Hôtel Le Corbusier

I loved it for the view over the city and because I love this kind of architecture and interior design. The room was, however, tiny (which I didn't mind but others might), the walls very hear-through and, what I did mind most: the swimming pool on the roof not accessible for hotel guests, even though it advertises with pictures of it. Breakfast was fine and the view great and just being there very inspiring. Still expensive for what it is.

It's denied by the owner in comments elsewhere but I can confirm there is a minimum 20€ charge at the bar. I called in for a glass of wine after visiting the Corbusier but was essentially held captive for 3 glasses. I was served two different reds, neither were that great. Highly recommend the Corbusier - but not the bar. I had previously considered staying at the hotel, but after my experience and then reading through these comments I'll give it a miss.

For those who know the history of the hotel, it’s a “bucket list” visit, and even to be able to stay here is living a dream. Getting here involves taking tram and bus or taxi across town, but once you’re here, there’s not much point leaving - the “Cité Radieuse” is designed as a self-contained environment, and feels like one. Dinner at “Le Ventre…” is a great idea - for the location and food quality, a five-star fixed menu at around 60€, is about right. It’s by no means a place to stay while visiting a destination- it *is* the destination.

The entire concept behind Le Corbusier is to create a community—a space where architecture fosters connection and conviviality. We were initially excited to experience that spirit firsthand, especially when we noticed the bar and restaurant nestled within the building. However, our visit quickly turned into a disappointment. When we stopped by for food and drinks, we were met with rude staff who vented their frustrations toward Airbnb hosts—directing all that negativity toward paying guests like us. If you have unresolved issues with Airbnb owners, that’s not our concern. We came to enjoy the atmosphere and were more than happy to pay for our food and drinks. And I said many times: I am more than happy to pay for the bread and coffee! What we did not expect was to be caught in the middle of your grievances. The comment that “Airbnb steals your guests” was baffling. If anything, it’s your fragmented approach to Le Corbusier’s vision that has driven people away. Dividing his original design into various compartments to chase after profits directly contradicts the philosophy behind his architecture. Perhaps if you focused on building the seamless, inclusive community he envisioned—rather than trying to squeeze every last cent from every corner—you wouldn’t have this problem with guest retention. We were eager to experience a place rooted in modernist ideals but instead found ourselves on the receiving end of frustration and poor management. You need to decide what you care about more: honoring the legacy of Le Corbusier or alienating your visitors with misguided anger.

I had the recent misfortune of attempting to secure a nights stay at this hotel after a wonderful visit to Corbusier’s masterpiece itself earlier in the week. I loved that visit so much it inspired me to try the hotel. A few days later, I returned to Marseille and thought it would be the perfect time to try the hotel. I booked on Sunday morning to stay on Sunday night. I was so excited for my stay. I was very disappointed to find the hotel experience one of the most incompetent and rude of my life. An hour after I booked my transport was cancelled. I was stranded. It was a very bad situation. I emailed to explain but the owner was horrible. He refused to entertain any cancellation or refund. I tried to move my dates to another month, I suggested I could be flexible. But no. I had booked only one hour before. The money had not even left my account, I don’t believe a refund was impossible. His emails were exceptionally rude. Looking at the other reviews, it seems I am not alone! Very sad to me that such an important piece of Marseille’s history has been left in the hands of someone so entitled and negligent.

The building itself is stunning, but I have to be honest, the hotel stay is not worth it. I paid 189€ for a room with a sea view. The sea is quite far from hotel so you can bearly see it + the architecture of the building is made in a way that the views from the windows are a bit blocked. My room had leather pillows that probably were never washed. The room was poorly maintained and doesn’t match the rest of the property. I initially thought that staying at the hotel was necessary to visit the building, but it turns out that the hotel is open for free visits all day. When I arrived, it was extremely hot, and I was hoping to cool off in the pool. Unfortunately, the receptionist informed me that the pool is only 'decorative' and not suitable for swimming… I was very disappointed of the experience.

Phenomenal building and a privilege to stay over night. You can access the roof terrace and service floors. Room (cabin) small - but what I expected and had everything you need. Great staff. Only complaint was the breakfast was not worth the money, but I will definitely be back. If you like architecture - it's a must!

Do not stay here, it is awful.|The hotel is on 2 floors - 3 and 4 - in original Corbusier built building and it has not been updated or changed since then. Which gives you old, dirty, shabby and very manky decor and is far from clean - do not think it is cute 60’s. I wanted to run a mile from here when we arrived but unfortunately during Olympics. And extortionate rates - paid over €400 a night, it is not worth €40.|The service appalling too - we did not get a hand towel on day 2., The shower gel/shampoo was watered down beyond belief and when we used it all, not replenished. |WiFi pretty useless, if you managed to get connected, it drops a lot so not very usable. |The closet doors are impossible to open, the safe could not be worked, the bathroom door does not close at all. It is the worst place I have stayed at in a very long time, if not ever. We travel a lot and this was a horrible experience and sadly leaves a bitter taste despite enjoying the Olympics in Marseille.

La Maison du fada... the "house of the crazy" was what the neighborhood called it because they considered it so ugly when it was built. Like a nickname that you call that little fat girl with the buck teeth but then she grows into her body and you still call her Bucky but she is now a model, and everyone wants to sleep with her. She is also called Unite de'Habitacion and some even call her Cite Radieuse. On my first visit I immediately ascended to the rooftop sculptural garden and running track and stunning view of the Mediterranean. I met a little boy playing marbles, interested and interesting. He told me that his father is an architect and his mother is an artist and he is going to be an artist and architect. He asks me what I do...? I say that I am an artist and in architecture school. He said that he is quite sure that his father and mother want to meet me. He told me that he loves living here. He is charismatic, charming, adorable. He is 12. Nine years later I return and he is starting his career as an architect and his girlfriend is stunningly beautiful. They are both super smart, extroverts, energetic, creative... ready to take the world by storm. He tells me that he misses home, and that he appreciates what Le Corbusier created... it has added to his life, to his appreciation of great architecture and helped make him who he is today. I lived in his now empty bedroom for a week and experienced waking up in Le Corbusier's monastery for vertical living. They have a spacious corner unit, 2 stories, great light, plenty of space. They told me stories about the increasing maintenance costs, the concrete that has needed extra attention, and their commitment to this place. Le Corbusier created an island. When you live here, you feel you are chosen to be ON the island. Completely self contained bubble. Restaurant, dry cleaning, cafe, bar, haircut, ping pong tables... Super friendly people who seem to display obvious pleasure in their good fortune and good taste in choosing this amazing place to raise a family. In my world, they are all patrons of the art of architecture... likely paying way too much to repair and maintain a building which was at the forefront of technology... concrete and steel and glass. In addition to staying in one of the flats with a family, I also stayed 2 nights in one of the rentable apartments and I would say, if you love modernism or if you love someone who loves modernism, this is a treat... skinny little cells, sparse, like being on a cruise ship but without the activities, the booze and the buffets of endless food. It was reasonable but beware as the rentable rooms are super small... monastic almost, which I loved. The units are on the 3rd and 4th floor. Everything fit like a Rubik's Cube puzzle, the bed, the desk, the shelves, the bathroom... and felt like it was designed with the efficiency of a ship. It is not luxury by today's definition, though, and actually, the tiny unit I stayed in was not even comfortable. The sacrifices one must make for great art... Make sure to get a room with a view of the sea. Waking up with a view of the Mediterranean and a bright blue sky should not be missed, as long as you made the trip. This building was a breakthrough and is considered one of Le Corbusier's masterpieces in his pursuit of a Machine for Living. 1958 Interview with Le Corbusier... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQayb3glupE&feature=related Do not miss the sculptural concrete on the roof, the cafe, the shops, and making friends. I found most of the people who live here to be very friendly and very appreciative of visitors who appreciate their building. Lots of architects and artists inhabit this machine. Like anyone who chooses to live in an obscure tourist attraction, though, some were a tad cranky... but who knows, it may have had nothing to do with me. Apparently it is currently undergoing more renovations, repairs... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg9f2FLbiVM&feature=fvw