Most hotels around the Vieux-Port look at the harbour from the north or east. The Sofitel looks back at it from the other side, on the Boulevard Charles Livon in the 7th arrondissement, right by the sea below the Palais du Pharo. That position is its great asset: the old harbour and the city skyline sit across the water, and the first sea view of the Corniche is a few steps away. The hotel has 134 rooms with premium bedding and 24-hour room service, ranging from Superior rooms, which look onto the courtyard or the city, through Luxury rooms with king or twin beds, a Luxury room with a balcony, and the top-floor Opera Suite and Prestige Suite. Several of the Luxury rooms and the suites have views of the Old Port. Facilities include a spa, a gym, a rooftop terrace, a garden and a restaurant and bar, Les Trois Forts. Guests also have beach umbrellas, tour and ticket assistance at the desk and an electric-vehicle charging point. It is a polished, quiet, adult-feeling base that suits visitors who value views and calm over being in the middle of the harbour crowds.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at 36 Boulevard Charles Livon, a short walk from Fort Saint-Nicolas, the Catalan beach and the Palais du Pharo, each roughly two to six minutes on foot. The Canebière is about a 16-minute walk, and Vieux-Port metro station is around 15 minutes on foot, while Le Panier is about five minutes by car and the airport roughly 20 minutes by car. The Corniche Kennedy starts at the Pharo, so a morning walk to the Vallon des Auffes is easy, and the harbour ferries and the Mucem are within reach along the water.
Rooms and facilities
Superior rooms are the entry point and face the courtyard or the city, while Luxury rooms are larger and many have views of the harbour. Rooms range from about 28 to 60 square metres across the categories. The rooftop terrace is the place for a drink at sunset, the garden offers a calmer spot, and Les Trois Forts handles breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The spa and gym are open to guests, and the hotel holds Green Key and BREEAM sustainability certifications. Pets are accepted with a nightly fee, and a babysitting service is available at a charge.
Good to know
Check-in is from 16:00 until midnight and check-out is at noon. Breakfast is usually charged separately unless it is part of your rate, and parking, whether self-parking or valet, carries a nightly charge. Free cancellation applies on selected room rates, so read the conditions of the rate you choose. It is a good choice for couples, for visitors who want a refined base away from the busiest quays, and for anyone planning to walk the Corniche.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Les Trois Forts restaurant and bar
- ✓Spa
- ✓Gym
- ✓Garden
- ✓Harbour-view rooms and suites
- ✓Valet and self parking (charged)
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
Good questions
Where is the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port?+
It is at 36 Boulevard Charles Livon in the 7th arrondissement, by the sea near the Palais du Pharo. Fort Saint-Nicolas is about two minutes away on foot, and the Catalan beach and the Pharo about six.
Does the hotel have a spa and a rooftop?+
Yes, there is a spa, a gym, a rooftop terrace and a garden, plus the Les Trois Forts restaurant and bar.
Does the Sofitel have parking?+
Yes, self-parking and valet parking are available for a nightly charge, and there is an electric-vehicle charging point. Ask when you book.
