Marseille Top Hotels near Harbour & City Centre
Radisson Blu, Sofitel & Boutique Hotel Tonic Vieux Port
Sep 23, 2009
For those in the know, the area around the Vieux Port or old harbour is the best place to stay. It’s the real heart of Marseille, loved by locals and tourists alike, with stunning views across the water where thousands of yachts mingle their reflections. There are fishermen and buskers, flower sellers and boats and galleons waiting to sail to the nearby islands or along the coast indented with spectacular creeks.
Yet just a stone throw away is the vibrant sophisticated city, the second largest in France, and the famous Canebière Avenue where people of all ages come to stroll, shop or relax on the café terrace.
The Vieux Port is barely 30 km from the airport and most hotels also have easy access to the metro and main rail station.
Radisson Blu Vieux Port Marseille
Overlooking the old harbour, Radisson Blu boasts 189 rooms, including 12 suites and 66 business rooms, with modern amenities and high tech equipment. Rooms are either in African or Provence décor, with colours ranging from brown and blue to orange and yellow.
Two restaurants offer the best of Mediterranean cuisine, the vibrant popular Solaris and the Café Terracotta. The Bar Lounge Scirocco serves mezze, tapas and unusual Mediterranean wines.
Guests enjoy free internet access, outdoor pool and fitness centre and at certain dates, may be offered special rates at the nearby spa.
Sofitel for Marseille City Break
The Sofitel décor is inspired by the sea and the history of Marseille, with 134 rooms from classic to superior and suites. All have double bath tubs or jet shower, some have balconies and harbour views.
The Three Forts panoramic restaurant serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine on the top floor with a fine selection of wines and champagnes. The Bar Lounge Le Carré is the place to nibble tasty canapés in a cool sophisticated ambience.
The new SO Spa includes hammam, wet and dry sauna, relaxation pool and signature treatments. There is an outdoor heated pool and thermal baths and sea water therapy are available nearby.
Boutique Hotel, Tonic Vieux Port Marseille
This recently renovated hotel has just 56 rooms designed to reflect the colours of sea, rocks and cliffs, from turquoise and blue to white and soothing earthy tones. All rooms have a Jacuzzi bath, some have sea views.
Rooms are light and spacious, decor is contemporary with a touch of nostalgia here and there.
The White House restaurant offers four Bouillabaisse options, or traditional fish stew, catering to different budgets. Other tempting specialities include goat’s cheese salad and grilled sardines and there is a choice of set menus.
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