13-15 Place des Marseillaises, 13001 Marseille

Alex Hotel & Spa

Name: Alex Hotel & Spa
Address: 13-15 Place des Marseillaises, Marseille, 13001, FR
Price range: 117 EUR
Rating: 4.2

Hotel 3-star with spa in Marseille

Presentation

Alex Hôtel & Spa opens at the foot of the steps descending from Saint-Charles station, in Marseille. Guests often arrive with their suitcase still warm from the TGV, and it quickly becomes clear why some return every time they come to the city.

On the ground floor, the reception does not resemble a fixed counter. There you meet a team that knows Marseille inside out, able to point you to the right panisse stand in the neighborhood or the quiet time to go up to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde without the crowds. It is these small tips that make the difference, more than a tourist map slipped under the door.

The rooms, around thirty spread over several floors, change atmosphere at each level. Here a deep blue wall, there a mustard velvet headboard. The furniture remains contemporary, almost graphic, without ever going over the top. The beds, mostly 160x200, are firm and high, topped with a stack of soft pillows that immediately makes you want to lie down. Note that some rooms, especially those facing the street, remain modest in size, a few fewer square meters that you quickly notice if you like spreading out your things. The sensible choice, learned from regulars: ask for a courtyard-facing room, quieter and often a little more generous in space.

At the end of the day, head to the Urban Spa. A four-by-three-meter heated pool, surrounded by green plants and lounge chairs. You can do a few laps before moving on to the balneotherapy basin, then the sensory shower that alternates waterfall, heavy rain, and jungle atmosphere. The light wood sauna comes next, then the mosaic hammam, and you finish seated in the relaxation area, under a glass roof that lets the light drift through until evening. Access is limited to a certain number of people at a time, so it is best to book your slot as soon as you arrive to avoid finding everything fully booked.

The next morning, breakfast is served in the inner courtyard, under the arcades, or indoors if the mistral is blowing too hard. Generous buffet: crispy baguettes, croissants, homemade jams, freshly squeezed orange juice, scrambled eggs, homemade cakes, a selection of cereals and flavored teas. Service runs until noon, and sleeping in is almost encouraged.

On the business side, two lounges, Le Corbusier and L'Atelier, host meetings and product launches, equipped with a flip chart and Nespresso machine. In the evening, the Lounge Bar Le 1713 serves a few simple dishes and a selection of local wines, convenient for dinner without having to go back out into the neighborhood.

One point is worth noting before booking: the hotel is right across from the station, in a lively but sometimes noisy area at night, especially on weekends. The windows filter sound well, and courtyard rooms remain the safest choice for uninterrupted sleep.

Parking, meanwhile, is reserved on the other side of the street, upon request at the time of booking. A real plus for those arriving by car and who do not want to circle around the city center.

One final tip for breakfast: arrive around 9:30, when the inner courtyard is still in the shade and the tables are not in competition.

Summary of a few positive reviews read on the Web

Just a stone's throw from Saint-Charles station, with two metro lines right opposite. Handy for getting around Marseille without a car.
Staff who know the city inside out. Good advice for restaurants and visits around the Old Port.
Quiet courtyard-facing room, spotless bathroom. Tray with coffee and tea directly in the room.
Breakfast in the inner courtyard, pastries still warm. Service until noon for late risers.
Spa access limited to a certain number of people at a time. You can enjoy the hammam and sauna without feeling crowded.
Junior suite with a real separate sitting area and two TVs. Practical with children.