The oldest city in France and the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône region in Southern France, the unique and vibrant city of Marseille entrance travelers with its historical significance dating back to 600 BC and rich culture as one of the most important trading ports on the Mediterranean Sea.
This bustling fishermen’s city is home to many wonders, from historical attractions and the natural harbor of Vieux Port to steamy hot bowls of the famed saffron-flavored Bouillabaisse fish stew. The best way to explore Marseille on foot is to find a centrally located hotel with easy access to famous beaches and public transportation.
From quirky-chic boutique hotels to trendy upscale resorts and my trips to this unique and intriguing city, here are my favorite cool and unusual hotels in Marseille, France (in no particular order)…



Mama Shelter Marseille

Mama Shelter is more than just a hotel; it’s a free-spirited establishment to socialize with locals and travelers at live concerts, ping-pong matches, and homemade Mediterranean dinners.
This upbeat hotel features 125 guest rooms with satin cotton bedding, flatscreen TVs, high-speed WiFi, and intelligent appliances.
The Small and Medium rooms are perfect for singles and couples, while the Large and XXL rooms are more spacious with additional amenities to accommodate families and sharers.
The ground-floor restaurant is a lively hub with a stage for live music, a well-stocked bar, an open kitchen, and an inventive menu of seasonal Mediterranean fares.
Pros
Includes homemade Mediterranean dinners
Well-stocked bar
Modern vibe
24-hour front desk
Cons
Vibe might not suit everyone
No swimming pool
Windows can’t be opened
Nhow Marseille

Constructed into the rocks on a beautiful Mediterranean bay overlooking the sea, Nhow Marseille offers 150 modern guest rooms, an onsite restaurant, meetings and events space, and an ideal location near the beach.
This seaside retreat offers a wide selection of bedrooms, including standard rooms, premium rooms with sea views, family-friendly suites, penthouses, and sea-facing suites with sprawling terraces.
Guests can lounge by the seafront swimming pool, grab snacks and cocktails from the Tunnel Bar, or work at the state-of-the-art gym.
The onsite spa features two Jacuzzis, a solarium, a Hammam, and treatment rooms for massages. The onsite restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with farm-to-table dining.
Pros
Ideal location near the beach
Sea-facing suites with sprawling terraces
Mediterranean cuisine
Marine-themed décor
Cons
Parking is a little far away
Lively vibe might not suit everyone
Food is a little pricey
Hotel Le M
Hotel Le offers pet-friendly rooms in the heart of Marseille’s Castellane et Prefecture district, near Saint-Ferreol Street and the Castellane Metro Station.
This location is fabulous for exploring tourist attractions on foot, offering easy access to Le Jardin de la Colline Puget, Le M. Place Castellane, and Place aux Huiles.
Guests can browse through a lineup of air-conditioned rooms equipped with plush bedding, flatscreen TVs, in-room appliances, and coffee and tea-making facilities. The hotel features an onsite café, an in-house kitchen providing room service, and a continental breakfast spread each morning.
The hotel also offers a meeting room/banquet hall, a luggage storage facility, and a 24-hour reception.
Pros
Tourist attractions on foot
Pet-friendly
Central location
Onsite cafe
Cons
No fridges in the rooms
Wifi can be intermittent
Limited breakfast options
Les Bords De Mer
A refreshing seaside retreat with a subterranean spa, swimming pool, fitness studio, restaurant, and easy access to the beach, Les Bords de Mer is situated on the coast, boasting panoramic sea views from all its guest rooms.
The 19 sea-facing rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, minimalist interiors, and ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers and luxe toiletries from Ren.
The onsite restaurant has an intimate and casual setting with a creative menu of seafood and traditional fares. Guests can access an indoor pool and a heated pool on the rooftop.
The onsite spa, carved out of the rock face, features a sauna, a Hammam, an indoor pool, and treatment areas for massages.
Pros
Insta-worthy views
Heated pool on the rooftop
Spacious and modern rooms
Friendly atmosphere
Cons
Some rooms have better views than others
Breakfast menu can be limited
Small swimming pool
Hôtel Maison Montgrand

Hotel Maison Montgrand offers a tranquil atmosphere in the heart of the bustling city of Marseille, attracting business and leisure travelers with its central location, state-of-the-art amenities, and well-appointed rooms.
The location is ideal for enjoying the best of Marseille’s vibrant neighborhoods, including the Prefecture, Palais de Justice, and Vieux Port.
This boutique hotel features 36 guest rooms inspired by the countryside aesthetic of Southern France. The accommodations offer central air conditioning and heating, TVs with satellite service, and ensuite bathrooms.
The main house features an interior garden, an onsite restaurant and bar, a tea room, and a Mediterranean-themed concept store.
Pros
Interior garden
Mediterranean-themed
Pet-friendly
Comfortable and cosy environment
Cons
No parking available
Some rooms are a little small
Thin walls
Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port

Drenched in old-world charm and period-style aesthetics, the Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille delights culture and history enthusiasts with its antiquated elegance and ideal location in the heart of the Old Port quarters. The onsite bar, Le Beauvau, offers flavorful cocktails and rare wines with a seating area overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The hotel features 73 Mediterranean-style rooms decorated with Empire furnishings, Napoleon III wardrobes, and vintage furniture handpicked from the markets of Provence. The interiors are inspired by 17th-century designs and play up the tropical sunshine with warm hues and rich drapes.
Guests are served a Provencal-style spread each morning in the breakfast room, offering local produce and panoramic views of the Vieux Port.
Pros
Mediterranean-style rooms
Provencal-style spread
Interiors inspired by 17th-Century designs
Panoramic views of the Vieux Port
Cons
Breakfast might be pricey
Some rooms are small
No parking
New Hotel of Marseille

Famous for its onsite restaurant, Qasti Bistrot, the New Hotel of Marseille boasts a spectacular location at the gate of Phocaean Bay, right in front of the Palais du Pharo. The Old Port and city center are a 5-minute stroll away, and guests enjoy easy access to the beach.
Established in a 19th-century building, this boutique hotel features 100 air-conditioned rooms, including 84 Standard Rooms, 8 Superior Rooms with private terraces, and 8 Suites with private balconies and panoramic views of the old town.
The hotel’s crown jewel is artfully curated Room 2113 – a multifunction bed concept designed by ace French designer Marine Peyre.
Pros
Easy access to the beach
Panoramic views of the old town
Provencal cuisine
Spacious rooms and great outdoor swimming pool
Cons
Some rooms have better views than others
WiFi can be slow
Food can be pricey
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites

Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites offer an ideal location to immerse in the historical charms of the Old Port quarters and the nearby neighborhoods of Belle de Mai and Noailles. Maisons du Monde offers a limited selection of bedrooms and suites with home-like comforts and high-end amenities.
Travelers can choose accommodations that align with their design preferences and needs. For instance, the Lourmarin Suite is ideal for guests seeking classic interiors with modern amenities, while the Gordes Suite delights serenity seekers.
The Saint Remy Suite plays up soft hues and natural materials, while the deluxe bedroom offers sweeping views of the iconic Ombriere of Marseille.
Pros
Easy access to public transport
24-hour front desk
Friendly atmosphere and family rooms
Modern interior
Cons
Elevator can be slow
Some guests might find it large
Air Con can be temperamental
Alex Hotel & Spa

Alex Hotel & Spa is situated in the bustling center of Phocaean City, a short stroll away from the Gare Saint Charles and the historical landmarks of Vieux Port. This boutique hotel offers a homely warmth and relaxing ambiance with a world-class featuring a Hammam, a swimming pool, a traditional Sauna, and massage rooms.
The hotel offers 33 bedrooms, 12 furnished lofts, meeting rooms, a breakfast area, and the Lounge Bar 1713. Singles and couples can explore practical spaces with twin or double beds, while families and sharers can opt for the Junior Suite and Suite Prestige Quadruple.
The Good Mother Suite is ideal for travelers seeking ample space and upscale amenities.
Pros
Spa and traditional Sauna
Spacious rooms with natural light
Excellent proximity to railway station
Friendly staff
Cons
Lack of storage space in bathrooms
Limited channel options
Can get booked up
Maison Juste

Maison Juste is an aparthotel near Saint-Ferreol Street, offering proximity to the Castellane Metro Station and the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. This establishment provides individually owned apartments, guest rooms, a lovely garden, and a lounge to enjoy tea and coffee while connecting with fellow travelers.
The 18 air-conditioned rooms are divided into four categories: Simply Fair, Right on the Garden, Just at 3, and Just 4. Each unit has eco-friendly bedding, king-sized beds, a functional kitchenette, and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The rooms feature locally crafted furniture and handpicked china, offering L’Occitane products.
Pros
Offers a sun terrace
Continental or a gluten-free breakfast options
Lovely garden
The rooms offer L’Occitane products
Cons
No parking available
Some noise from outside
Some rooms are small
URBAN LOFT Marseille

The Urban Loft is 0.3 miles from Vieux Port and a stone’s throw away from the St. Charles Station, making it the perfect base for travelers eager to save on commuting expenses. The hotel offers 11 guest rooms, an onsite spa, a bar and lounging area, and a fitness studio.
The guest rooms have innumerable facilities, including TVs, ironing facilities, refrigerators, microwaves, soundproof windows, workstations, and private bathrooms. Guests can explore units overlooking the courtyard for pleasant views.
Weary travelers can pamper themselves with a deep-tissue massage at the onsite spa, followed by an indulgent feast on French and European cuisine at the nearby Brasserie Le Grand Escalier.
Pros
0.3 miles away from Vieux Port
French and European cuisine
Well-equipped fitness centre
Equipped with innumerable facilities
Cons
Quiet location might not suit everyone
No elevator
Lack of storage space in rooms
Hotel C2

Perched 200 meters above the Vieux Port, Hotel C2 is in a 19th-century mansion adorned with historic memorabilia, vintage ornaments, and contemporary innovations.
We are featuring 20 rooms, an interior garden, and an onsite spa with a pool; this centrally located hotel positions travelers in the heart of the historic quarters, surrounded by art, architecture, and history.
The bright and airy rooms are sparsely furnished to play up the earthy elements of white Corian and wood. Guests can find their match from Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Prestige, and Exclusive Rooms.
Guests can sign up for therapeutic massage sessions at the onsite spa and attend exhibitions and concerts in the spacious living room.
Pros
Ideal for culinary enthusiasts
Spacious rooms
Private parking
Classic building with modern facilities
Cons
Not pet-friendly
Wifi can be slow
Shower pressure can be a little weak
Le Hammam du Panier

Vacationers seeking independence and privacy with a central location in Vieux Port will find Le Hammam du Panier suited to their needs. This homely bed and breakfast is next door to the National Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations and near the beach.
Le Hammam du Panier offers double rooms with a functional kitchen, a dining area, a seating area, and a spacious bedroom. All units have air conditioning, TVs with satellite service, minibars, soundproofing, washing machines, and fine bedding.
The kitchens are ideal for culinary enthusiasts wanting to enjoy home-cooked meals, featuring refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, stovetops, and tea and coffee-making equipment.
Pros
Bright and airy rooms
An interior garden
Housed in a 19th-Century mansion
Location is ideal for exploring the city centre
Cons
Some bathrooms are small
Wifi can be slow
Vibe might not suit everyone
Suite La Discrète

Suite La Discrete attracts couples and honeymooners to spend their romantic getaways in a beautifully adorned Love Room with access to a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Designed like an oasis of romance, the room offers an intimate setting with contemporary luxuries and high-end amenities.
This 60-meter-square suite is the most extensive accommodation in Marseille, featuring ambient LED lighting, a Jacuzzi with a TV screen, a four-poster bed, and cozy bedding with in-room TV and appliances. Guests have unrestricted access to a lovely garden with deck chairs and a heated swimming pool.
Travelers can request a homemade breakfast spread and cocktails by the pool.
Pros
Heated swimming pool
Spacious rooms
Exquisite garden
Intimate vibe and unique decor
Cons
Vibe might not suit everyone
No spa
No fitness centre
Les Petits Pavillons

On the 4th Arrondissement near the Saint-Barnabe District, Les Petits Pavillon is a first-floor apartment in a luxury aparthotel, Maison Mars.
This ideally located vacation rental is perfect for sightseeing on foot, offering proximity to the historic quarters of Panier, the Calanques of Marseille, and the Canebiere.
The apartment features an airy living room, a bedroom, an ensuite bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen. Guests can access all amenities and appliances needed to feel right at home, from luxurious bedding and fine linens to cookware, kitchenware, and flatscreen HD TVs with Netflix and high-speed WiFi.
The venue also provides daily cleaning services and 24-hour concierge services.
Pros
Luxury aparthotel
24-hour concierge services
Panoramic city views
Friendly staff
Cons
Some noise from outside
WiFi can be slow
Some bathrooms are small
Résidence Kley

A student residence located in Phocaean City, Residence Kley offers proximity to the city center, the University of Aix-Marseille, and the Saint-Charles Train Station.
This bohemian-chic venue offers digitally-savvy living and coworking spaces, inviting students and travelers to live, work, and play in comfortably appointed settings.
Residence Kley features an extensive selection of independent apartments, ranging from studios and one-bedroom residences to 250-square-meter shared units with sprawling terraces.
The Kocoon is a well-equipped studio unit featuring a corner office, a sleeping area, an ensuite bathroom, and a kitchen.
The Kocoon XL offers more space with a separate bedroom, a corner office, a salon, and a state-of-the-art kitchen.
Pros
Bohemian-chic venue with reasonable room rates
Extensive selection of independent apartments
Sprawling terraces
Proximity to the city centre
Cons
No air conditioner only a fan
Located quite far from the city centre
Some noise from outside
In the table below, we have compared the top 16 cool and unusual hotels in Marseille. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attraction (Km) Nearby Restaurants
Mama Shelter Marseille 64 Rue de la Loubière $132-$228 No 0.4 25
Nhow Marseille 200 Corniche J.F. Kennedy $234-$432 Yes 0.3 6
Hotel Le M 115 Rue Paradis, Castellane et Préfecture $164-$283 No 0.5 23
Les Bords De Mer 52 corniche Kennedy $473-$656 Yes 0.6 22
Hôtel Maison Montgrand – Vieux Port 35 Rue Montgrand $149-$304 No 0.4 29
Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port – MGallery 4 Rue Beauvau $231-$553 No 0.3 35
New Hotel of Marseille – Vieux Port 71 Boulevard Charles Livon $188-$220 Yes 0.1 22
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites – Marseille Vieux Port 43 Quai des Belges $217-$435 No 0.3 27
Alex Hotel & Spa 13-15 Place des Marseillaises $145-$377 Yes 0.4 25
Maison Juste 28 Rue Balthazar-Dieudé, Castellane et Préfecture $181-$218 No 0.4 17
URBAN LOFT Marseille 17-21 Place des Marseillaises, $124-$1389 No 0.4 15
Hotel C2 48 rue Roux de Brignoles $264-$578 Yes 0.1 27
Le Hammam du Panier 11 Rue Fontaine des Vents, $150 Yes 0.2 24
Suite La Discrete Chemin de Palama $355-$434 Yes 1.4 3
Les Petits Pavillons – Maison Mars 17 Rue Pavillon $450 (2 nights) No 0.3 12
Residence Kley 23 rue Mathieu Stilatti $155 (2 nights) Yes 0.6 12
Scott Balaam – writer and photographer
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin, Instagram, or Twitter.
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