HOTEL C2 in Marseille, Provence

Hôtel C2 occupies a 19th-century private mansion in the Pierre Puget courtyard, preserving the original marble floors, columns, bas-relief sculptures, frescoes, and bronze banisters. A subterranean spa carved into the rock is on the lower floors, with a hammam, steam room, and heated indoor swimming pool. A specially-chartered boat leaves from the Vieux Port, available to guests with the hotel's beach package.

The hotel offers 20 guest rooms, including the Deluxe Double Room and Prestige Double Room, each with access to the subterranean spa. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and designer furnishings, combining original parquet floors with a contemporary, minimalist style. A generous complimentary mini bar and a private bathroom are in each room.

Breakfast is a buffet with cold items, freshly baked goods, made-to-order eggs, and local honeycomb. The hotel's bar, Tchin, serves craft cocktails in a parlor overlooking the courtyard. In-room breakfast delivery is available for a EUR 5 surcharge.

The subterranean spa offers full body, back, neck, foot, and couples massages in a dedicated spa lounge. A sauna, solarium, hot tub/jacuzzi, and sun loungers are available in the spa complex. Spa and wellness packages and access to the steam room are included for guests.

The hotel is a short walk from the Vieux Port and a 23-minute walk to Plage des Catalans. Monthly art and photographic exhibitions and live performances are hosted in the common areas. A specially-chartered boat leaves from the Vieux Port for guests with the hotel's beach package.

Location: Short walk to Vieux Port and Plage des Catalans

Building: 19th-century private mansion with original frescoes

Spa: Subterranean spa with hammam, steam room, and heated pool

Rooms: 20 spacious rooms with designer furnishings

Dining: Buffet breakfast with local honeycomb

Boat: Chartered boat from Vieux Port for beach package