EDITOR PICKS: CHEAP HOTELS IN MARSEILLE

Right next to the WTC convention centre and a pleasant 5 minute walk from the port, the Mercure’s rooms are air conditioned and all have free wifi access. Each room is en-suite and has a radio and satellite television. The hotel has its own bar and a buffet breakfast is available for an additional fee. The Mercure is also only 10 minutes from Saint-Charles train station.

A great option for the location-conscious, Hotel Hermes is just 30 metres from the Old Port. It also boasts its own rooftop terrace with views out across the port towards the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. The area immediately outside the hotel is pleasant and has plenty of history. Rooms are cosy and sound-proofed. Each has its own flatscreen TV, wifi and en-suite bathroom.

Saint Ferreol is situated between the main market area and the Old Port, roughly 5 minutes on foot from each. All rooms are elevator accessible. The sound-proofed rooms have cable TV, a telephone and private bathrooms. The hotel also offers a business room with PC and free newspapers are provided to guests on request.

Right across the road from the main Quai at the Old Port, and on La Canebière street, Escale Oceania’s en-suite rooms have air-conditioning, walk-in showers and flat-screen satellite TV. The hotel also offers a dry-cleaning service and luggage storage. Like almost all hotels in Marseille, the price for breakfast is steep and quality varies. Many local patisseries offer great alternatives.

Close to the Escale Oceania, but just off the main road on a pedestrianised street, Newhotel is just moments away from the Old Port. Every floor of the hotel has its own distinct theme, each one tastefully-wrought. Some of the rooms have a balcony with views out over the Old Port. All rooms are en-suite and have flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.