Ibis Kitchen sur Marseille

I really wanted to like this Ibis, particularly because the people working here are genuinely wonderful. The receptionist who checked us in was exceptional. Patient, helpful and friendly, he went out of his way to find us a better rate for the room. The café and breakfast staff were equally kind, and throughout our stay everyone seemed willing to go above and beyond rather than simply do the minimum. And, unexpectedly: some of the best coffee we had in Marseille at breakfast! After a surprising amount of mediocre coffee elsewhere, that deserves a special mention. There is also something refreshingly normal and relaxed about the place downstairs. The other guests seemed friendly and easygoing, the staff chatted and smiled, and despite being a large corporate hotel, it somehow had a human atmosphere. That is not something you can manufacture through branding. Unfortunately, the rooms themselves are another story. They are just incredibly sad. Basic is absolutely fine when something is thoughtfully designed, but these rooms feel cheap, dated and joyless. Lying in bed, I genuinely felt as though I were in a cabin on an overnight train rather than a hotel in Marseille. The décor is unattractive, there is very little warmth, and even the television isn’t a Smart TV, which feels surprisingly outdated now. The corridors also have a persistent unpleasant smell, something we unfortunately encountered in several buildings during our time in Marseille. I understand that Ibis isn’t selling luxury, and I’m not judging it against a five-star hotel. But affordable doesn’t have to mean depressing. A hotel room is still your temporary home, and thoughtful lighting, comfortable materials and a little attention to design can completely change how a space makes you feel. So strangely, I came away liking the people and the atmosphere of this hotel much more than the hotel itself. The rooms desperately need some love. The staff absolutely don’t. They were warm, patient, funny, helpful and consistently kind, and they transformed what could have been a very disappointing stay into something much more pleasant. And whoever is responsible for that breakfast coffee: please don’t change a thing.

We had a very pleasant experience at the hotel, especially thanks to the wonderful staff. The gentleman at the reception was very welcoming, kind, and helpful. The cashier working in the restaurant was also extremely friendly, open, and attentive, which made us feel very comfortable. A special mention goes to Leo, one of the waiters. He was incredibly friendly, attentive, and accommodating throughout our stay. We also had a slightly uncomfortable situation with a stranger who tried to sit down at our table. Leo immediately noticed what was happening and reacted very professionally and protectively. He asked the person to leave, made sure we were safe, and even arranged for someone to accompany us to the elevator and make sure we got upstairs safely. He also immediately contacted security to make sure everything was handled properly. We really appreciated how attentive, caring, and professional Leo was in that situation. His quick reaction made us feel safe and looked after. Overall, the staff were kind, welcoming, and professional, and we are very grateful for the excellent service.