Occupying a heritage-listed 18th-century hospital, the Hôtel Dieu, the Intercontinental Marseille has a commanding position in Le Panier overlooking the Vieux Port. The grand U-shaped pile features tall arched windows framed by local golden-hued stone and masonry. Within, the 179 rooms and 15 suites are suitably polished, while the best have either harbour views or private terraces.

　　The history of the site goes back as far as the 12th century, when the first hospital was built here. Its eventual replacement, the current Hôtel-Dieu, took over 100 years to build, was opened by Napoléon III in 1866, and operated until 1993. Now, all the accoutrements of a luxury hotel (spa, fitness centre, restaurants, bars, expensive valet parking) are present and correct.