I’m looking for hotel recommendations in Marseille preferably close to train station…..the st. Charles Ibis is already booked for September.
The area right near the station is not an attractive place to stay. I have no alternative to offer because I stayed in that area myself.
I also recommend that you stay elsewhere. Somewhere around Vieux Port métro station, a 5-minute ride or 15-minute walk away, is a lot better. Have a look at Escale Oceania or Carré Vieux Port, for example.
I echo Balso - the vieux port is so easily accessible via metro. You won't regret it. Le Grand Beauvau (MGallery) is my personal favorite.