22 rue Mazenod, 13002 Marseille

Best Western Hotel du Mucem

Name: Best Western Hotel du Mucem
Address: 22 rue Mazenod, Marseille, 13002, fr
Price range: 98 EUR - 121 EUR

Hotel 3-star in Marseille

With parking
Design
Pets allowed
3 stars
Accessible for disabled
Near the beach

Presentation

You arrive in Marseille via the A55 motorway, follow the quays to Rue Mazenod, and there, right in front of you, appears the façade of the Best Western Hôtel du MuCEM. It's impossible to miss this typically Marseilles-style building proudly displaying its colors in a neighborhood undergoing a major transformation. You are just steps away from the quays where ferries to Corsica depart, a ten-minute walk from Saint-Charles train station, and the Joliette metro station is only three hundred meters away. This central location in the Euroméditerranée district makes this establishment an ideal starting point to explore the city, whether you’re on a business trip or a tourist getaway.

As soon as you step through the doors, you realize that this hotel has chosen its side: that of a vibrant, colorful Provence, far from sanitized clichés. Shades of ochre, red, blue, and green burst everywhere—on the walls, in the furniture, on the fabrics. This explosion of color might seem daring, but it works perfectly. The light wood flooring warms the atmosphere, sand-colored double curtains filter the Mediterranean light, and the bayadère prints on the bedding add a touch of unapologetic originality. You find yourself in a resolutely contemporary place that rejects blandness, and this strong personality makes the spot immediately endearing.

The twenty-nine rooms carry this same philosophy forward with intelligence. Whether it’s a Single room for one person, a Comfort room with a large double bed, or a more spacious Superior room with a king-size bed or twin beds, each reflects this joyful Provençal identity without slipping into folklore. Light wood furniture harmonizes with the flooring, creating a soothing color palette that contrasts nicely with the bright bursts of color. Air conditioning allows you to adjust the temperature to your liking, the desk offers a functional workspace, and the free high-speed Wi-Fi keeps you effortlessly connected.

In the modern bathroom, you’ll find everything you need: a shower or bathtub depending on the room, complimentary toiletries, and fluffy towels. The safe secures your personal belongings, the LCD TV broadcasts familiar channels, and the iPod and iPhone docking station shows the hotel’s attention to practical details. The minibar lets you enjoy a chilled drink at any time, and the courtesy tray waits patiently on the desk. Nothing spectacular here, just well-thought-out comfort that makes your stay easier.

In the morning, you head down for breakfast between seven and ten o'clock. The buffet spreads out fresh pastries, jams, fruit juices, cold cuts, and dairy products in the designated dining area. If you prefer to stay in your room, room service will bring the tray to you without issue. For early birds, an express option is available from six-thirty in the adjacent room, which is a lifesaver for rushed departures to the airport or ferry. This flexibility in timing and options avoids the usual frustrations of rigid breakfast schedules.

Speaking of room service, available twenty-four hours a day, it’s worth highlighting. You can order starters, main courses, and desserts at any time of day or night, which truly makes a difference when you return late from a meeting or don’t feel like going out again after a long day. A snack bar and gourmet grocery complement the on-site offerings, and a vending machine provides fresh drinks and snacks at reception around the clock. You’re never stuck without a solution for food or drink.

The twenty-four-hour reception is one of those services that offers peace of mind. Whether you arrive at three in the morning or need information at midnight, someone is there to assist you. The concierge service answers your questions about the city, advises you on outings, and helps you organize your travels. The luggage storage takes care of your bags when you arrive too early or leave too late. Free newspapers await you in the lobby, and the equipped business corner lets you handle professional urgencies without retreating to your room.

The partnership with the Q-Park Joliette parking facility solves the always-tricky issue of parking in Marseille. Located two minutes away on foot, this parking lot offers preferential rates to hotel guests, saving a considerable amount on multi-day stays. Another interesting partnership: the one with the MuCEM. You can purchase tickets directly at reception at a discounted price, and most importantly, skip the line at what has become one of Marseille’s most visited attractions. These practical touches make a real difference in daily convenience.

The Euroméditerranée district surrounding the hotel represents the new face of Marseille. This ambitious urban project transformed old port wastelands into a bustling economic and cultural center. The Terrasses du Port, an immense modern shopping mall, is just four hundred and fifty meters away. The Village des Docks and the Voûtes de la Major bring together shops and restaurants in tastefully renovated spaces. You walk through new, wide, well-maintained streets, far from the sometimes chaotic image of old Marseille.

But precisely, this historic old Marseille is still within reach. The Panier district, the city’s beating heart for centuries, is a five-minute walk away. Stroll through its narrow streets, discover its colorful facades, its artists' studios, its small shaded squares where time seems to stand still. This immediate proximity between ultra-modern Marseille and picturesque Marseille creates a striking contrast that sums up the complex identity of the Phocean city.

The Old Port, an obviously unmissable spot, awaits you a fifteen-minute walk away. You stroll along the quays, watch the boats gently sway, and see fishermen sell their fresh catch at the port. The Canebière, that mythical avenue, starts from the Old Port and stretches up toward the city center. There, you’ll find shops, cafés, theaters, and cinemas in a constant buzz of activity. Walking along the Canebière on a Saturday afternoon immerses you in the noisy, lively, cosmopolitan soul of Marseille.

The MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations inaugurated in 2013, stands nine hundred meters from the hotel. Its spectacular contemporary architecture, designed by Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta, is already a monument in itself. The permanent and temporary exhibitions explore Mediterranean history from every angle, and the panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views of the sea and Fort Saint-Jean. Plan several hours for a complete visit, and don’t miss the footbridge connecting the museum to the fort—a stunning aerial walkway above the water.

Next to the MuCEM, the Villa Méditerranée also offers exhibitions on Mediterranean cultures in an equally remarkable building. The Major Cathedral, a massive Roman-Byzantine structure striped with green and white stones, has dominated the district since its completion in 1893. Entry to this monumental cathedral is free, and the richly decorated interior is well worth the visit. The mosaics, polychrome marbles, and sculptures create a solemn ambiance that impresses even visitors indifferent to religious architecture.

For a more modern experience, the Villa Cosquer Méditerranée, located at the Terrasses du Port, recreates the famous Cosquer Cave submerged off the coast of Marseille. You descend into a replica of this cave adorned with prehistoric paintings and engravings dating from periods spanning between thirty-three thousand to nineteen thousand years ago. The immersive visit transports you through time with striking efficiency. The technologies used make the experience spectacular without feeling gimmicky, leaving you with a newfound understanding of Mediterranean prehistory.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched on its hill two kilometers from the hotel, remains Marseille’s ultimate symbol. You can ascend by bus, car, or on foot if you’re brave, and at the top, the 360-degree panoramic view of the city, port, islands, and sea fully rewards the effort. The basilica itself, with its golden Virgin watching over sailors, blends styles with a typically Marseilles exuberance. Inside, maritime ex-votos hanging on the walls tell centuries of seafaring stories.

The Frioul Islands and Château d’If are reachable by boat from the Old Port in about twenty minutes. The Château d’If, made famous by Dumas and his Count of Monte Cristo, allows you to visit this sixteenth-century fortress turned prison. You climb into the cells, imagine prisoners confined within these walls facing the sea, and marvel at the view of Marseille from the ramparts. The Frioul Islands offer wild coves, hiking trails, and preserved nature just a short distance from the city. Spend the day swimming, walking, and exploring, then return in the late afternoon with the unique sensation of having traveled far while staying close.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

Enjoy the electric ferry-boat to cross the Old Port in just a few minutes, a 283-meter journey operating daily from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM for 0.50 euros, and considered the world's shortest maritime cruise
Stroll through the colorful streets of the Panier district, a five-minute walk from the hotel, and discover street art murals, local artisan shops, and La Vieille Charité, a cultural center listed as a historic monument with free entry
Take the MuCEM pedestrian footbridge for free access to Fort Saint-Jean and its Mediterranean gardens, offering panoramic views of the Old Port and the sea, accessible without a museum entry ticket
Taste Marseilles specialties like panisses for about 3.50 euros a dozen, chichis fregis for 2.80 euros, or orange blossom navettes at various bakeries and stands in the neighborhood
Take the tourist train departing from the Old Port to explore the Panier or ascend to Notre-Dame de la Garde with a guided circuit for 10 euros, a practical alternative to the 35-minute uphill walk
Reach the Frioul Islands and Château d’If by maritime shuttle from the Old Port in twenty minutes to explore this historic fortress made famous by Alexandre Dumas and swim in the wild coves of the archipelago

Summary of some positive reviews found online

The location of this hotel proves to be very convenient for discovering Marseille, with the Joliette metro station three hundred meters away, the MuCEM and Villa Cosquer nearby, and the Panier district accessible within a five-minute walk
The rooms are functional and well-equipped despite their compact size, featuring a spacious and modern bathroom, efficient air conditioning, and all necessary storage including a safe, hairdryer, and kettle
The staff are very welcoming and helpful, always available to provide advice on visits and restaurants in the area, particularly in the Panier where they recommended an excellent spot
The breakfast buffet offers a varied and quality selection with fresh pastries, baked goods, bread, cold cuts, and dairy products, a great way to start the day before exploring the city
The location opposite the Corsica ferry docks and near the Q-Park Joliette parking makes getting around much easier, whether for taking the ferry or parking your vehicle at a preferential rate
The street remains quiet despite the proximity to the port and tourist attractions, allowing for restful nights after days spent visiting or working in the Euroméditerranée business district