Marseille hotels

For me, this is one of the best hotels in Marseille, halfway between the city and the sea. Perched on the Corniche Kennedy, overlooking the Plage des Catalans, this 4-star hotel enjoys an exceptional location facing the Mediterranean Sea and the Frioul Islands. In a vertically designed Art Deco building, 19 rooms offer breathtaking views.

The decoration is minimalist, with soft tones to accentuate the blue of the Mediterranean. Here, I always feel like I'm floating. We love the rooftop pool and the spa carved into the rock. Behind a huge bay window, the restaurant bathed in light offers a bistro-inspired menu focusing on seafood. The real highlight: the opportunity to access the pools of the Cercle des Nageurs, a place I love to visit to clear my mind.

Perched on the hill of Le Panier, overlooking the Old Port and the lapping of the Mediterranean, this timeless 5-star hotel needs little introduction. The former public hospital from the 16th century, with its monumental façade in Cassis stone, houses 205 luxurious rooms and suites. Designed by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, each one exudes discreet luxury, a perfect balance between ancient nobility and contemporary design.

I love spotting the nods to the Mediterranean spirit scattered here and there: sometimes fish sculptures, sometimes slate shades in homage to the calanques, dramatic rocky coves and coastline to the south-east of the city. The indoor pool and ultra-private spa deserve a special mention. Meanwhile, Fenêtres, the hotel's brasserie, is a good dining option. But I especially recommend the Capian bar for its trio of negronis. All in all, enough to deserve its place on the podium of the best hotels in Marseille.

As the name suggests, this is one of the best hotels in Marseille for travellers seeking a breathtaking view of the city. In the early 19th century, it welcomed sailors in transit, intellectuals and famed personalities.

All came to enjoy themselves in the adjoining cabaret. The entrance worthy of a 1920s cinema cabin and its heritage-status staircase are already a journey in and of themselves. The adventure continues in the rooms, all of which enjoy views of Notre Dame de la Garde and the Old Port.

Another plus point: Bellevue is the first hotel in Marseille to be awarded the Clef Verte label, a guarantee of ecological commitment. Even if you don't stay there, I'd recommend climbing to the first floor and settling in at La Caravelle, an authentic sailor's café, precious few of which remain in the city of Marseille.

Just a few metres from the Old Port, this 19th-century mansion is the place where I like to indulge in a restorative break in the midst of nature. Behind a very classic façade, it opens onto a beautiful tree-lined courtyard, a true oasis of greenery and unsuspected serenity in the heart of the city. Its 49 rooms are spread across three buildings on the street.

Ranging from 15 to 25 m², they cater to all profiles: cosy apartments for families or couples and duplexes with rooftop terraces for those moments of indulgence. While they all share the same Scandinavian-influenced decor, I highly recommend requesting an upper-floor room for extra daylight. The amenities and services are plentiful: a tea room, restaurant, cocktail bar, petanque court, art gallery and concept store. Everything I love in the best hotels in Marseille!

Boldness and character: this is how I would describe the personality of this 4-star hotel and its restaurant, Le Relais 50. The decor is inspired by the great names of modernism for a decidedly 1950s atmosphere. In the hotel's 48 rooms, you'll find graphic patterns, a palette of primary colours and Formica furniture.

Spacious and bright, the sleeping areas almost all have a balcony with a view of Notre-Dame de la Garde. My favourite: room 105 with a very stylish black and white chequered bathroom. In addition to being one of the best hotels to stay in Marseille, La Residence du Vieux-Port is an ideal starting point for exploring museums or boarding a shuttle to the islands.

After the New Hotel Voltaire in Paris, sisters Caroline and Camille Antoun have invested in this establishment located behind the Saint-Ferreol les Augustins church, very close to historic high-street, La Canebière. Multiculturalism was the watchword for the design, paying homage to what defines the essence of Marseille.

Exotic woods (ipe in the lobby, wenge in the 48 rooms), Mediterranean or Hispanic touches, bathrooms tiled with Majorelle blue zelliges, Portuguese jute rugs as headboards: each room has been designed with a touch of charming bohemian spirit. Design enthusiasts will not be disappointed with reissues of Pierre Paulin's desks and chairs. Le Quai, one of the best hotels in Marseille, also offers access to the Cercle des Nageurs pools and provides a coworking space.

Just a few years ago, the city of Marseille lacked small, upscale boutique hotels. This issue was resolved thanks to C2, now one of the best hotels in Marseille. Located on Cours Pierre-Puget, near the Palais de Justice, it's located in a sublime 19th-century mansion. The welcome it gives is warm without being stuffy in the slightest. The 20 bright and spacious rooms are arranged around a majestic marble staircase.

Haussmannian lines, original parquet flooring, columns, frescoes and bas-relief sculptures blend harmoniously. The basement of this 5-star hotel reveals a spa with a hot tub and heated pool. My tip: ask for the C2 beach package, which includes a double room with breakfast, as well as a day trip with a butler on the private island of Degaby. A reasonable price for one of my favourite experiences.

Facing Norman Foster's Ombrière du Vieux-Port, in a revitalised Opera district, this cosy establishment is one of the best hotels in Marseille. Elegant without being ostentatious, you'll feel instantly at home here.

The 62 rooms have been decorated with furniture from the Maisons du Monde brand, according to five different styles. My favourites: the Saint-Rémy rooms with designer four-poster beds, natural materials, and a warm colour palette, or the Gordes rooms, with muted tones and an Art Deco spirit.

Extra marks for the exceptional bedding and excellent soundproofing, characteristic of the best hotels in Marseille. And you can't miss the breakfast buffet. It showcases carefully selected local products, such as cheeses from Froumai, pastries from Aix-en-Provence and coffee from Luciani. Weekend breakfast hours are extended for a leisurely morning.

Located in the transforming 6th arrondissement, this is one of the best hotels in Marseille to experience life like a local. It's a midway point between the tourist attractions of the Old Port and the vibrant new cultural venues and trendy bars. Designed by Philippe Starck, the 125 rooms are an ode to whimsy, madness and design.

Minimalist and funky, they are a perfect option when I want a budget-friendly accommodation. Mama Shelter is above all a large living space with a cocktail bar beloved by local workers for after-work drinks and a pleasant Mediterranean restaurant. Every weekend, a DJ takes over the venue for lively parties. Casual service and efficient staff make for a fun and affordable stay.

Below the Corniche, on the rocks of Malmousque, it is one of the best hotels in Marseille. This chic and relaxed establishment, run by the Passedat family since 1917, is a favourite spot for celebrities. Its 17 ultra-private rooms were renovated several years ago by the Marseille painter Gérard Traquandi and the architect of the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations), Rudy Ricciotti.

The style is understated and refined, with natural materials that leave plenty of room for a dialogue with the omnipresent Mediterranean. Outside, a terrace with a pool overlooks the crystal-clear water and tropical gardens. As for the cuisine, the restaurant has long been the only triple-starred address in the city of Marseille.