Hotel group Ennismore, in partnership with real estate investor Propreal Capital Partners, announced on Thursday 17 September 2026 the signing of Mama Shelter Porto. The new 120-room property marks the brand’s debut in northern Portugal and adds to the lifestyle hospitality offering in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
A strategic location in the heart of Porto
The hotel will be located in the Porto Baixa district, close to Avenida dos Aliados and the historic centre. The choice of location is intended to root the hotel firmly within the city’s urban and social fabric, amid landmark monuments, neighbourhood cafés, independent shops and lively riverside streets.
Renowned for its architectural heritage, colourful azulejo façades and thriving food scene, Porto has established itself as one of Europe’s most attractive lifestyle destinations, drawing a new generation of travellers seeking authenticity, culture and connection — a positioning that aligns closely with the brand’s philosophy.
Bold design true to the Mama Shelter DNA
Interior design has been entrusted to Dion & Arles, reflecting the brand’s signature visual language while drawing on Porto’s craftsmanship and visual culture. The spaces, rich in colour and texture, will blend Mama’s playful identity with the city’s local artistic energy, featuring flea-market finds and unexpected details tucked into every corner.
Beyond its rooms, the hotel has been designed as a social and festive hub, open from morning until late at night. Its restaurant, the beating heart of the project, will offer reinvented classics and signature cocktails in a lively atmosphere, from signature brunches to “Mama Nights” driven by DJs and live music.
Mama Plays game areas and private karaoke rooms round out the offering, underlining the ambition to create a fully-fledged social destination rather than a simple hotel restaurant.
A vision shared by both partners
The project reflects a shared ambition between the hotel operator and its real estate investor. Cédric Gobilliard, Brand COO of Mama Shelter at Ennismore, said that bringing Mama to Porto felt like an obvious choice, describing the city as one with soul, full of colour, creativity and a strong sense of community — everything Mama stands for. He added that the project would create an open, vibrant and lively space where locals and travellers could meet, share and celebrate together.
That view was echoed by the financial partner. Marcus Siggelow, Head of Asset Management at Propreal Capital Partners, described the signing as an important milestone for the company, noting that it marks their second hotel project in Porto and their first collaboration with Mama Shelter, in a market they know well and firmly believe in. He added that the brand’s DNA closely matched their vision of modern hospitality and was a strong fit for this location and city, and said they were confident the hotel would become one of Porto’s flagship lifestyle destinations.
Founded in Geneva in 2012, Propreal Capital Partners has acquired and managed more than €3 billion in real estate assets across Europe and North America, with a strong focus on hotels, mixed-use developments, offices, retail and residential. The company positions itself around a disciplined repositioning strategy backed by deep operational and market expertise.
A new milestone in the brand’s global growth
Founded in Paris in 2008 by Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin, Mama Shelter was built on a distinctive concept: hospitality that is neither fully upscale nor budget, but resolutely human and convivial. Following openings in Paris, Singapore, Marseille, Rome, Lisbon and Dubai, the arrival in Porto is part of the brand’s dynamic development strategy across the European continent.
The brand now counts 19 properties across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Further openings have already been announced in Val Thorens, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Bangkok, on Lake Como and in Casablanca.
Mama Shelter is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality group that claims the fastest growth in the sector. Formed from a joint venture established in 2021 with majority shareholder Accor, Ennismore now operates 14 hotel brands, with more than 190 hotels open and over 150 in the pipeline across more than 40 countries, employing more than 35,000 people (figures as of end of June 2026).
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Ennismore and Propreal Capital Partners sign Mama Shelter Porto
Announcement made on 17 September 2026, brand’s debut in northern Portugal
120-key hotel located in Porto Baixa, near Avenida dos Aliados
Second Porto hotel project and first collaboration between Propreal and Mama Shelter
Interior design by Dion & Arles; upcoming openings include Val Thorens, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Bangkok, Lake Como and Casablanca
Mama Shelter now counts 19 properties; parent company Ennismore operates 14 brands and 190+ hotels across 40+ countries
