Rugby World Cup: Marseille Hotels
Hotels in Marseille where France, Italy and New Zealand All Play
The bustling port of Marseille hosts six games in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, including France, Australia, Italy, New Zealand and Argentina, and two quarter-finals too
There's going to be a big demand for hotel rooms in Marseille when New Zealand and Italy play the first Rugby World Cup match in the city on 8th September. After that there are matches featuring Romania, Argentina, Namibia, Georgia and the host nation, France. As if that wasn't enough, there are set to be two cracking quarter-final ties on the weekend of October 6-7.
Fortunately Marseille is a big city and a popular holiday destination, particularly since the introduction of an even faster TGV service from Paris. Many Parisians pop down to this bustling and cosmopolitan port for the weekend. There are plenty of hotels to satisfy the demand, from chic boutique choices, a hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, mid-range hotel chains like the Mercure and Sofitel, and simpler cheaper choices too. But September is a busy season, when the heat of the summer has gone, so if you want to be sure of booking your choice of hotel accommodation, don't delay.
*
Le Petit Nice, Anse de Maldorme, Corniche J.F.Kennedy
Probably the best hotel in Nice, along the Corniche in the quieter parts of the city. It's deluxe standard, with its own Michelin-starred restaurant, 13 rooms and three suites that spread through two villas that look like something in the Greek islands. A heated pool and solarium complete the perfect place.
*
Hotel Le Residence du Vieux Port, 18 quai du Port
The best place to be in Marseille is down by the Old Port, an amazingly busy harbour with its early morning fish market, boat trips to the Chateau d'If, Sunday Provence market, tourist trains, and a wealth of great bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The Residence is a smart 3-star choice at the north side of the Vieux Port, with all 40 rooms having views over the port and to the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame beyond. All rooms are also soundproofed, which they need to be in this busy place.
*
Hotel Tonic, 43 quai des Belges
Another 3-star hotel overlooking the port, the Tonic is much more stylish than its rating would suggest. Rooms on the upper floors have impressive views, and there are 60 rooms in all. Service is excellent, and it is well-recommended.
*
Hotel Hermes, 2 rue Bonneterie
The Hermes Hotel is also better than its 2-star rating would suggest, making it a great budget hotel option, also right on the Old Port. It has 28 rooms, all soundproofed and air-conditioned, and the higher rooms have superb views if you can book one.
*
Hotel Alize, 35 quai des Belges
This is one of the cheapest but good hotels on the Vieux Port, in an 18th-century mansion though not all rooms have port views, so ask for one if you can. All rooms have ensuite facilities, AC and soundproofing, not to mention free wifi access. An axcellent budget hotel choice in Marseille.
*
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
