The Hôtel-Dieu was Marseille’s great hospital for centuries; it was founded in the 12th century, and in 1745 the surgeon Jacques Daviel performed the first cataract lens removal here. The monumental 18th-century building, with its arcaded galleries stacked up the hillside between Le Panier and the Vieux-Port, became a five-star InterContinental in 2013 and is now the city’s landmark luxury address. Its trump card is the view: the sunny terrace looks straight across the Old Port to Notre-Dame de la Garde, and many rooms share it. Rooms run from Classic and Premium to Junior, Prestige and Presidential suites, in a calm contemporary style that lets the old stone and vaulted spaces speak. Les Fenêtres brasserie serves Mediterranean cooking and a breakfast buffet on its terrace, the Capian bar does cocktails and snacks, and below ground there is a Spa by Clarins with an indoor pool and a fitness centre. It is the most complete hotel in the centre, and the one to choose for a special occasion.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 1 Place Daviel, at the foot of Le Panier and directly above the north quay of the Vieux-Port. You can walk down to the harbour, the fish market and the boats to the Château d’If in a few minutes, wander up into the lanes of Le Panier from the door, and reach the Mucem, Fort Saint-Jean and Cosquer Méditerranée along the waterfront in about ten minutes. Vieux-Port metro station is a short walk away for Saint-Charles station and the Vélodrome, and bus 60 to Notre-Dame de la Garde leaves from the port.
Rooms: the most sought-after rooms face the Vieux-Port and the basilica, so ask for a port view when you book; rooms on the other side are quieter and look over the city. The historic building means room shapes vary, with high ceilings and generous windows. Suites are spacious, and the Presidential Suite is among the most impressive in Marseille.
Who it suits: couples on a special trip, travellers who want a full-service base with a spa and pool, and first-time visitors who want to be steps from the Old Port and Le Panier without the noise of the quays.
Good to know: check-in is from 16:00 and check-out by 11:00. Breakfast is usually charged separately unless your rate includes it. On-site parking is available for guests at a daily charge, with valet or basement options that should be booked ahead, as central Marseille is not easy for drivers. The indoor pool is open to children over five during set hours and needs to be booked in advance.
Why stay here
- ✓Panoramic terrace over the Vieux-Port
- ✓Les Fenêtres brasserie
- ✓Capian cocktail bar
- ✓Spa by Clarins
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Valet and basement parking (charged)
- ✓Port-view rooms and suites
Good questions
Where is the InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu?+
It is at 1 Place Daviel, at the foot of Le Panier directly above the north quay of the Vieux-Port. The harbour, Le Panier and the Mucem are all within a short walk.
Does the InterContinental Marseille have a pool and spa?+
Yes, there is an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a Spa by Clarins. Children over five can use the pool at set times, and bookings are required.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Yes, guests can use valet or basement parking for a daily charge, subject to availability. Book it with your room, especially in summer.
