i do not normally stay in chain hotels but my secretary booked me in here. i was more than delighfuly surprised. enchanted. no sense of the same-ness that such chains provide. probably the best hotel in provence.

This is a magnificent, modern hotel overlooking Vieux Port of Marseille. The rooms are great and fully equipped, but a touch on the small side. There are rooms with individual terraces overlooking the old harbor. The terraces are very large, full of sunshine, and just magnificent. We normally don't order breakfast in the room, but it was worth it here to have breakfast on your own private terrace. The staff was very accommodating and helpful. The bar area in the lobby is absolutely first class. We have stayed here on a number of occasions and have never been disappointed. We're always happy to pay up for a room with a terrace. There is also a nice swimming pool where you can lounge, have a drink or have lunch.

We stayed at the Sofitel for 4 nights and it was the highlight accommodation of our trip.

After a long train journey from Bordeaux and a 30 minute walk from the train station we arrived into a tranquil, beautiful environment of the Sofitel.

The staff upon arrival were more than happy to speak English. We stayed in a harbor view room and it was well worth the extra. There are spectacular views across the old port and beyond. The highlight was a brilliant dinner in the restaurant on our first night which really set the scene for the whole stay.

The bed was extremely comfortable and lovely touches such as a stereo system, night treats and turndown service, as well as sound proofed rooms, hydrotherapy shower and complimentary water each day made our stay so comfortable and relaxing.

The concierge were delighted to arrange a tour through a local company for us which was well worth it.

The hotel is within walking distance of the local attractions and there are plenty of restaurants within a short walk.

The final lovely touch was that the reception offered to order us a taxi to the train station, when we noted that we would walk they provided a bottle of water each for the walk.

In summary it was well worth the extra for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

We arrived the evening of Wednesday, December 28, 2011 and stayed until the morning of Friday, December 30, 2011 to a lovely Sofitel property. We stayed in Room 519 with a port view. The hotel staff was very attentive upon arrival, with our car and luggage being taken care of immediately. The front desk staff was knowledgeable and made us feel welcomed.

Our room was well appointed with all amenities we would need during our stay. The room was decorated to my taste as I tend to like a more streamlined modern feel. The room was clean, adequately sized, and the bathroom was spacious.

Going to the lobby lounge was a great way to end the day after site seeing. I was surprised that I did not see or given any complimentary nuts or such after we placed our drink order. But their was a lounge menu, so maybe that was additional. On Thursday night, the lounge hosted a live musical duo. While I did not go to the lounge that evening, I heard the musical duo while I was at the computer in the lobby area (this hotel charges for 24hr wifi but 10 minutes at a time is free).

The hotel was in a great location near the harbor port which had many restaurants, cafes and amusements. Close enough to get to the harbor yet further away so you feel a little secluded.

I would recommend this hotel while staying in Marseille.