La Residence du Vieux Port

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.

Robin Gauldie Review published: 23/10/2018