Where to Stay in Marseilles
If you are planning on visiting the oldest town in France, there are hundreds of activities to keep you enthralled. The town dates back to 600 B.C. when Greek sailors came to the area that is now known as Vieux Port. The original name of the town was Massalia, and it grew quickly.
Many turbulent events have swept through Marseilles, including the dubious distinction of being the port city where the Black Plague is believed to have entered Europe. In World War II several historical districts were destroyed, but they have since been rebuilt. Marseilles is now a thriving town that is rich in art, history and music.
When you are planning your trip to Marseilles, it is highly recommended to find a hotel that will put you closest to the center of activity, the Vieux Port, or in the heart of the town itself. Here are three highly recommended hotels that will immerse you in the culture of Marseilles.
HÃ?´tel Kyriad Vieux Port – 2 Stars
Address: 6 Rue Beauvau, Vieux Port, Marseilles, Bouches du Rh�´ne, 13001
Booking Contact: +33 489 884 005
The Hotel Kyriad Vieux Port is located within a very brief walk to the historic port of Marseilles. You’ll have a breath taking view of the surrounding landscapes and the port itself. There are 49 rooms in the hotel, all of which feature color televisions, air conditioning, satellite, direct phone lines and even hair dryers.
The services at the Hotel Kyriad Viuex Port include a day care, 24-hour front desk, a safe deposit box, a lounge and a caf�©. If you are planning to mix business with pleasure, you will also find business support services, meeting rooms, internet and email access, fax services and even a computer rental.
Per-night room charges start at 78.80 Euros and range from double, twin or triple sized rooms.
HÃ?´tel Mascotte Vieux Port – 3 Stars
Address: 5, la canebi�¨re, Marseilles, Bouches du Rh�´ne, 13001
Booking Contact: +33 489 884 005
The H�´tel Mascotte Vieux Port is also located on the historic Vieux Port and offers luxury accommodations at reasonable prices. The hotel faces the port and is located on the historic Canebiere street. There are 45 rooms within the hotel, all with mini-bars, fully furnished bathrooms, hair dryers and a television with a satellite.
Dry cleaning services are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. Parents will appreciate that children under the age of 12 stay free. Several function rooms and a conference room are also available if you need to conduct business during your stay.
Per-night room prices start at 79 Euros and single, double or triple rooms are available.
HÃ?´tel du Palais – 3 Stars
Address: 26 Rue Breteuil, Marseilles, Bouches du Rh�´ne, 13006
Booking Contact: 33.(0)1.55.33.16.55
You’ll find the HÃ?´tel du Palais located in the heart of Marseilles. The hotel was recently renovated and features all the comforts you would expect from a luxury hotel, including Provencal furnishings. There are 21 rooms in all, with in-room safes, satellite television, mini-bars and even WiFi internet connections.
Children up to the age of 13 stay free at the H�´tel du Palais and the atmosphere is geared towards families and making their stay a pleasant one. The entire hotel is air conditioned and breakfast is served at the hotel between 7 and 11am.
Prices per-night begin at 82 Euros. The historic Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral is just minutes from the Hotel du Palais.
While you are in Marseilles, make sure to stop in at the Abbaye of Saint Victor. The Abbaye dates back to the 5th century and played an important part in the formation of Christianity in the area. Admission is free. Frequent religious and classical music concerts are also held at the Abbaye and highly attended.
For an exciting day adventure, the Calanques Marseilles-Cassis offers a tour that begins at the Vieux Port for a four hour tour to Cassis. Along the way, you’ll see historic islands, as well as limestone cliffs that date back to when dinosaurs wandered the earth.