Hotel 96 is a tranquil, family-run boutique retreat tucked away on the outskirts of Marseille. Originally a 19th-century caretaker’s lodge, the property was acquired by the Racine family in the 1980s. In 2012, siblings Alice and William transformed their childhood home into a charming 18-room hotel, pouring their passion for travel, design, and local culture into every corner.
The hotel’s design is a thoughtful blend of historical character and contemporary comfort. The interiors, curated by Atelier 5A, feature quirky, personal touches—like family photos and vintage washbasins—that make the space feel like a private home rather than a commercial property. Sustainability is also a core focus here; the buildings use green roofs for natural cooling and energy efficiency, and the kitchen emphasizes organic, seasonal produce from their own garden.
Set within lush grounds, the hotel offers a peaceful oasis featuring an outdoor pool and sauna, perfect for unwinding. It is strategically positioned as a gateway to the stunning Calanques National Park, making it an ideal base for those wanting to hike or explore the rugged Mediterranean coastline.
While it offers a quiet escape from the city bustle, you are still within easy reach of Marseille’s highlights. A short drive or bus ride connects you to the vibrant Old Port, the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and the cultural museums that define this historic Phoenician city. It is the perfect balance for travelers seeking both nature and urban exploration.
Expert reviews
“The brother-sister team of William and Alice Racine have converted their family home, a 19th-century bastide (Provençal villa), into an elegant, peaceful country-house hotel on the edge of France’s boisterous second city.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Swimming pool
- Garden
Location
Recent guest reviews
27 May 2026
Exceptional
28 April 2026
Very good
3 January 2026
Exceptional
3 August 2025
Fabulous
12 May 2025
Exceptional
7 April 2025
Exceptional
29 March 2025
Exceptional
4 February 2025
Fabulous
27 October 2024
Fabulous
2 September 2024
Exceptional
17 July 2024
Very good
17 May 2024
Exceptional
30 November 2023
Fabulous
15 October 2023
Exceptional
28 September 2023
Pleasant
Friendly helpful staff
The room was very disappointing. Shower was like in a hostel, all amenities were very basic and uninviting
12 September 2023
Very good
9 September 2023
Great for a quiet getaway - need transport!
Breakfast is fantastic
Far out of town
5 September 2023
Fabulous
26 August 2023
Fantastic stay with warm staff that could not be more accommodating.
Location and facilities. Pool was great. Breakfast was varied and great quality
TV was not usable. No English channels. But staff were very apologetic and helpful 🙂 Pillows - maybe offer a choice of orthopaedic pillows.
23 July 2023
Lovely hotel near Marseille and Cassis
All premises were very clean and tastefully decorated Lovely garden and pool area Delicious breakfast with bio and local/homemade food Very kind and friendly staff Room #10 was spacious, bright and comfortable Overall an excellent stay and would definitely recommend
Would have appreciated stronger air conditioning
15 July 2023
Excellent
Stunning property with beautiful gardens on the outskirts of Marseille. The pool area is a great place for relaxation. Staff are all so lovely and helpful with any queries about your stay or Marseille itself. Breakfast was a treat every morning and the home made yoghurt was delicious!
26 June 2023
Fabulous
The staff were wonderful, the room and bathroom were spacious and clean and the breakfast was exceptional. Everything seemed to be made in house and tasted great. Quiet, spacious, tranquil hotel.
The only thing that could be improved is sharing the gate code before you arrival and ensuring the balcony / patio to the rooms are cleaned. Our room was very clean but the patio was very dirty, dusty and full of leaves. It felt like an after thought. The price felt a little steep for the accommodations, but I did book rather last minute.
Hotel facilities
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Food & Drink
- - Bar
- - Snack bar
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Windsurfing (additional charge)
- - Hiking
- - Cycling
- - Diving (additional charge)
- - Snorkelling
- - Badminton equipment
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Cleaning services
- - Daily housekeeping
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
- - Kids' outdoor play equipment
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

23 June 2026
Very good