Novotel Marseille Vieux Port

This hotel is just OK. It doesn't meet the expectations of a Novotel. I have stayed in many around the world and this was not even close to the others. I was upgraded to an "Executive Room" due to my loyalty status but overall it felt like a cheap Vegas motel to me. The room smelled, AC barely got cold, minimal old worn out everything, the hallways were in disrepair, underwhelming pool area, etc. The bathroom and shower were clean and ok. I think for the same price any other hotel around must be better.

The hotel is laid out oddly. There's no way to drive up and check in as you would a normal hotel. You drive down a side alley then go down a narrow hole in the ground, stop at a metal door (which ominously opens). Then into a confined lot for micro cars (SUVs must occupy 2 spots). Then, you must unload all your bags yourself! Find the elevator, the lobby is level 2.. sure why not? Then walk to the opposite side of the property to the check-in desk. Totally bizarre. It's not that far a distance, but after a long day of driving you expect to pull up, be greeted, have someone take your bags, and show you where to check in. If that doesn't exist, branding this a 4 star hotel is fraudulent, period. I honestly can't think of how they can fix this place... I'd suggest maybe converting it into a self-storage or office space.

Hotel is generally good although undergoing quite extensive renovations causing the hotel to resemble more a building site… the bed in the room is incredibly uncomfortable too providing little support and a poor nights sleep. Breakfast was ok but expensive for wha ‘tis offered

Hotel is old. Disgusting moldy/black grout in shower. Hotel seemed empty barely saw any other guests but we were told there were no better rooms for us.
Check in and check out was fine. Front desk team is friendly. We didn’t take the breakfast as it ends at 9:30 and that is a bit early for us so I can’t comment on that. The restaurant seemed nice/nice views although we didn’t eat there.
Short walk to the port so it’s a walkable location which was a plus.
I think the thermostat in the room was broken as we turned it off but the room was still SO SO hot. Two kids slept in onesies in January because they were sweating in pj’s.
We only chose this hotel because of private parking and we came in a car. Decent price, decent location, hotel itself is not 4 stars.

The wonderful view.
The comfort of the room
The kindness of the staff