Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port

Guests arrive at the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port via a wide stone stairway flanked by manicured shrubbery and pristine palm trees. A statue of a reindeer suspended upside-down by a bizarre tangle of antlers, visible at the entrance during our visit, has since been moved to the car park exit. The architecture is original and innovative, rising fortress-like on its embankment, an echo of the city's ancient ramparts nearby. Inside the scene is no less intriguing -- top-hatted doormen usher guests past orange velvet sofas around polished wood tables and glistening copper panels, where modern art pieces stand in interiors reminiscent of a luxury cruise, with chrome-trim reception desks and snow-white pillars. The vibe is playful yet hushed. The Sofitel is among the most luxurious hotels in Marseille and attracts business guests with hefty expense accounts, visiting VIPs, and tourists looking to splurge on a couple days of indulgence. 

The Sofitel isn't known as having "the best address in Marseilles" for nothing -- located at the entry to the port, the hotel has commanding views of the over the city, the Old Port ramparts, and the picturesque harbor. Although there's little in the immediate area, the city center, with numerous bars and restaurants, takes a 10-minute walk along the waterfront to reach. The pretty Marseille Cathedral is five minutes away by car through the Vieux-Port tunnel, as is La Vieille Charite along with a few other museums and attractions. The main train station with direct links to Paris is around 10 minutes away by car, and the Marseille Provence Airport takes about 25 minutes.

The hotel has 134 rooms, including two suites and an apartment, most of which are decorated in fresh, simple styling with marine-themed motifs and soft, contemporary furnishings. Some rooms tend more towards conservative styling and have a corporate feel, while others are sexy and sophisticated, with sleek finishes. All the amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel are present. Bathrooms meet expectations -- with fluffy robes and Hermes products -- and either have walk-in showers or large square tubs big enough for two (some even have TVs). While many rooms boast gorgeous views over the harbor, city view rooms can be disappointing, and first floor sea-views can be limited. About 20 percent of the hotel's rooms have balconies, and all have supremely comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel's top-floor restaurant, Les Trois Forts, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and has splendid harbor views through large windows and from the outdoor terrace. An impressive breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order options is also served each morning, though it is expensive and not included in all rates. Le Dantes Skylounge, a bar that opens in the evenings, and Le Carre Bistromanie, a brasserie that serves casual French fare (try the famous club sandwich) for every meal, also have wonderful outdoor terraces. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. A sleek spa area provides a range of treatments and facilities including a sauna, a steam bath, and a whirlpool hot tub. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.