Top 16 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Marseille 2023

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)

Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
MAMA SHELTER l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Partying
Mama Shelter Marseille
2.
650e1ae551973 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Millennials and Gen Zs
Nhow Marseille
3.
Hotel LE M l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Boutique
Hotel Le M

Best For Partying

Mama Shelter Marseille

Mama Shelter Marseille - an urban, cool and fun hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs

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

Best For Millennials and Gen Zs

Nhow Marseille

Nhow Marseille - a contemporary and design hotel with hip features ideal for those looking to have a relaxed beachfront vacation 

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

Best For Boutique

Hotel Le M

Hotel Le M - a chic, elegant and charming boutique hotel within walking distance of local popular attractions 

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

Best For Sea Views

Les Bords De Mer

Les Bords De Mer - a beautiful, sleek and tranquil hotel providing Insta-worthy views overlooking the picturesque Mediterranean sea

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

Best For Great Location

Hôtel Maison Montgrand

Hôtel Maison Montgrand - Vieux Port - a charming, cozy and tranquil boutique hotel offering guests gourmet cuisine made from local produce

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

Best For Couples

Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port

Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port - MGallery - an elegant, historic and contemporary hotel located in the heart of the Old 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

Best For Outdoor Swimming Pool

New Hotel of Marseille

New Hotel of Marseille - Vieux Port - a design, family-friendly and modern hotel moments away from the city center and beach

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

Best For Families

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port - a trendy, quirky-chic and Instagrammable accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs

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

Best For Spa and Wellness

Alex Hotel & Spa

Alex Hotel & Spa - a hip, vibrant and trendy accommodation where guests can experience a rejuvenating stay

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

Best For Pet-friendly

Maison Juste

Maison Juste - a modern, tech-savvy and unique accommodation surrounded by an array of restaurants and cafes

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

Best For Trendy Design

URBAN LOFT Marseille

URBAN LOFT Marseille - a cool and petite accommodation with quirky features in close proximity to the Les Terrasses du Port Shopping Centre

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

Best For Luxury

Hotel C2

Hotel C2 - a bright, quiet and spacious accommodation featuring a spa and wellness area

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

Best For Historic Building

Le Hammam du Panier

Le Hammam du Panier - a petite, cozy and stylish B&B well equipped for a great city break

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

Best For Unique

Suite La Discrète

Suite La Discrète - an intimate, private and spacious B&B perfect for a couple's romantic getaway

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

Best For Aparthotel

Les Petits Pavillons

Les Petits Pavillons – Maison Mars - a stylish, bright and upscale accommodation in a location ideal for exploring around the city

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

Best For Budget-friendly

Résidence Kley

Résidence Kley - an eco-friendly, unique and vibrant accommodation providing guests with on-site water sport facilities, a fitness center and tennis court

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 NameLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attraction (Km)Nearby Restaurants
Mama Shelter Marseille64 Rue de la Loubière$132-$228No0.425
Nhow Marseille200 Corniche J.F. Kennedy$234-$432Yes0.36
Hotel Le M115 Rue Paradis, Castellane et Préfecture$164-$283No0.523
Les Bords De Mer52 corniche Kennedy$473-$656Yes0.622
Hôtel Maison Montgrand – Vieux Port35 Rue Montgrand$149-$304No0.429
Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port – MGallery4 Rue Beauvau$231-$553No0.335
New Hotel of Marseille – Vieux Port71 Boulevard Charles Livon$188-$220Yes0.122
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites – Marseille Vieux Port43 Quai des Belges$217-$435No0.327
Alex Hotel & Spa13-15 Place des Marseillaises$145-$377Yes0.425
Maison Juste28 Rue Balthazar-Dieudé, Castellane et Préfecture$181-$218No0.417
URBAN LOFT Marseille17-21 Place des Marseillaises,$124-$1389No0.415
Hotel C248 rue Roux de Brignoles$264-$578Yes0.127
Le Hammam du Panier11 Rue Fontaine des Vents,$150Yes0.224
Suite La DiscreteChemin de Palama$355-$434Yes1.43
Les Petits Pavillons – Maison Mars17 Rue Pavillon$450 (2 nights)No0.312
Residence Kley23 rue Mathieu Stilatti$155 (2 nights)Yes0.612