After a Rick Steves' Eastern France tour we will take a train to Marseille for 2 nights before flying home. Any suggestions for a hotel or B & B? I've read the Port area is the place to stay. I usually book one of Rick Steves' recommendations but his France book doesn't cover Marseille or Cassis where we will be visiting post tour.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3281 posts
A few years ago I stayed at the Hotel du Sud Vieux Port. It is around the corner from the port itself and close to the Metro and other sites. The decor is contemporary and I found the staff to be friendly and extremely helpful. When in Marseille, splurge on bouillabaisse and for great Italian food (fantastic Pizza) at Chez Vincent - Il Vesuvio at 26 rue Glandevès. It’s a short walk from the hotel and get there early for lunch, make reservations for dinner. Weather permitting, take one of the boats at the port to glide past Chateau d’If to view the calanques. If you’re in the mood, grab a bike share and pedal along the Kennedy Corniche and stop at Chez Fonfon 140, rue du Vallon des Auffe for bouillabaisse. Park the bikes and take a cab back 5o Vieux Port.
Marseilles is one of my favorite cities in France. Enjoy it!
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi Carolyn, we stayed at the Grand Hotel Beauvau in Marseilles (https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1293-grand-hotel-beauvau-marseille-vieux-port-mgallery-by-sofitel/index.shtml) in 2015 at the end of our Rick Steves Eastern France tour. Very nice hotel right on the port. Great location. Great breakfast. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Rick's Provence & Riviera book covers both cities and recommends just a half-dozen hotels in Marseille. Those in the mid-range of prices include Hotel Carre and Hotel Hermes.
Posted by
OP
Sunnyvale, California
67 posts
Thanks Laura! I have a 2010 RS Provence book with doesn't have the two hotels you mentioned but it does have Grand Hotel Beauvau which was recommended in this thread. I'll check them all out. I may consider getting the updated RS Provence book but not sure it is worth it for the short stay in Cassis and Marseilles.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
For summer visits through the end of September, keep and eye on limited trail access (due to fire danger) through the Cassis tourist office.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I stayed in Marseille at the Hotel Alize: http://www.alize-hotel.com/en/
It's in a great location right on the Vieux Port. I paid extra for a port view room, which was nice. You have to be able to handle some stairs to the lobby. Also, the person on duty at the desk was not always an English speaker; I can handle basic transactions in French, but you may not be comfortable if you can't. I'd still look to stay there again.
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1384 posts
I too suggest a vieux-port view room at the Hotel Beauvau. I stayed there eight nights and loved it. it is very conveniently located and next to the metro.