One of Mama Shelter's sleek bedrooms.
Photo: Mama Shelter

by Ondine Cohane

Just in time for the worsening economy, Paris's new Mama Shelter recognizes that even those on a budget need to be stylish. This cheap-and-chic property in the hip up-and-coming neighborhood of Saint Blaise was designed by Philippe Starck and comes with plenty of toys for the need-to-be-distracted-from-the-bad-news set--think in-room iMacs and free WiFi, scooters or chauffeured hybrid cars to zip through the City of Lights, blackboards on each floor to keep you posted on Paris goings-on, yoga classes, and even live concerts and cabaret shows. With the former Plaza Athenée concierge, Jean-Claude Elgaire, at the helm it's no wonder that the offerings seem like the amenities of a much more costly establishment. With rooms starting at 79 euros, we can't quite believe our bon chance.

Recession special: For people who advance purchase rooms at Palm Springs' La Quinta Resort & Spa (Dec. 9-26) rates start at $158 a night instead of the $350 of past years.

Further reading:
* Mama Shelter's Web site
* Word of Mouth: The buzz worldwide