink, dining, dancing… and sleeping.
Oerlikon: the ultimate creative neighbourhood
Situated just steps from Oerlikon railway station and well connected to the city central, Mama Shelter Zurich is at the heart of a thriving neighbourhood renowned for its concert venues, innovation hubs, startups and striking urban architecture. Oerlikon’s built environment is deeply influenced by Brutalism, a style that Mama Shelter has reinterpreted with playfulness and personality.
This juxtaposition of raw and graphic design is given colourful, quirky and joyous aesthetics creating a space that is as spirited and cosmopolitan as Zurich itself.
Cédric Gobilliard, Chief Operating Officer of Mama Shelter, shared: “Zurich is a city in constant evolution, cosmopolitan, creative and forward-looking, sharing Mama Shelter’s values of openness, friendliness and freedom. With this new address, one of the first lifestyle and party spots in this revitalised neighbourhood, we want to offer locals and travellers alike a warm, lively, and accessible place designed for the joy of being together. A place to work, meet, share a meal or a drink… or simply enjoy a convivial moment, from morning until night.”
Swiss-inspired surroundings
For Mama Shelter Zurich, the design studio led by Benjamin El Doghaïli has created a joyful, welcoming interior filled with playful nods to Swiss culture. The concept draws as much inspiration from the Alpine landscapes as it does from horology, the modernist spirit championed by Le Corbusier, and, of course, chocolate, a universal symbol of comfort and indulgence.
“Imagining the décor of Mama Zurich was impossible without thinking of Switzerland, its culture, its identity, and its mountains” explains Benjamin El Doghaïli, Head of the Mama Shelter Design Studio.
Every space tells a story. The lobby immediately evokes the warmth of a mountain refuge, clad from floor to ceiling in cosy, tactile materials reminiscent of a chocolate box. The lounge, both theatrical and dreamlike, pays tribute to Swiss precision and the passage of time, with a monumental clock as its centrepiece.
The bar embraces a bolder, graphic identity, featuring a ceiling with geometric frescoes, a nod to the modernist compositions inspired by Le Corbusier. The restaurant celebrates a joyful take on brutalism, softened by Alpine peak-inspired curtains.
In the shared spaces, the colour palette flows between rich chocolate, caramel and cream tones, punctuated with textured wood finishes and vibrant primary colours. Upstairs in the bedrooms, the atmosphere channels an urban chalet aesthetic: light wooden walls, hazelnut-coloured curtains, chocolate-inspired curved carpets and soft, tactile textures create a cosy, comforting cocoon. And, true to Mama Shelter’s DNA, the iconic bedside masks add a playful final touch to this unique setting.
A lot on your plate
Mama’s Restaurant
At the heart of Mama Shelter Zurich is its restaurant, a space designed for sharing, laughter and exceptional food. Guests can enjoy signature Mama dishes including hearty sharing plates, fresh salads, homemade comfort food and pizzas. With its open kitchen and inviting terrace, the restaurant fosters a relaxed and sociable dining experience.
The venue also hosts Mama Shelter’s renowned Sunday brunch: a true Sunday ritual where abundance meets conviviality. Expect generous buffets, comforting dishes and homemade treats, all served in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Mama’s Garden
On the second floor, Mama’s Garden is a true oasis with breathtaking views over Zurich’s rooftops. It’s the perfect spot for brunch in the sun, an aperitif with friends, or an evening cocktail. The menu features wines and cocktails for relaxed or livelier nights, depending on the hour.
Start the adventure
When: Opening July 31 2025
How: Find out more and make a booking via mamashelter.com
