9 INCREDIBLE Hostels in Marseille (2020 • Insider Guide!)
Multicultural Marseille is France’s second city, but it’s literally a world away from Paris. Without the glitz and glamour of St Tropez, this historic city on the French Riviera is centred around the Vieux-Port (old port), where boats and yachts sway in the sea breeze.
Museums and boutiques, as well as new developments, dot this place – which is actually France’s oldest city, settled by Greek traders 2,600 years ago. Now that’s some history!
But with any big city, it’s hard to know where exactly you should be staying. What areas are cool and lively? What places are nice for a more chilled out stay?
We’ve got you covered. Thanks to our handy list of the best hostels in Marseille, we’ve managed to make life easier for you by putting ’em into handy categories so you can choose the place that sounds most right to you. (Plus a few budget hotels thrown in, too).
Let’s have a look and see what Marseille’s got to offer you, eh?
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Marseille
- Best Overall Hostel in Marseille – Vertigo Vieux-Port
- Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille – The People Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Marseille – Hello Marseille Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Marseille – Pension Edelweiss
Best Hostels in Marseille
Choosing where to stay in Marseille? These top hostel picks will help!
Best Overall Hostel in Marseille – Vertigo Vieux-Port
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Luggage Storage
– Cable TV
Newly renovated, set in a safe location in the centre of Marseille – just up the hill from the old port – from this top hostel in Marseille you can walk to some pretty cool parts of the city quite easily. It’s set in a big old house with wooden beams, complete with super comfy rooms and big windows.
You can get a free breakfast here (big bonus), plus there’s a well equipped communal kitchen to keep costs down. The whole place has been personally designed by local artists, so there’s a lot of charm at this place. Combined with a cosy atmosphere, and here’s the best overall hostel in Marseille.
CHECK FOR BEST PRICE
Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille – The People Hostel
– $
– No Curfew
– Free Breakfast
– Cafe
You’re looking at a brand spanking new hostel in Marseille; that’s probably why it’s so cheap! It’s a good price for accommodation in Marseille, France, and, hell, even Western Europe. Being such a new opening, the hostel still – admittedly – lacks the backpacker flair, but that’s why it’s good to stay there!
This Marseille hostel is only a few minutes away from the main train station and both the Vieux Port and Panier district. It’s cheap, it’s well-located, and it’s well-facilitated. Plus it’s new, so the beds don’t creak yet!
…Probably.
CHECK FOR BEST PRICE
Best Hostel for Couples in Marseille – Hello Marseille Hostel
– $
– Free Breakfast
– Bicycle Hire
– Board Games
Hello Marseille is a not-for-profit hostel and feels like a nice place to stay. But it’s also the best hostel for couples in Marseille because of some of the upmarket decor: marble floors, elegant (yep) fireplaces and high ceilings.
Other than feeling mildly classy, the breakfast is free, and there’s a balcony where you can look out into the street and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s run by volunteers so it’s pretty laid-back and there’s a ‘free box’ where you can leave unwanted items for future travellers. Nice.
CHECK FOR BEST PRICE
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Marseille – Pension Edelweiss
– $$$
– Cable TV
– Free Breakfast
– Heritage Building
In the middle of the city, next to the old port, is this recommended hostel in Marseille. There are five private bedrooms on offer here, all designed and decorated in a kitschy, unique sorta style. Think French windows (duh), high ceiling, parquet floors.
So that’s why it’s our choice for the best hostel with a private room in Marseille. It’s like, well, feels like you’re staying in the past whilst actually settling into a boho kinda hostel atmosphere. Great for anybody looking for something a bit different.
CHECK FOR BEST PRICE
Psst! Heading to a hostel? Don’t forget to pack a padlock! It’s well worth having one so you can secure your locker and protect your stuff!Best Budget Hotels in Marseille
Sometimes you really just DON’T feel like staying in a dorm. Maybe you don’t really like ’em, maybe you’ve just stayed in one too many. Maybe you’re travelling in a couple. Maybe… Well, you get the idea. So we’ve had a look over the best budget hotels in Marseille to give you some extra, more private choices in this cool French city.
Appartements Rue Pisancon
– $$
– Private Bathroom
– Kitchen
– Coffee Machine
This one is pretty cool because it’s an apartment. Yep, that’s right: this budget hotel in Marseille is actually a set of apartments complete with their own TVs, kitchens, lounges and bathrooms, meaning you’ll feel like you’re actually part of the city. Which is cool.
Literally in the middle of town, this cool hotel in Marseille is set in a nice old building that’s been renovated. The owners will help you out with stuff, like recommendations of what to do (and more importantly, where to eat) in the city and how to get around.
Check on Booking.com
Ibis Budget Marseille
– $
– Air Con
– 24 Hour Front Desk
– Free Parking
Everyone knows Ibis and you basically know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to this chain of affordable city hotels. This budget hotel in Marseille is located a little bit further out of the city, but the rooms are cheaper and you’re still close to a load of restos (French innit), bars and shops.
Even though it is a chain, the staff are surprisingly friendly and will tell you all sorts of useful info about Marseille. Unfortunately, you have to PAY for breakfast – terrible, we know – but it’s tasty and dang good value for money.
Check on Booking.com
B&B Hotel Marseille La Valentine
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Pets Allowed
– Free Parking
Rooms at this budget hotel in Marseille are really tastefully decorated. Sure, it’s pretty much your standard budget hotel, so it’s good for a short stay. Close to the highway, it’s actually a decent place to bed down for a night or two if you’re on a French road trip.
Despite that there’s actually a load of restaurants close to the hotel, meaning you don’t have to trek into central every time you get hungry. But there’s also our favourite saviour of all to look forward to in the mornings: a FREE BUFFET BREAKFAST. So there.
Check on Booking.com
Toyoko Inn Marseille
– $$
– Garden
– Daily Maid Service
– Coffee Machine
This Japanese chain of hotels has found their way to Marseille and this one is pretty much a solid place to stay. This budget hotel in Marseille is clean, affordable, and the staff are helpful. Lacks hostel vibes, obviously, but it’s a quiet, calm, comfy place to sleep.
Rooms at this branch of Toyoko Inn have air con, come with their own bathroom, have a lil’ fridge, and a TV. Breakfast is included (YES) at this Marseille hotel and as for the location? Right next to the train station, which is super useful.
Check on Booking.com
Maisons de Marseille
– $$
– Garden
– Soundproofing
– Private Bathroom
This is such a cute little typically French place to stay. If you’re a fan of that sorta thing then you’ll definitely love checking into this budget hotel in Marseille, that’s for sure. Choose to stay in a guest room OR a self-catering apartment that’s got its own kitchen and stuff.
Round the area, there are a load of restaurants to enjoy, and the beach is just a 15 min walk away. So, yeah, the location is pretty damn good. Travelling with a partner? This is probably the best budget hostel for couples in Marseille. It’s just so cute and convenient!
Check on Booking.com
Pssssst! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Our favourite carry on backpack is the Nomatic Travel Bag.
Read our full review!
What to Pack for your Marseille Hostel
Here’s some gear our editors take hostelling.
1. Active Roots Microfiber Towel: Quick-drying, lightweight, super soft and compact – the Active Roots Microfiber Towel is essential for every backpacker. No need to use the scabby towels your hostel may or may not provide! Use it for drying off, as a yoga towel or even as a picnic blanket – the options don’t stop here. Made of antibacterial material, you don’t have to worry about your towel starting to smell unpleasant either after lots of use.
2. Active Roots Toiletry Bag: Keep your bath-and-beauty items organized and in the right place with this water-resistant bag. With large compartments, mesh and enclosed clear sections, you can fit everything you might need inside. Hang it up or let it stand on its own – this bag is a must-have for dorm-lifers.
3. Power Bank: Probably one of the most important travel accessories – a decent power bank. Charging your phone up to 5 times in a row, the Anker Power Bank is a true lifesaver on long adventures or bus rides. Slick looking, handy and not too big, it easily fits in even the smallest travel bag or your pocket. Charge 2 devices at the same time with the double USB port.
4. Headphone Splitter: You’re the one with the Netflix account and your friend wants to watch too? But you don’t want to share headphones? And you’re good people who wouldn’t disturb your dorm mates? That’s not going to be a problem with this Headphone Splitter! Plug in two pairs of headphones at the same time, so both of you are able to listen to music or watch shows simultaneously. It comes in handy and won’t weigh you down.
5. Padlock: Keep your stuff safe, guys. Unfortunately not all dorm lockers share the same security standard. You’ll want a lightweight lock that can fit all the various dorm lockers you’ll clip it to. Having a padlock that is flexible and can fit a variety of locker styles is the best way to make sure none of your belongings wander away while you are out.
6. Sea to Summit Travel Soap: When dirtbagging around the globe, hygiene sometimes comes a bit short. This Sea to Summit Travel Soap can wash your hands, clothes or anything else, wherever you are. The soap strips are dry and super thin but dissolve in contact with water, so you can even take it easily through security in a carry-on.
Why you should travel to Marseille
So those were the best hostels in Marseille. Now you know!
Surprisingly there are a couple of volunteer-based places, which always makes for a more relaxed hostel atmosphere.
Plus those budget hotels on our handy list… they’re a good mix of CLASSIC budget hotels, self catering apartments and more quirky typically French places that will make your trip (especially if you’re in a couple).
But if you can’t choose between any of the places on our list of the best hostels in Marseille…?
No sweat. We’d say book a bed at the best overall hostel in town, Vertigo Vieux-Port.
See you on the terrace for a cafe au lait!
Travel Safety Tips for Marseille
And don’t forget to sort your travel insurance before heading to Marseille! We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you’re on your way!
WORLD NOMADS
More Epic Hostels in France and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Marseille.
Planning an epic trip all across France or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
- Best hostels in Lyon
- Best hostels in Nice
- Best hostels in Paris
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Marseille has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, The Broke Backpacker will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the site going.
Need More Inspiration?
- Things To Do in Marseille
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