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
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
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
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

9 September 2023
Great for a quiet getaway - need transport!