Beginning January 19, 2022, the MEININGER Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette will welcome guests. This makes the southern French port city the hotel chain's fourth location in France after Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, and the hotel group is planning further openings this year in Germany.
Marseille, the southern French port city on the Golfe du Lion, is not only the sunniest city in France but also the second largest. The former European Capital of Culture is constantly reinventing itself-especially in the former port district of La Joliette, which has been completely redesigned as part of the Euroméditerranée urban renewal project and is now the site of the latest MEININGER hotel. "The Euroméditerranée is a district rich in culture and attractions for locals and visitors alike. I am pleased to introduce the MEININGER hotel in Marseille as the latest addition to our rapidly growing portfolio in France," says Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.
New museums and business centers within walking distance
For culture buffs, the MEININGER hotel is perfectly located, since approximately 80 percent of Marseille's new cultural sites are located in the Euroméditerranée area. In addition to new museums, several shopping and business centers have also sprung up here, such as Les Docks de Marseille and Les Terrasses du Port. "As an important economic and cultural center, the architecture of La Joliette plays a key role in the new life of this forward-looking neighborhood," adds Ajit Menon. "The location is very attractive for various guest segments."
A construction certified with HQE Excellent Level
The new building at 25/27 Rue de Forbin consists of two sections connected by the ground floor with a reception area, lobby, bar and the usual MEININGER public spaces, such as a game zone and guest kitchen. The building, built by family-owned real estate development group COFFIM, is HQE (High Quality Environmental standard) Level Excellent certified and meets high acoustic requirements. "In essence, COFFIM is a developer that is very involved in the field of serviced residences and hotels," says Thibault Dutreix, COFFIM's Managing Director. "By delivering this innovative concept, COFFIM demonstrates its expertise in the hybrid hotel segment. This project reflects the convictions of our group, which is focused on new forms of hospitality and the evolution of uses."
A green courtyard, a pétanque court and different room types
In addition to the guest kitchen, which can be used by all hotel guests, and the laundry room with washing machine and dryer, the new MEININGER Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette features various fruit trees and herbs grown in the inner courtyard. Here, guests can take their breakfast or enjoy a coffee. The icing on the cake is the pétanque court that is typical to the region. "The MEININGER concept appeals to various guest segments and is thus far unique to Marseille. The flexible structure of our rooms appeals to families, educational and leisure groups, backpackers and business travelers," states Menon.
An interior design inspired by the history and colors of the city
As is customary for all MEININGER hotels, the interior design of the new hotel in Marseille also reflects the local culture. The team from Karawitz, an interior design firm based in Paris, drew inspiration from the Mediterranean metropolis' vibrant past, its ancient port and the nearby turquoise-blue bays of the Calanques. With delicate hues borrowed from nature, colorful mosaics and modern-arabesque design details, the designers have created a maritime atmosphere.
Additional openings of MEININGER Hotels planned for 2022
With the latest opening in Marseille and existing locations in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, the hotel group now operates over 2,600 beds in France. "Our goal is to expand MEININGER's hybrid hotel concept in new and existing markets, such as France and Germany," says CEO Menon. Two more hotel openings in Germany are already planned for 2022 in Bremen and Dresden.
