Basking in the radiant Mediterranean sun, this vibrant port city captivates visitors with its intoxicating blend of ancient maritime history, rugged coastal beauty, and a bold, multicultural culinary scene. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Marseille based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Marseille: Hôtel Life Marseille VP – Vieux Port
Best boutique hotel in Marseille: Hôtel 96
Best luxury hotel in Marseille: Hotel C2
Best hostel in Marseille: Meininger Marseille Centre La Joliette
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Les Bords de Mer is a stunning boutique hotel perched directly on the rocks of Marseille’s Corniche Kennedy. Housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, it perfectly captures the city's coastal spirit. With only 19 rooms, all of which offer unobstructed Mediterranean views, the hotel feels like a private sanctuary suspended between the blue sky and the sea.
New York Times + 2 more“The four-star Les Bords de Mer is perched above the Catalans beach with sea views that stretch for miles. Its 19 rooms all face the water, and have floor-to-ceiling glass windows or balconies. This is a trendy place; lunches on its rooftop terrace can book up weeks in advance.”
Hotel La Résidence du Vieux-Port is a striking landmark on Marseille’s waterfront, instantly recognizable by its shimmering, geometric gold-and-silver facade. Built in 1954 by architect André-Jacques Dunoyer de Segonzac, the building was designed to blend Le Corbusier-inspired minimalism with a touch of classic 1950s Art Deco.
Lonely Planet + 2 more“Externally as attractive as a multistorey car park, this portside hotel scores big on interior design and views. Its rooms are self-consciously retro – think bold primary colours, art in the styles of Miró and Mondrian, ’50s-style furniture and Anglepoise lamps – and most come with port-view balconies.”
Mama Shelter Marseille is a playful, design-forward hotel housed in a former butcher’s warehouse. Its concrete and aluminum exterior stands in the city center, marking a sharp contrast to the surrounding traditional architecture. The interiors were masterminded by the world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, who filled the space with his signature whimsical style—think graffiti-covered ceilings, colorful life-buoy light fixtures, and mismatched decor that feels intentionally unconventional.
Frommers + 2 more“Tucked into the hipster cours Julien district, this unique hotel is the brainchild of designer Philippe Starck. Rooms are bright and cool, from the modular furnishings to the wall-mounted Macs offering dozens of free on-demand movies. Downstairs, Egyptian graffiti artist Tarek has tagged the industrial-chic restaurant’s ceiling.”
Hotel Maison Montgrand is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Marseille’s historic city centre. This charming boutique hotel is set within an elegant 19th-century private mansion, with two adjoining buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Recently renovated, the property beautifully blends classical architecture with modern Mediterranean design.
New York Times + 2 more“With its lifestyle boutique, restaurant, vast garden and frequent Friday night parties, Hotel Maison Montgrand is a Marseille tastemaker. The 49 rooms are done in minimalist style with smooth woods and muted tones.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 hours in Marseille.
The InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is a spectacular 5-star hotel housed in a historic 18th-century former hospital. Perched on the hill of Le Panier, the city’s oldest district, the building itself is a protected monument with a past stretching back to the Middle Ages. Its majestic stone architecture, complete with monumental staircases, creates an unforgettable first impression for any visitor.
Fodors + 2 more“Housed in Marseille’s majestic 18th-century Hôtel Dieu, a beloved landmark built according to plans by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart, architect to Louis XIV, this place has been transformed into a gleaming palace. The hotel interiors are luminous and comfortable, accented with large amphorae, artworks, and photographs of the city by local artists.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Marseille.
The Alex Hotel & Spa is a vibrant boutique property conveniently situated just steps from the Marseille Saint-Charles train station. Designed with a distinct flair, the hotel aims to offer a colorful, invigorating escape from the city’s bustle. Each floor is themed with a different bold color—blue, green, or orange—and the interiors feature stylish Carrocim cement tiles that serve as a signature design element throughout the building.
Fodors + 1 more“This reasonably priced boutique hotel, across from St-Charles train station, is set in a beautiful historic building. Done up in rich neutral tones, the rooms have fluffy pillows, flat-screen TVs, and iPhone docking stations.”
Hotel C2 is a stunning 19th-century private mansion transformed into a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Marseille. Its name comes from the architects, Claire Fatosme and Christian Lefèvre, who led the renovation. They masterfully balanced the building's historical integrity—preserving original marble floors, frescoes, and grand staircases—with a minimalist, modern aesthetic.
Frommers + 1 more“Marseille’s uber-cool option, the five-star C2 was launched in 2014. Twenty luxurious, light-filled rooms spill over a 19th-century merchant family mansion typical of this portside quarter, each one decked out in exposed brick walls and designer furnishings. Some have a private hammam steam bath.”
Le Ryad Boutique Hotel is a peaceful, Moroccan-inspired sanctuary tucked away in the heart of Marseille. Located just steps from the historic La Canebière, this charming property feels like a hidden escape from the city's lively pace. Its standout feature is a lush, private internal courtyard and garden, where guests can enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by greenery.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“Morocco comes to Marseille at this stylish hotel, which takes its inspiration from the riads (traditional houses) of North Africa, all woven cushions, patterned rugs and colourful throws. There’s a lovely garden, the top-floor room (‘Mogador’) has its own mini roof terrace.”
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.
Telegraph“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.”
Hôtel Amista, located in the heart of Marseille's vibrant Noailles district, is a charming boutique property that breathes new life into a historic 19th-century building. Formerly known as the Hôtel Saint-Louis, it was completely reimagined by the Ginto hotel group. The name "Amista" translates to "friendship" in Provençal, reflecting the warm, welcoming spirit the hotel strives to provide every guest.
Lonely Planet“The stuccoed façade, wrought-iron balconies and ‘mini-museum’ of this charming hotel pay homage to its 19th-century origins. Each of the rooms is unique – from the ‘Kenya’ (dedicated to Satao, a Kenyan elephant killed by poachers in 2014) to the ‘Yorkshire’, inspired by an English cottage – and a few have little balconies.”
Aparthotel Le Couvent in Marseille is a remarkable piece of history tucked away in Le Panier, the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhood. The building dates back to the 17th century and originally served as a royal foundry before being transformed into a convent for the Jesuit order. Today, it has been beautifully rehabilitated into a collection of luxury suites that honor its past.
New York Times“Marseille’s most discreet hotel might be Le Couvent. Occupying an unmarked 17th-century stone building, the sprawling mansion-like space has no restaurant, spa or other amenities — just 10 stylish contemporary apartments outfitted with vintage pieces, art and books.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 hours in Marseille.
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times
The best areas to stay in Marseille are: Vieux Port, Notre Dame Du Mont, La Plage, La Canebière and Cinq Avenues. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Marseille. It gives a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each neighborhood.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel, then book Hôtel Life Marseille VP – Vieux Port. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Marseille.
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Marseille, then go for Hotel C2. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. For more 5-star hotels, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Marseille.
You like some luxury but don’t like the famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Marseille, you should check out Hôtel 96. It’s a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts. For more cool hotels, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Marseille.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Marseille? Check out Meininger Marseille Centre La Joliette. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our shortlist of the best hostels in Marseille, it’s based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $185 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $290 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Marseille hotel then you can expect to pay around $550 per night.
If you’re looking for a romantic hotel in Marseille, then check out Mama Shelter. The hotel has great reviews by couples and has been recommended by leading travel experts.
The early bird catches the worm, if you're looking for a Marseille hotel offering a great breakfast, then go for the Hotel Maison Montgrand. Guests have given great reviews about the hotel's breakfast service.
There are a lot of things to do in Marseille and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Marseille.
Marseille: Calanques 5-Hour Cruise and Lunch
Hop aboard a magnificent catamaran in Marseille and go for an unforgettable cruise along the creeks and the different Calanques of Marseille. Marvel at the stunning beauty of the landscapes, stop to swim and snorkel and enjoy a special lunch. Price: $82. More info.
Marseille: Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
Save time with a skip-the-line ticket to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseille and learn more about the history and culture of the Mediterranean basin. Price: $12. More info.
Marseille: Panoramic Tour of by Hop-On Hop-Off Colorbus
Live a unique experience by exploring the most beautiful monuments of Marseille aboard Red Line and Blue Line Colorbüses. You can hop off and back on at any of the scheduled stops. Price: $18. More info.
More things to do in Marseille
Founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea, Marseille stands as the oldest city in France, serving for over two millennia as a vital gateway between Europe, the Mediterranean, and the East. Throughout its long history, the city transitioned from the ancient Greek port of Massalia to a resilient Roman stronghold, later becoming a bustling commercial hub that survived plagues, wars, and various occupations. This turbulent past forged the city’s fiercely independent character and its role as a birthplace for French revolutionary spirit; it was, after all, the spirited march of volunteers from this city that gave France its national anthem, “La Marseillaise.”
Today, Marseille has shed its former reputation as a gritty port town to emerge as a vibrant, multifaceted metropolis. It stands as a beacon of cultural fusion and Mediterranean identity, where North African, Italian, and Provençal influences blend seamlessly. The city is defined by its iconic Vieux-Port, recently reimagined by architect Norman Foster, and modern architectural marvels like the MuCEM, which symbolize its commitment to being a contemporary center of art and history. Beyond the urban sprawl, the proximity to the breathtaking Calanques National Park underscores a deep connection to nature, while the fervent passion for the local football club, Olympique de Marseille, highlights the intense, communal energy that defines the city’s heartbeat.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, the city holds fascinating secrets. While many recognize it for the savory, traditional bouillabaisse, it is also the origin of the world’s most widely used tarot deck, the Tarot de Marseille. Additionally, the city is a sun-drenched outlier in France, boasting nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Perhaps most strikingly, hidden beneath the waves near the city’s calanques lies the Cosquer Cave, which houses prehistoric parietal art dating back to between 27,000 and 19,000 BC, proving that Marseille’s status as a center of human activity is far older than its recorded history suggests.
Please do read our guide on where to stay in Marseille, covering the best areas for visitors, cool things to do, and much more.
If you like our list of best places to stay in Marseille, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Paris or the best hotels in Milan.