Ibis Styles Marseille Palais des Congrés Vélodrome

This hotel is frequently praised for its friendly and attentive staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Its prime location near the Vélodrome and Parc Chanot makes it an ideal choice for event-goers and sports fans, offering convenient walking access to these venues. Many guests also appreciate the hotel's cleanliness and comfortable beds, contributing to a restful experience. While the hotel is undergoing significant renovations to enhance future guest experiences, these works have occasionally caused some disruption. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers attending events at the Palais des Congrès, and families or couples seeking a comfortable base with excellent service. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to inquire about the current status of renovations and consider utilizing public transport or ride-sharing services for exploring areas further from the immediate vicinity.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of the secure underground parking, though it comes with an additional fee. The hotel provides free cold bottled water in the lobby, a thoughtful touch appreciated by many, especially during warmer periods. A bar and comfortable lounge area are available, offering spaces for relaxation and socializing. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported intermittent issues. Feedback on the air conditioning is mixed; while some found it effective, others noted it could be noisy or not cool enough, with a few instances of it being non-functional. The elevator has also been a point of mixed feedback, with some experiencing slow service or temporary closures due to renovations.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its clean rooms and comfortable beds, with many guests praising the quality of the bedding. Many rooms have been renovated, featuring a modern aesthetic and functional design, including some with Italian showers. However, some guests reported issues with noise from ongoing construction, street traffic, or adjacent rooms, particularly in family accommodations where soundproofing was noted as insufficient. Isolated complaints mentioned unpleasant smells in bathrooms, such as sewage, or lingering cigarette smoke in non-smoking rooms. While some found the rooms spacious, others described them as small, and a few noted minor maintenance issues like broken fixtures or lack of bedside storage.

Dining & Food Quality
Most guests commend the breakfast for its variety and quality, describing it as delicious, complete, and good value. The buffet offers a range of options, though some guests noted a limited selection of savory items or issues with replenishment during peak times. The hotel's restaurant receives positive feedback for its tasty and generously portioned meals, with some highlighting a Lebanese influence and good service. However, the restaurant's availability has been inconsistent, with reports of it being closed on weekends or offering only limited, canteen-style options during renovation periods. The bar is generally well-regarded, with guests appreciating the professional and friendly staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage for guests attending events, offering easy walking access to the Vélodrome, Parc Chanot, and the Palais des Congrès. Public transport options, including a nearby bus stop and access to the metro, facilitate movement around the city. The availability of secure parking is a major plus for those traveling by car. However, the immediate neighborhood receives mixed reviews; while convenient for specific venues, some guests found it to be dirty, run-down, or felt less safe, especially when walking at night. The distance to the city center and Old Port is considerable, often requiring a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, frequently described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests praise their welcoming demeanor and willingness to accommodate requests, such as room changes or early check-ins. Many reviews highlight the staff's dedication to providing excellent service, making guests feel valued and well-cared for. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of unresponsiveness to specific issues or less welcoming encounters with certain individuals.

Additional Information
A significant aspect of the guest experience has been the ongoing renovations throughout the hotel. While these works are intended to improve the property, some guests were not informed prior to arrival, leading to unexpected noise from drilling, dust, and temporary closures of facilities like the restaurant or certain elevator access points. Guests should also be aware of a deposit policy, typically €100, which some found slow to be returned after checkout. Despite the hotel's non-smoking policy, a few guests reported a persistent cigarette smell in their rooms. The hotel provides free cold bottled water in the lobby for guests, a small but appreciated amenity.