Marseille Escape: Luxurious Stay at Best Western Plus La Joliette!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the deep blue (or maybe slightly murky green, let's be honest) of Marseille and the Best Western Plus La Joliette, a hotel that's promising a Marseille Escape: Luxurious Stay! Now, I'm not one for flowery language, but after my stay? Okay, maybe I am a little bit flowery. Because, honestly? Wow.
Let's just be real from the start. Marseille? It's a city that hits you right in the face. Beautiful, chaotic, and wonderfully French. And this hotel? It aims to be a little oasis in all that glorious madness. Does it succeed? Mostly, yes. Mostly.
The Good Stuff: Accessibility & Comfort (and a little bit of a rambling start)
First off, the accessibility. This is HUGE for me, personally, because I know how stressful it can be. The Best Western Plus La Joliette gets a solid thumbs up here. They've got the elevator, which is crucial. Rooms are surprisingly well-designed for folks with mobility issues. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which, from what I saw of other French hotel experiences, is rarer than a sunny day in November. And the accessible rooms? I checked one out (with permission of course – I'm not that kind of reviewer!). Wide doorways, easy access to the bathroom… it’s seriously thoughtful.
Now, let's talk about the rooms. Oh, my god, the rooms. My room had air conditioning that WORKED! (A miracle, seriously.) Air conditioning is like gold in Marseille, especially when you're stuck in a heatwave. The blackout curtains? Lifesavers. I slept like a log, despite the boisterous seagulls that were doing their best to wake me up. The bed? A dream. Huge, comfy, and the sheets, oh the sheets! I'm not kidding, I considered stealing them. (Okay, I didn’t, obviously, but I thought about it.) They also had those little reading lights perfect for late-night book reading or watching movies on demand. Oh, and don't forget the mini-bar… it’s there to provide comfort, and the coffee/tea maker, a necessity for survival, right? The desk was useful for checking emails, and it had internet access, which was useful to upload my stories.
The Dining Debacle (or, The Restaurant that Almost Broke Me - in a Good Way)
Okay, here’s where things get REAL. The Best Western Plus La Joliette boasts a decent amount of dining options. They’ve got a restaurant, a snack bar, and room service [24-hour]. I went for the full-blown culinary experience with the a la carte restaurant.
Now, let me paint you a picture: I ordered the bouillabaisse (because, Marseille!), and the waiter, bless his heart, delivered drama with my soup. It arrived… not quite boiling, not quite cold, but lukewarm. I was devastated. But then the server fixed the situation. And… the bouillabaisse was actually delicious.. Seriously, if you're in Marseille, you must try the bouillabaisse, and this place isn't a bad place to try it!
The breakfast [buffet] was also a highlight, with Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant; I’m not a huge buffet person, but this one… chef’s kiss. Seriously, I stuffed myself. They had everything—fruit, pastries (the pain au chocolat alone was worth the trip), eggs, savory options, everything. I might have gone back for seconds (and thirds…).
Relaxation Realm: Spa, Saunas and Bliss
Let’s talk about relaxing! The Best Western Plus La Joliette boasts a Spa/sauna area, with a sauna and a steamroom. I loved the sauna. I went in, I sweated, I felt a new layer of stress melt off my body. Then I sat by the swimming pool. And, it was lovely, especially since it’s a Pool with view. It doesn’t always get the proper photo love, but it was lovely. Oh, and they had a gym, or Fitness center/Gym/fitness, I didn't go, but I heard it was decent enough.
Services and Conveniences – The Practical Stuff
Let’s get to the practicalities: I had a rental car. Car park [on-site] – check! Airport transfer – check! Concierge? Totally helpful. The Daily housekeeping was also faultless. Laundry service? Handy after a week of exploring. Cashless payment service, Contactless check-in/out and Daily disinfection in common areas? Great, super important. I'm paranoid about cleanliness, and this place ticked all the boxes. The Staff trained in safety protocol gave me confidence. And, there's a doctor/nurse on call.
Things To Do and Getting Around (Outside the Hotel)
Okay, so, you're in Marseille. You need to explore. The hotel's a good base. It had a taxi service and a Car park [on-site], so getting around was easy. Bicycle parking is a great option. And the city? It’s a whirlwind. Seriously, explore the Vieux Port (Old Port), stroll around the Panier (the old town), visit the MuCEM museum. It boasts many outdoor venue for special events. Oh, and they have a shop for souvenirs.
Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes!
- Cashless payment service: Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: They earned it.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yep.
- Safe dining setup: Absolutely.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Confirmed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yup.
- Sterilizing equipment: You bet!
Areas for Improvement (Because Perfection is Boring)
Okay, no place is perfect and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. The Wi-Fi, while free (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), could be a little spotty in certain corners of the hotel. Also, for the love of all that is holy, the elevator music? Someone needs to intervene. And there were a couple occasions where the service in the restaurant was a little slow. But these are minor quibbles.
The Verdict
Look, the Best Western Plus La Joliette isn't just a hotel. It’s a cozy sanctuary in a city that's full of life. It's comfortable, convenient, and the staff is overwhelmingly lovely. If you're looking for a place to recharge after a day of exploring Marseille, this is it. And with all the accessibility advantages? A massive win.
SEO-tastic Summary (Because We Have To):
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Highlights: Excellent accessibility, comfortable rooms, delicious dining, spa facilities, convenient location, strong safety protocols.
The Offer: Book Your Marseille Escape TODAY!
Are you looking to escape the ordinary and dive into the vibrant heart of Marseille? Then the Best Western Plus La Joliette is calling your name! Enjoy luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi, modern amenities, and unbeatable comfort. Indulge in a delicious dining experience at our on-site restaurant, offering a range of cuisines with a focus on local flavor. Unwind in our spa with a swimming pool, pamper yourself with a massage, and experience the true essence of relaxation.
But that's not all! Book your stay at the Best Western Plus La Joliette now and receive an exclusive offer:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival.
- 10% discount on all spa treatments.
- Free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability).
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the best of Marseille! Book your escape today and create unforgettable memories! Visit [website address for the hotel] or call [phone number] now.
Omni Austin Hotel: Downtown Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary (thank god). This is me-as-a-traveler unleashed on Marseille, anchored in the Best Western Plus Hotel La Joliette, because, well, it's there. And I'm already craving a pastis and a good moan about… everything.
Marseille: The Concrete Jungle with a Heart – And Maybe a Slight Smell of Fish
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and That Damn Croissant
- 14:00: Touchdown at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). The air is thick with… something. Not quite the sea, not quite the industrial… It's the Frenchification of an airport. I'm immediately sweating, probably from the anticipation of navigating public transport, which I’m convinced is designed to test the limits of human patience.
- 14:45: The ever-delightful (ha) shuttle bus to the city center. Cramped. Smelly. Someone's kid is currently testing the decibel limits of human vocal chords. I'm already questioning my life choices.
- 16:00: Arrive at the Best Western Plus Hotel La Joliette. The lobby is surprisingly…nice. A bit sterile, mind you, but the air conditioning is a godsend. Check in. Blah blah blah, key card, blah blah blah. The front desk lady seems to have seen it all, which is probably why she gives off a vibe of calm acceptance of the chaos of humanity.
- 16:30: Room reveal. It’s fine. Clean. Functional. The view… overlooks something. I’m not quite sure what, but I suspect it’s another building. A profound sense of "meh" washes over me.
- 17:00: Attempt at a calming stroll. The hotel is surprisingly close to the docks, and the air is starting to smell a little… fishy. (See?) This is when I realize I haven't eaten. Disaster has struck. Immediately I go to the nearest bakery I can find (because I'm French like that) get a croissant. Take a bite. It's stale. Stale! My existential dread intensifies. This is not how I imagined my trip starting.
- 17:30: I find a tiny, slightly grimy cafe and order a pastis. The waiter, bless his heart, doesn’t bat an eye at my slightly frantic energy. Maybe he’s seen this before. The pastis is glorious. The world starts to look a little less…stale.
- 18:30: Wander aimlessly around the Vieux Port. Boats. Tourists. That smell of the sea. It’s a sensory overload, and I’m mostly enjoying it. The sheer activity! The chatter! The…seagulls, I think. There are seagulls.
- 19:00: I'm starving, of course. Wandering aimlessly is always a recipe for hunger. Dinner is a classic bouillabaisse experience, which, if I’m honest, is mostly a bunch of fish in a broth. But the broth is rich and the fish is fresh and suddenly, everything is right with the world. I realize I accidentally ordered the big bowl, which is probably a bad idea, but I’m not sure I care.
- 20:30: Back at the hotel. Full. Tired. Staring at the wall. Thinking about tomorrow. Thinking about maybe, just maybe, finding a good croissant.
Day 2: The Basilica Bonanza, the Market Mayhem, and the Art (Kinda)
- 08:00: Wake up. Attempt to find a decent croissant. Fail again. I'm starting to think this city is actively preventing me from experiencing the simple joy of a buttery, flaky pastry. Maybe it's a test. Yeah, that's it – a test of my resilience.
- 09:00: My brain's telling me to go see the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is supposedly incredible. The climb up is brutal, and I'm instantly regretting the bouillabaisse. But the view! Oh, the view! Marseille sprawls out below; a chaotic tapestry of red-tiled roofs and azure sea. Worth it. Even if my thighs are screaming.
- 11:00: Head down to the "Le Panier", the old town. It is gorgeous and quaint. Narrow streets, colorful buildings. Lost. Constantly lost. But in a good way. The shops are charmingly quirky, the art…well, let's just say it's present. I buy a postcard of a cat wearing a beret. I'm becoming predictable.
- 12:30: Lunch at a small, crowded restaurant. Fresh seafood, more wine. I’m starting to feel like a local. Except I can’t speak French and I keep bumping into people.
- 14:00: The Marché des Capucins, the bustling market. It is overwhelming. Spices, fruit I've never seen before, screaming vendors, people everywhere. Pure chaos. But in the best way possible. I buy a handful of dates, some olives, and a feeling of utter satisfaction. This is living.
- 15:30: Musée d’Art Contemporain (MAC). I'm not usually a contemporary art person, but hey, I'm trying. Some of it works for me. Some of it…doesn't. There's a room of flashing lights that almost gives me a seizure. I decide, after the second flashing, to move on.
- 17:00: Back at the hotel. A nap. Or, at least, an attempt at a nap. The city noises are relentless. But the sun is setting, casting amazing colors on the walls.
- 19:00: Dinner in the city. I'm going to try that restaurant again to try more fish.
- 21:00: Back at the hotel, this time definitely ready to pass out.
Day 3: Chateau d'If, a Boat Trip, and Existential Reflections on Islands
09:00: A proper breakfast in the hotel. It is okay. Not life-changing. But I'm starting to accept that this is how it's going to be.
10:00: The Chateau d'If. The infamous island prison from "The Count of Monte Cristo." The boat trip there is choppy. The sea is a deep, brooding blue. 11:00: The chateau itself is fascinating. The history, the legends, the sheer loneliness of the place…it kind of gets to you. Standing in a tiny cell, imagining De Monte Cristo’s escape attempts is almost…moving. I spend way more time than planned here. Like, an embarrassing amount of time. I may or may not have started humming “Prisoner of Love”. 12:00: The trip back is even choppier. I'm not particularly prone to seasickness, but I suddenly develop a deep appreciation for dry land.
13:00: Lunch at a casual restaurant overlooking the port. The food is fine, but the view is the thing.
14:00: Seriously consider a massage. Don't. Not enough time. This trip has been all about the constant sense of “not enough time.”
15:00: Wander around town, the city, buying some gifts. I go into different shops looking for something, anything, that might spark some joy. I leave mostly empty-handed, but with some interesting conversations.
17:00: Back at the hotel, starting to pack. Where did the trip go? It feels like it went by too fast, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to be in reality again.
19:00: One last dinner, more seafood, this time at a cozy little restaurant I stumble across by accident. I order too much wine, and I'm starting to feel sentimental. I find myself thinking about the little moments that have shaped the trip. The good, the bad, and the stale croissants.
21:00: Back at the hotel. Pack. Reflect. Think about how Marseille, with all its flaws, has somehow wormed its way into my heart. Day 4: Departure
08:00: Check out. The front desk lady gives me a gentle smile. I think she’s seen the change in my, a little less frantic.
09:00: The shuttle bus to the airport. The child is on the bus again. But this time, I don't mind as much.
10:00: Back at the airport. Still the same.
12:00: On the plane (hopefully). Thinking about croissants. Thinking about Marseille. And already planning my return. Maybe next time, I'll figure out the darn croissant situation.
Marseille Escape: Best Western Plus La Joliette - Let's Get Real, Shall We? FAQs
So, the *Best Western Plus* huh? Does that mean it's actually... good? (Because honestly, Best Westerns can go either way.)
Okay, look, let's be real. My expectations going in were... cautiously optimistic. Best Western isn't exactly the Ritz, ya know? But La Joliette? Surprise! It's actually… pretty darn decent! Clean, modern-ish, and the location? GOLD. Like, seriously, hit the jackpot. Close to everything, but not *smack dab* in the middle of the screaming crowds. (More on those crowds later – oy vey.) I’d say, for the price and location, it's a solid win. Think of it as a perfectly serviceable, slightly luxurious home base from which to conquer Marseille. Which, by the way, is no small feat. I mean, *Marseille*.
Speaking of location, how's the whole La Joliette area? Is it... safe? (Because, you know, Marseille.)
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room – Marseille's reputation. Yes, it’s… vibrant. And yes, you need to be aware of your surroundings. But La Joliette felt pretty safe, honestly. Lots of people around, nice cafes and restaurants, and a general buzz of activity. Walking back at night? I wouldn’t necessarily stroll down dark alleys alone, but the main streets were fine. I felt much more comfortable than I did, say, wandering aimlessly in the *Vieux Port* at 3 AM (don't judge!), where the energy is a little… intense. La Joliette felt… well, *civilized* by comparison. Did I see some questionable characters? Sure, but it's Marseille. You'll see that everywhere. Just keep your wits about you, and your valuables *close*. It's like anywhere, really. Just be a little sharper. And for the love of all that is holy, learn some basic French greetings before you go!
The "Luxurious Stay" bit… is *that* true? Or is it, like, a marketing lie?
"Luxurious"? Let's temper expectations a bit. It's *plus*… meaning it's a step up from your standard Best Western. Think plush bedding, maybe a rainfall shower (score!), and a slightly fancier breakfast buffet than you're used to. I wouldn't call it *lavish*, but it's definitely comfortable and well-appointed. The rooms were clean, the air conditioning worked (a *must* in the Marseille heat), and the staff were friendly. My personal highlight? The little balcony off my room. Perfect for sipping a pre-dinner glass of rosé (which, naturally, I did). It allowed for great people-watching, to be honest. (Which is basically my favourite sport.) Luxurious? Maybe *slightly* overblown. But definitely a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Breakfast? Crucial. Was the breakfast buffet any good? Don't lie.
Okay, breakfast. *This* is a make-or-break situation, right? Let me tell you, I've seen some hotel breakfast disasters in my time. But the La Joliette? Mostly good. The usual suspects were there – pastries, croissants, yogurt, fruit, the whole shebang. Coffee? Decent, which is a win in itself. There was even a little omelet station, which, if you got there early enough (crucial, trust me), was a godsend. The only downside? The sheer *volume* of people at peak breakfast hours. It became a bit of a feeding frenzy. I saw a woman – *a woman* - literally *fight* another woman for a last croissant! I mean, the horror! And the French, bless their hearts, can get *feisty* about their breakfast. This is why I made a point of going *before* the masses descended. Avoid the drama, people. Go early. Otherwise, breakfast was a definite thumbs up!
How about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Did they understand English? (Because my French is… rudimentary.)
The staff? Generally excellent! Most spoke very good English, which was a major relief for my rusty French. They were helpful, friendly, and always willing to offer suggestions or answer questions. Seriously, I had a minor crisis with my phone charger (classic me), and they went above and beyond to help me find a replacement. One of the staff members even gave me some great tips on where to find the best *bouillabaisse* in town (serious, *bouillabaisse* is a religion in Marseille). A few, they clearly weren't thrilled about the English, But, I mean, you can't win them all. Overall, a positive experience. And I'd always prefer a helpful individual, even if they're not *overly* enthusiastic. I mean, you're not best friends, right? You just want them to help you. And they did.
Okay, what *really* annoyed you about the hotel? Be honest.
Alright, this is where I get to vent, because let's face it, *every* hotel has its quirks. My biggest gripe? The *vague* Wi-Fi. It worked… sometimes. And when it did, it wasn't exactly blazing fast. Which, if you're like me and rely on the internet for, you know, *everything*, can be a bit frustrating. I mean, I’m trying to upload those Instagrammable photos of the Old Port, and… *buffering*. The horror! Also, the elevators felt a bit slow. But that’s small potatoes. The Wi-Fi was my biggest issue. I kept refreshing the browser, and I’m pretty sure I cursed at the router more than once. Beyond that, it was smooth sailing. Just pack your own portable Wi-Fi if you’re internet-dependent, and you’ll be golden.
Give me a quick recap: Would you recommend it?
Absolutely. For the location, the price, and the overall experience, yes, I would definitely recommend the Best Western Plus La Joliette. It's a solid choice for a comfortable and convenient base in Marseille. Just be prepared for the potential Wi-Fi woes, brush up on your croissant-grabbing skills, and embrace the wonderfully chaotic energy of Marseille. You won't regret it. Now, get out there and explore! (And maybe, just maybe, avoid those dark alleys at night…)
What about parking? Is there parking available? And is it a nightmare?
Okay, parking in Marseille. *Shudders*. Yes, there's parking available at the hotel, which is a huge plus. But it's underground and, I *believe* a bit pricey. I didn't actually use the hotel parking, because I’d taken a train, and I felt that my sanity was already struggling with the Marseille traffic outside of the hotel parking. But I did scope it out and saw a few people navigating itSnooze And Stay
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