I have finally gotten a taste of Marseille's seaside beauty and there is no going back! After…read morestaying in hotels on the Vieux Port for every previous visit I finally took a local's advice and booked a room at this modest seaside hotel with sweeping 180 views and the sounds of waves lapping while you sleep.
So gorgeous was the view from my room that I almost felt guilty being there on business! I quickly got over it, when I realized that on a Wednesday afternoon the beach next door (yes, next door!) was packed with locals soaking up the indian summer rays. In Marseille (I am quickly learning) when the weather rocks (which is often the case) it's hard to think of anything but dropping everything you're doing and heading to the beach. So in between appointments I snuck in a little "reconnaissance" excursion to the beach next door just to get a true feel for the place.
So, back to the hotel. I both love and hate the fact that this hotel is so modest in terms of looks and services. I mean with its location, they could invest a few thousand euros and make the hotel in a snazzy boutique number and charge double what they do. But this is Marseille, and snazzy is not what this city is about, which is why you can find a seaside room here like I did for less than 100E a night.
My double room was up on the third floor, which meant great views, but a high climb up the stairwell with suitcase in tow since there is no elevator. The stairwell and hallways could use a good paint job in one unified colored as opposed to the chipped kaleidoscope of colors their currently in.
The bedroom itself was small, but had all of the essentials (except a full-length mirror), including a nice bathtub, very comfortable bed, small desk and TV. In addition to the steady WiFi and fabulous outdoor dining terrasse where you can work and/or eat in the sunshine, I can't think of a better bang for your buck in town.
