I am an Accor supporter and A card platinum member for several years.In Marseille I have previously stayed at Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille (Mercure) and the Sofitel.

I am writing this, unusually, before I leave to give notice to potential customers. Do not use this hotel unless you wish for a two star experience.

On arrival at 1400 hours we were told we had to wait for eight minutes for room preparation (check-in time 1200 hrs). After 20 minutes a room was avaliable (we had booked a superior room). The hotel is undergoing a much needed refurbishment (not advised) and our first room was next to another room being worked on with a broken down door. Our room had extremely noisy aircon and the state of the bathroom was disgusting with mold over the walls. Carpets were discoloured. When my wife was told that work on the adjoining room took place 'only' during the day, she asked what happened when she wanted a siesta - she was told to approach reception only then and complain.

The room was refused and we took another (relocating our own luggage). The next room was better but still very tied with very bad carpeting. Mini bars are empty and all furniture very distressed. Only on the following day was a notice put up in the lobby apologising for work taking place.

Plus points (which do not make up for above negative comment): good private parking at 13 Euro a night, Good buffet breakfast in refurbished breakfast room (!), central and next to both Vieux Port and Galleries Lafayette.

Flat screen TV and reasonable toiletries.

Use another Accor offering in Marsielle if you can.