Très Chic

Set in the heart of France’s historic port city, Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port is the perfect stopover for ocean and river cruisers, writes Sally Macmillan.

Summer 2017/18, Cruise Passenger

WHY YOU’D CHOOSE IT

The hotel’s position overlooking the port in the middle of Marseille’s beautiful old town is pretty hard to beat. Ocean cruise ships dock at the industrial-style terminal some 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel, but the appeal of this city is its history and character, so make sure you include at least a full day and night pre- or post-cruise in the historic quarter. Marseille is also within easy reach of Arles and Lyon, the embarkation points for river cruises in Provence.

The hotel’s atmosphere is relaxed but very chic. The decor is marine themed with interesting colour splashes of deep-orange velvet chairs and couches and intriguing sculptural glass sea creatures in the lobby breaking up the sandy coloured background. Giant pictures of sailor’s knots adorn the walls outside the lifts and rooms have oceanic features such as conch-shaped lamps.

Don’t worry if you can’t speak French; the staff at reception are incredibly helpful in English (and probably five other languages as well). If you only have limited time, the hotel provides everything from exceedingly comfortable beds to spa treatments, a heated outdoor pool, casual and fine dining – and the best views in town.

WHERE WE ATE

Cheese plates, cold cuts, Provencal olives, champagne and crisp dry rosé were our choice for a light evening meal at the hotel’s Dantès Skylounge terrace on the seventh floor. It’s a buzzy spot but not overcrowded and the port at dusk is a heavenly sight. We enjoyed a lavish buffet breakfast the next morning at Les Trois Forts, adjacent to the Skylounge. As well as the standard five-star selection of continental and cooked dishes, there was more cheese (can’t get enough of the stuff in France!), exquisite pastries and macarons and a range of spreads and honey. Honey is produced and harvested on the hotel grounds and you can help yourself to a spoonful or three from the honeycomb on the table. If we had stayed another night we would have had dinner in Les Trois Forts – chef Dominique Frérard’s mod-Med cuisine has rave reviews on TripAdvisor.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

You’re about five minutes’ walk from Catalans beach and 10 minutes from the historic city centre. You can take day trips from the port to the dramatic rocky Calanques inlets, or just wander along the waterfront to check out the superyachts, fishing boats, boutiques and restaurants. A fish market operates every morning on Quai des Belges – make sure you sample some traditional bouillabaisse (fish stew).

Culture vultures should head for MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (pictured above). It was opened four years ago in the imposing Fort St Jean, which has stood guard over the entrance to the port for hundreds of years. Nearby is the atmospheric Le Panier district, home to the 17th-century La Vieille Charité, a former almshouse that now houses two small museums.

Shoppers will find plenty of tempting Provencal souvenirs at the daily Croisiéristes markets in the Old Port and next door to MuCEM is the five-floor Les Terrasses du Port shopping centre. 

WHERE WE STAYED

The hotel has 134 rooms, including three suites and 24 rooms with balconies. My spacious Luxury Room with a view of the old port is on the fifth floor and the views really are fabulous. It has a proper opening window so you can catch the sea breeze while taking dozens of photos. There’s a chaise longue (useful for flinging clothes on) and the bathroom has a big hydro-massage shower and is stocked with Hermès products. Free WiFi is instantly available; other services include access to the spa and fitness area, a heated outdoor pool shared with the adjoining Novotel, the Skylounge Dantès Bar, Les Trois Forts restaurant and the popular Le Carré Bistromanie.

The Verdict

Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, which belongs to the Accor Hotels Group, is smart, stylish and perfectly placed for exploring the lovely old town. The service is friendly and the accommodation is top-notch.
FIND OUT MORE: A Luxury Room with a view of the historic port is priced from $388. sofitel.com