When I first arrived in Marseille, the city felt alive with the salty tang of the sea, the sound of seagulls circling above the Old Port, and the colorful mix of cultures walking the promenade. Staying by the water here isn’t just about having a good view—it’s about feeling part of Marseille’s very soul. Whether it was sipping coffee with the Vieux-Port glistening in the morning sun, or falling asleep to the lull of waves breaking near the Corniche, my time in Marseille was defined by its waterfront.
I’ve tested a variety of accommodations—luxury hotels, boutique spots, and mid-range stays. In this article, I’ll share the five best waterfront hotels in Marseille that truly impressed me. One of them I personally stayed in, and I’ll give you all the inside details. The others are excellent options I visited, researched, or discussed with fellow travelers, and I’d recommend them wholeheartedly.
My Stay at Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port – A Front-Row Seat to the Harbor
Why I Chose It
When planning my trip, I wanted to treat myself to something special, and the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port seemed to tick every box: prime location overlooking the Old Port, five-star service, and a rooftop bar I had heard locals rave about.
Booking Experience
I booked my room through Booking.com, where I found a discounted rate of €270 per night (usually closer to €300+ in high season). The platform offered free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival, which gave me peace of mind.
Check-In and Service
From the moment I arrived, the service was impeccable. The staff greeted me with a genuine smile, switched effortlessly between French and English, and offered me a complimentary welcome drink—an excellent glass of chilled rosé from Provence. Check-in was smooth and took less than five minutes.
My Room Experience
I had booked a Luxury Room with Sea View, and when I opened the curtains, the view nearly knocked me over. The Old Port spread out beneath me like a living painting—the boats, the Fort Saint-Jean, and in the distance, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde perched on the hill.
The room itself was modern yet cozy:
• King-sized bed with crisp linens.
• Espresso machine (essential for my early starts).
• Spacious bathroom with both a rain shower and a soaking tub.
• Balcony large enough for two chairs and a small table, perfect for evening wine.
Facilities and Amenities
• Rooftop Bar (Le Dantès Skylounge): Possibly the best view in the city. Watching the sunset over the harbor while sipping a cocktail (€16 for an Aperol Spritz) was unforgettable.
• Spa: I treated myself to a 60-minute massage (€95), and it was heavenly. The spa also had a hammam and sauna.
• Pool: Outdoor pool overlooking the port, although a bit small during peak hours.
Location
The Sofitel is located at 36 Boulevard Charles Livon, right at the edge of the Old Port. I could walk to Fort Saint-Nicolas in five minutes and to the historic Le Panier neighborhood in about 15. Taxis to the train station (Saint-Charles) cost about €18.
Food & Drink
Breakfast was €28, which felt steep, but the spread was impressive: fresh pastries, cheeses, charcuterie, and even oysters on ice. I also had dinner one night at the in-house restaurant, Les Trois Forts, where the bouillabaisse was a splurge (€65) but worth every euro.
Pros
• Unbeatable views of the Vieux-Port.
• Excellent staff and attention to detail.
• Rooftop bar is a destination in itself.
Cons
• Expensive, especially during summer.
• Pool area gets crowded quickly.
My Verdict
If you want the quintessential Marseille waterfront stay, this is it. Pricey, yes, but the views and experience felt like a once-in-a-lifetime treat.
Recommended Waterfront Hotels in Marseille
- InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
• Location: 1 Place Daviel, overlooking the Old Port, just below Le Panier.
• Style: Grand, historic, and luxurious. The building itself was once an 18th-century hospital and now stands as one of the city’s most elegant hotels.
• Facilities: Indoor pool, Clarins spa, Michelin-starred restaurant (Alcyone).
• Why Stay Here: Perfect for those who want a mix of history and luxury. The view of the Old Port at night from the terrace is breathtaking.
• Price Range: €250–350 per night.
• Booking Tip: On Hotels.com, I found deals that included breakfast, which saves around €25 per person per day.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux-Port
• Location: 38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve, right on the harbor promenade.
• Style: Modern, mid-range option with stylish design and practical comfort.
• Facilities: Outdoor pool, large fitness center, and an in-house Mediterranean restaurant.
• Why Stay Here: Best option for travelers who want to stay central and enjoy the Old Port without breaking the bank.
• Price Range: €150–200 per night.
• Personal Note: I had dinner here with friends and loved the terrace atmosphere—it was buzzing with both tourists and locals.
- New Hotel of Marseille – Le Pharo
• Location: 71 Boulevard Charles Livon, near Pharo Palace and the Sofitel.
• Style: Boutique charm with a quirky artistic vibe.
• Facilities: Outdoor pool, cocktail bar, and modern art displays throughout the hotel.
• Why Stay Here: It’s smaller, more intimate, and tends to attract creative travelers who want something a bit different.
• Price Range: €130–180 per night.
• Booking Tip: Their official website sometimes offers a “Stay 3 nights, pay for 2” promotion.
- Novotel Marseille Vieux-Port
• Location: 36 Boulevard Charles Livon (right next to Sofitel).
• Style: Family-friendly, modern chain hotel with reliable service.
• Facilities: Pool, restaurant with terrace overlooking the sea, and kid-friendly amenities.
• Why Stay Here: A good balance of price and waterfront location—ideal for families or business travelers.
• Price Range: €120–160 per night.
• Pro Tip: I met a couple who stayed here and loved the fact that it’s quieter than hotels right in the middle of the Old Port.
Booking Platforms I Trust
After years of booking across Europe, here’s my take:
• Booking.com: Best overall, with free cancellation options.
• Hotels.com: Great for earning free nights (stay 10, get 1 free).
• Expedia: Sometimes bundles flights + hotels for cheaper packages.
• Official hotel websites: Occasionally offer loyalty points or special packages (like free breakfast).
Tip: Always compare at least two platforms before booking. I saved €50 by switching from Expedia to Booking.com for my Sofitel stay.
Which Waterfront Stay Is Right for You?
Marseille’s waterfront is more than just a backdrop—it’s the stage where the city’s energy plays out. From the sunrise reflecting on fishing boats in the Vieux-Port to the glowing silhouette of Notre-Dame de la Garde at night, the seafront defines the rhythm of daily life here. Staying at one of these waterfront hotels allows you not just to see Marseille, but to live it.
• If you’re a luxury seeker who wants champagne breakfasts and uninterrupted harbor views, the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port or the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu will leave you speechless. These stays aren’t just about a bed; they’re about experiencing Marseille from the best seat in the house.
• If you’re more of a design-conscious traveler who enjoys art, buzz, and creative spaces, the New Hotel of Marseille offers personality and charm at every turn.
• If you’re looking for a balance of budget and convenience, the Radisson Blu hits the sweet spot.
• And if you’re traveling with family or on a tighter budget, Novotel Marseille Vieux-Port gives you comfort without sacrificing location.
What struck me most about these hotels was how each of them connected me differently to the city. At Sofitel, I felt pampered and spoiled, sipping cocktails on the rooftop. At Radisson, I joined the energy of the harbor promenade, people-watching as boats sailed in and out. At Novotel, I saw families relaxing by the pool, proving that Marseille is not just for solo adventurers but for everyone.
A Few Personal Reflections
One evening, while sitting on my balcony at Sofitel, I found myself just listening—the chatter of tourists below, the clinking of glasses from a nearby café, and the distant hum of boats. That moment summed up why staying on the waterfront is so special. You’re not isolated from the city—you’re part of its ongoing story.
If you’ve never been to Marseille, I can’t stress enough how much your accommodation shapes your experience. A hotel with a view of the sea will make you fall in love with the city faster than anything else.
Practical Takeaways for Travelers
• Book early, especially in summer (June–August). Prices jump quickly, and the best sea-view rooms are often gone months in advance.
• Look for deals on platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.com, but always cross-check the hotel’s own website.
• Consider your style of trip: romantic getaway, family vacation, solo exploration, or a foodie adventure—Marseille has a hotel to match.
• Don’t skip the extras: hotel restaurants and rooftop bars may feel pricey, but they often provide some of the city’s most unique dining experiences.
Why I’ll Be Back
Marseille has a magnetic pull. It’s raw, it’s lively, and it’s constantly evolving. On my next visit, I’m already eyeing a stay at the InterContinental to dive deeper into its historic grandeur. But I know that no matter which hotel I choose, as long as I wake up to the Mediterranean light streaming in through my window, Marseille will feel like home again.
So whether you’re here for a short weekend break or a longer coastal escape, choose your seaside stay wisely. Because in Marseille, the sea isn’t just part of the view—it’s part of the experience.