About Marseille

Marseille is one of the oldest cities in Europe and it's also one of the most alive. It thrives on change and the influx of the new, a true global melting pot since its founding in 600BC. The best places to stay in Marseille reflect this diversity with everything from cheap and chic to five-star luxury on offer.

Marseille is also the second-largest city in France, by population, and the largest by area. So get ready to jump into the colourful markets - which will transport you to more distant lands, to marvel at the natural beauty of the Calanques - fjord-like cliffs which fall dramatically into the sea, and to delve into the history of the old part of town and the old harbour - le Vieux Port.

Being European Culture Capital in 2013 meant museums, galleries and accommodation options have had a recent spruce up, so it's a great time to visit Marseille. With 2600 years of history to explore, you'll find plenty to keep you interested.

With lively nightlife, fascinating history and an excellent choice of restaurant and bars, Marseille has plenty to offer. But don't forget that the best places to stay in Marseille will be busy, especially during the peak summer months. So do your homework and book well ahead.

The best places to stay in Marseille

For city chic

  • Mama Shelter is the ultimate chic city break hotel, care of Philippe Starck, naturally. A short stroll from the old port, this hotel occupies a cluster of old houses, so it's old and graceful on the outside and high concept on the inside. As well as plenty of clean, white lines there are whimsical touches, like ceilings covered with graffiti, and Marseillaise slang in the lift.
  • Elegant, classy, stylish are all good adjectives for Hotel C2. Awash with luxury, this Haussman-style townhouse blends chic contemporary design features with antique cornices and frescoes. The highlights include a superb restaurant, a lavish spa and a lively music bar.
  • Hôtel Maison Montgrand is a unique hotel comprising two beautifully renovated townhouses boasting a spacious outdoor terrace, tea salon and perfumery. Rooms are modernist and minimal and some come with balconies. Best yet, it is great value!
  • nHow Marseille is a quirky hotel with street art and showpiece installations to enthral those with a taste for contemporary urban art. Rooms are chic and modern with many boasting balcony views of the sea.

For harbour views

  • The name is a big giveaway at La Residence du Vieux Port. The rooms focus on space, light and comfort, affording excellent views out over the nearby harbour. A great base from which to explore the vibrant area surrounding Marseille's port.

For a romantic break

  • Les Bords de Mer is a luxury hotel set directly on the seafront on Catalans Beach in Marseilles. All guestrooms have sea views and a private terrace. Boasting a rooftop pool and seafood restaurant, perfect for a romantic getaway.

For sea views

  • Perfectly capturing the beauty of the Mediterranean, Le Petit Nice is a stunning five-star hotel. Heavenly suites, the famous Gérald Passédat restaurant, and an atmospheric bar all come together to create a tranquil spot.

For a central location

  • Hotel Maison Saint Louis is a heritage hotel well-placed near the Old Port in Marseilles, in the heart of the Noailles neighbourhood. The imperial facade gives way to airy, Mediterranean-inspired guestrooms in a palette of olive green and Marseille blue. An elegant choice.

For families

  • Hotel 96 is set in a beautiful secluded 19th century house, on the outskirts of Marseilles. Sleek rooms are minimalist and contemporary and family suites are available. Situated near the national park this is a great choice for an outdoor holiday.

For a self-catering apartment or holiday villa

  • Explore the options at our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly into Marseille Airport.
  • For car hire, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Marseille is the sunniest city in France with over 300 days of sunshine a year. If you're one for summer heat, the best time to visit is from May to September.

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The best hotels in Marseille

Hôtel Maison Montgrand

Marseille

This unique hotel comprised of two beautifully renovated townhouses boasts a spacious outdoor terrace, tea salon and perfumery. Rooms are modernist and minimal and some rooms come with balconies. The delicious lunch served on the terrace is not to be missed and there are great restaurants nearby.

  • Sights nearby - The Vieux-Port is a 5min walk while Estrangin Préfecture Metro Station is 150m from the hotel so you can explore the city
  • Local markets - Don't miss Marseille's iconic markets including Noailles Market, just a short walk from the hotel
  • Short break - With Marseille airport only 20Km away, this is the perfect place for a short weekend getaway
  • Lively area
from $85 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Mama Shelter, Marseille

Marseille

Stylish modernity close to the old port. This Philippe Starck designed Marseille hotel offers industrial-meets-kitsch style and caters for a trendy crowd. Good for solo travellers, couples and families who like a buzzy atmosphere in minimalist surroundings. Excellent value.

  • Value chic
  • City Style
  • Restaurant - Serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine
  • Designer - Philippe Starck has worked his magic here
from $73 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Maison Saint Louis

Marseille

This heritage hotel is nestled near the Old Port in Marseilles, in the heart of the Noailles neighbourhood. The imperial facade gives way to airy, Mediterranean-inspired guestrooms in a palette of olive green and Marseille blue. Start the day at the hotel's classic bistro before sightseeing.

  • Families - With family suites that can accommodate children, this hotel is a great option for parents wanting to have a family city break
  • City Style - Set in a turn-of-the-century property in the historic Noailles neighbourhood, this hotel has reams of local Marseilles charm
  • Local exploring - Set in the city's lively, popular district close to the Old Port, this hotel makes a great base for exploring local culture
  • Sights nearby - Visit the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a 19th-century Romano-Byzantine basilica and a symbol of Marseilles
from $74 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel 96

Marseille

An excellent hotel set in a beautiful secluded 19th century house, on the outskirts of Marseilles. Designed with modern interiors, the rooms are sleek and stylish with uncomplicated decorations. Perfectly placed for exploring Marseille or the national park to the south.

  • Local exploring - Set just outside Marseilles, it's perfect for exploring the city and also the Calanques National Park.
  • Sights nearby - The hotel is located less than a mile from Parc du Roy d'Espagne.
  • Swimming Pool
from $109 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Residence du Vieux Port

Marseille

A quirky, retro-pop hotel overlooking the Vieux-Port in Marseille. Rooms are spacious and sleek, and many have impressive views. A quayside parade of fabulous seafood restaurants is literally on the doorstep, and all the sights of the city are within easy reach.

  • Value chic - An affordable gem, overlooking the beautiful old port, inspired by Le Corbusier and filled with vintage design features.
  • Sights nearby - Quay for cruises to the legendary Chateau d'If and the lovely Calanques just across the street
  • Local markets - Picturesque seafood and flower markets right outside
  • Restaurant
from $189 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
nhow Marseille

Marseille (La Corniche)

A quirky hotel with street art and showpiece installations to enthral those with a taste for contemporary urban art. Rooms are chic and modern with many boasting balcony views of the sea. Guests can make use of a fully-equipped gym or relax by the pool with a drink from the bar.

  • Families - With family rooms and child-friendly activities during school holidays, this is a great place to bring the kids
  • City Style - This stylish property in the heart of Marseille features unique designs from a host of famous architects
  • Short break - Marseille Provence airport is less than an hour away so you can relax into holiday mode in no time
  • Business meetings - nHow offers 14 meeting rooms in this alternative setting
from $194 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Les Bords de Mer

Marseille (La Corniche)

This luxury hotel sits directly on the seafront on Catalans Beach in Marseilles. All guestrooms have sea views and a private terrace, complemented by azure drapes and crisp white linens. Head to the rooftop pool before dinner at the stylish seafood restaurant, perfect for a romantic getaway.

  • Beach Life - Set on the beach in Marseilles, with sea views from every room, book this hotel for your next seaside getaway in the Côte d'Azur
  • Romantic Break - With airy and bright suites, a rooftop bar and pool and a sleek spa, book this hotel for an indulgent romantic break
  • Local exploring - This hotel's location is ideal for local exploring, offering easy access to the coast and to the city centre
  • Views
from $198 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Petit Nice

Marseille (Marseilles )

A waterfront five-star hotel and restaurant. Spectacular views and calming ambiance extend to the cocktail bar, leafy terrace, swimming pool, famous Gérald Passédat restaurant and spacious rooms. Immaculate and simple, decorated in a lovely contemporary style.

  • Views - Incredible spot overlooking the sea. Gaze into the horizon with the Château d’If and the Planier lighthouse in the background
  • Restaurant - The only three-Michelin-star establishment in town, it’s by some way the most inventive on this stretch of coast
  • Fishing - Calanque de Morgiou has been famed for tuna fishing since 1622.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the old port of Marseilles.
from $268 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel C2

Marseille

A sharp snazzy five-star hotel in Marseille's city centre. The Haussman-style townhouse features ornate period ceiling frescos, side by side with cutting edge contemporary design furnishings. The deluxe suites, excellent restaurant, vibrant music bar and heavenly spa, exude a quiet sense of luxury.

  • City Style - A charming 19th-century mansion, turned chic contemporary urban retreat, filled with funky design details and orginal features.
  • Local exploring - Just minutes from the Vieux Port, surrounded by smart boutiques and cool cafes, it's the perfect base for exploring Marseille.
  • Sights nearby - The Old Port of Marseille and Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica are ten minutes walk from the hotel.
  • Restaurant
from $283 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port

Marseille (Provence)

A luxury hotel in Marseille's Old Port. With marine-themed decor and panoramic views, it exudes a classic charm. Guests can expect a comprehensive spa, gourmet dining at Les Trois Forts or casual bites at the brasserie, plus cocktails at the Skylounge. Perfect for a refined retreat in the city.

  • Total relaxation - Indulge in serene bliss with free access to the spa, sauna, and hammam, plus stunning harbour views
  • Foodies - Savour gourmet delights at Les Trois Forts, featuring local specialties and panoramic port views
  • Great walks - Take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Catalans Beach, perfect for a refreshing swim
  • Sights nearby - Explore the nearby historic Fort Saint Nicholas, just a short walk from the hotel
from $309 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia