280 boulevard Michelet, Marseille, France | (888) 710-7049
Fascinating in its architectural design and minimalist message
Beautiful views from the rooftop garden and bar
Plentiful, affordable breakfast
Delicious, seasonal nouvelle cuisine served for lunch
and dinner
Tours of original family apartments available
Free on-site parking
No air-conditioning in some rooms
Scant amenities (kitchenettes are no longer functional)
Somewhat far from the beach and Metro
No food allowed in the rooms
Wi-Fi only on request (for a fee)
This 21-room budget hotel occupies two floors in the middle of La Cité Radieuse, a residential tower designed by famed architect Le Corbusier, whose modernist "Design for Living" philosophy is acutely felt throughout the property. A stay here is an artistic experiment
in minimalism, as the hotel and rooms are scantly decorated and comprised
largely of concrete -- though with some fantastic views from the bar. There is beauty in the simplicity, for sure, but
considering that the hotel is at least a 15-minute walk from the nearest Metro
station, it may be better enjoyed on a tour rather than as a place to stay.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A study in minimalist architecture and design, with concrete, wood, and primary colors
The hotel occupies two floors of the architecturally influential La Cité Radieuse, a concrete
residential building that -- from the outside -- resembles a mix of a Brave
New World prison, a Communist housing block, and a dated university dorm. However, for design buffs, the building is fantastically inspiring, a Le Corbusier Brutalist masterpiece that helped pave the way for modern minimalism when it was built in the early 1950s. Inside, the communal areas are limited to the restaurant and rooftop. The
restaurant, with its tiny wooden bar, has lovely views of the city and a
beautiful -- though, like the rest of the place, simple -- rooftop garden, while the
rooms also have the look and the feel of student apartments. Most guests are drawn to the property's history, though the affordable rates are also attractive to budget travelers.
Location
In the suburbs, near a big, beautiful park
Located on a main avenue in the suburbs surrounded by residences, the
hotel is somewhat isolated. It's a 15-minute walk to the nearest Metro station, Rond-Point du Prado, and the beach is about 20 minutes away. However, a large park, Jardin de la Magalone, is just across the street and there is a bus stop nearly. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the Le Velodrome stadium and there's
a huge supermarket within about the same distance. The Marseille airport is about 30 minutes away by car or taxi.
Rooms
Simple, and reminiscent of university housing
For guests seeking comfort, Suites are the best bet at Hotel Le
Corbusier. Despite their unusable kitchenettes, Suites have
significantly more floor space than the ultra-compact Cabin rooms, and some have lovely views of the sea in
the distance. All rooms are simple, with empty built-in shelves, white walls, wood floors, and essentially no decoration -- just some pops of primary color. Each room has a flat-screen TV, and most have full bathrooms with shower/tub combos and original 1950s toilets; some rooms have shared toilets. Guests should double-check to ensure Wi-Fi access (for a fee) is available in the room they're booking.
Features
Gourmet restaurant, bar with terrace views, and rooftop garden
In addition to being located within the historical monument
that is architect Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse, the hotel offers wireless internet throughout the
hotel (for a fee), and various dining options. There's an ample, fresh breakfast buffet (not included in the room rate), which is served on the terrace of the full-service bar with amazing Mediterranean Sea views. The on-site restaurant serves delicious -- if a bit overpriced -- nouvelle cuisine for lunch and dinner. The rooftop garden also offers stunning views and a chance to soak in more of Le Corbusier's ocean liner-like aesthetic. The rooftop also occasionally hosts art exhibits. Free parking is available on-site.
