lodging recommendations Marseille or Cassis

Years ago we stayed at Hotel Liautaud in Cassis. Location on the picturesque port is excellent. Just checked the reviews and noted that it is being refurbished. Parking in Cassis is problematic so good you don’t have to worry about that.

What would you like to do while in that area of France? That will shape where you'd like to base yourself for 3 days without a car.

We would like a relaxing coastal home base from which to explore some towns in Provence accessible by train or bus.

amybhiebert,
Cassis doesn't have as many bus/train options for nearby towns, as does Nice. They are not really the Cote d'Azur, but are in the Bouche de Rhone. Were I to stay in Cassis, I would want a car. Should you stay in Marseille you wouldn't need or even want a car. It is a large city with a completely different vibe than Cassis. Seeing that you want to explore nearby towns, etc. and want a relaxing coastal town, I would forego Marseille, as exciting a city as it is.
One of my favorite towns, not too far from Cassis is Bandol, also on the beach with a fine small port, nice beaches, and a lovely market. Sanary-sur-Mer is also a nice coastal town, right next to Bandol. However, from these I would want a car to visit other towns and the nearby countryside as well. To be honest, none of the coastal towns in the Bouche de Rhone have the number of transportation options you would find in the Nice (Cote d'Azur) area.
As far as lodging recs go, I have none, as we always stay with relatives in Bandol or Marseille, and usually have a rental car.

Just a thought...if you stay in Cassis or Bandol, for instance, I know there are tours you can take of the area, especially to visit wineries. The area produces some excellent wines, especially roses.

Best of luck in your search!