“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.”
“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.”
Hotel Review
Signed photos of French celebs who have stayed in this quirkily colourful, Le Corbusier-inspired hotel adorn a lobby lounge furnished with a library of coffee-table books. Jean-Paul Belmondo is the face most British visitors will recognise. There's a '60s feel to the public areas, with colourful striped carpets and armchairs reminiscent of the heyday of Habitat. The self-serve honour bar – stocked with sensibly priced premium booze – is a nice perk.
Upstairs, rooms are spacious enough, with very comfy beds and colour themes that seem to have been lifted from a Miro print – red, yellow and blue predominate. You'll find full sized bathtubs with over-tub showers, slippers, fluffy robes and toiletries including the city's signature savon de Marseille in monochrome bathrooms with chessboard-tiled floors. Effective blackout curtains (essential in summer) carry on the '60s op-art theme. Noise protection is also effective. Everything is immaculately clean, but furniture and carpets in some rooms are showing their age.
The wide-screen TV plonked onto the built-in desk is an obtrusive afterthought, and guests with multiple mobile devices may gripe that there aren't enough power sockets.
Make sure you get a room with a balcony, because the view over the bustling yacht-filled Vieux-Port to Notre-Dame de la Garde cathedral – lit up at night – is a big selling point here. Minibars are stocked with beers, wine – including a split of Pol Roger – spirits and soft drinks.
Back at ground level, there's a sunny café terrace overlooking the harbour and an acclaimed restaurant (residents get a 10% discount). Buffet-style continental breakfast is served in a bright but slightly sterile first floor room.
Written by Robin Gauldie
Recommended For
- Value chic
- An affordable gem, overlooking the beautiful old port, inspired by Le Corbusier and filled with vintage design features.
- Designer Shopping
- Within walking distance of the hip boutiques and designer stores of the Centre Bourse Shopping Centre.
- Sights nearby
- Quay for cruises to the legendary Chateau d'If and the lovely Calanques just across the street
- Museums
- Only a five minute walk from the Museum D'histoire de Marseille and Musee des Dock Romains.
- Local markets
- Picturesque seafood and flower markets right outside
- Contemporary
- Sit-out Terrace
- Family Suites
- Gym
- Disabled access
- Restaurant
- Business Hotel
- Pet friendly
Facilities
- Parking
- Parking at a location nearby at EUR 11 per day
- Disabled access
- Sit-out Terrace
- Outdoor dining
- Bar
- Family Suites
- Wifi
- Air conditioning
- Room service
- Sitting Room
- Pet friendly
- Gym
- Restaurant
Activities
- Designer Shopping
- Within walking distance of the hip boutiques and designer stores of the Centre Bourse Shopping Centre.
- Sights nearby
- Quay for cruises to the legendary Chateau d'If and the lovely Calanques just across the street
- Museums
- Only a five minute walk from the Museum D'histoire de Marseille and Musee des Dock Romains.
- Local markets
- Picturesque seafood and flower markets right outside
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
La Residence Du Vieux Port
"The rooms have great views, most with balconies; the service is informal and friendly. It’s an affordable central base near the port-side bars and restaurants."
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
AFFORDABLE AND CHIC HOTELS IN EUROPE
"There's nothing remotely Provençal-looking about the geometric gold-and-grey concrete façade of this hotel, right on the quay of the old port."
Originally published by Conde Nast Traveller (view article)
