l'oustau

We had a lovely view and the housekeeper was very welcoming. The complimentary tea and coffee were a nice touch, too. What surprised us was finding out that the rooms were part of the castle. They had beautiful antique objects, maybe from the castle, alongside modern bedding and a modern bathroom. A sign from the main street pointing to the entrance would help. We’ll definitely come back.

There’s no breakfast service, but each room has a kettle and a tray with tea, coffee, biscuits, cakes and madeleines for a light bite. There’s also a bakery on the corner if you’re after a croissant. The hotel’s on a square that feels more like a street, so it can be a bit tricky to find. You collect your key from a self-service kiosk, though the staff on the phone are very welcoming. Inside, the terracotta floor tiles and decor are tasteful.

Château-Gombert has a village feel, and you don’t really feel like you’re in Marseille. There are restaurants nearby, and the hotel is good value. Rooms are clean, with new walls, though the decor feels dated. There’s no breakfast service, but they provide a very complete tray and a kettle. No physical reception desk, just a kiosk at the entrance, but the staff are professional and available by phone.

Our room was spacious and had a separate bathroom with a bathtub. The pillows felt more like cushions, which I’m still not used to. At first the entrance seemed a bit odd and didn’t inspire confidence, but after seeing the room and the area, everything felt right. We slept well and enjoyed breakfast. There’s a small, old-fashioned common room with water, a refrigerator, tables and other basics, and we were comfortable there.