Casa Ortega, Marseille

Casa Ortega, located in Marseille's 1st Arrondissement, is a simple bed and breakfast set in a beautifully restored historic building. The owner, Caroline, has renovated and updated the property, balancing its authentic character and modern comfort. Its location is just across the street from the main train station, Saint-Charles, which tends to be quite busy with traffic and pedestrians. Still, a 10-minute walk takes you through quieter streets to the city center, including La Canebière, a stretch famous for its shops and cafés. Stroll a little longer to reach other sites, such as the Old Port, La Panier, and the Old Charity Center, all within 20 minutes of walking.

With less than 10 guestrooms, Casa Ortega is a quaint property, thoughtfully designed and combining 20th-century retro furnishings with contemporary amenities. Every room features a private entrance, an en suite bathroom, a double bed, and air-conditioning. The decor and color theme vary between rooms, adding to the individuality, though keep in mind they're all simple by design, often adorned with antique furnishing and art. For an extra perk, book the room with a terrace, which offers a large king-size bed and an outdoor space with a garden view.

As a basic bed and breakfast, the amenities at Casa Ortega are few. However, each morning, you can enjoy a breakfast lovingly prepared by Caroline, including her highly praised (by past kimkim travelers) homemade yogurt. The property also offers a small outdoor space and a library lounge, plus beach towels, masks, snorkels, and hats to use when heading to the city beaches.