Hotel in Marseille: Old Port or Saint-Charles station, paid in dinars
Published on 12 November 2026 · Nreservi teamAfter Paris, Marseille is the French city Algerian travellers most often search for when booking a hotel. People arrive by plane or by boat, come to visit family, or stop over before heading on by train. Two searches keep coming back: "hotel Marseille Saint-Charles station" and "hotel Marseille Old Port". Here is how to choose between them depending on how you arrive, and how to book while paying in Algerian dinars, without a credit card.
Arriving by plane: start with Saint-Charles station
Marseille Provence airport lies outside the city. A direct shuttle bus, line A1, links it to Saint-Charles station, with regular departures during the day. For a late arrival or a very early departure, a hotel near the station saves you an expensive taxi and keeps you a few minutes from the shuttle.
Saint-Charles is also the main station for trains to Paris and other French cities, and both Marseille metro lines stop there. A hotel in this area suits:
- short stays and one-night stopovers;
- travellers continuing by train to another city;
- anyone who wants an easy base for getting around town.
As around any big station, hotel quality varies a lot: read recent reviews of the address you pick, and ask us if you have any doubt.
Coming for the city itself: the Old Port
The Vieux-Port, or Old Port, is the historic, lively heart of Marseille: its quays, café terraces and restaurants, with old streets all around. Metro line 1 connects it to Saint-Charles station in just a few stops.
A hotel at the Old Port suits:
- stays of several days, so you can do everything on foot;
- couples and families who want to enjoy evenings by the water;
- visitors heading to Le Panier or strolling along La Canebière.
Rooms with a harbour view are the most requested, so check that the view is included in the room you book. In summer and during school holidays, book early.
Arriving by boat
Ferries from Algeria dock at the port of Marseille. Depending on the ferry company, the arrival terminal may differ: check it on your ticket, then allow for a taxi or public transport to your hotel.
Travelling with your car? Before booking, ask whether the hotel has parking and on what terms: parking in central Marseille is often difficult, and a reserved space makes the stay far easier.
Saint-Charles or the Old Port: how to choose
| Your situation | Suggested area |
|---|---|
| One night before a train or flight | Saint-Charles station |
| Late arrival on the airport shuttle | Saint-Charles station |
| Three nights or more to explore | Old Port |
| Couple or family trip | Old Port |
| Arriving by ferry with a car | Hotel with parking, confirmed before you pay |
Lyon and Nice in brief
Travelling on? In Lyon, Part-Dieu is convenient for trains and the Presqu'île for strolling. In Nice, the Promenade des Anglais and the city centre are a short walk from the sea. Paying in dinars works the same way for every city in France.
Booking in Marseille and paying in dinars
- Search for your hotel on our France page and choose Marseille.
- Pick your room and send your request: nothing is charged at this stage.
- Our team checks availability and price with the hotel.
- Pay in dinars from Algeria, without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer, or cash at our Telemly office in Algiers.
- Receive your voucher, to show at the reception.
Living outside Algeria? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once the payment is made.
Before paying, ask us anything: a deposit on arrival, whether city tax is included, the number of beds for a family, parking. We pass your questions on to the hotel.
What about the visa?
In principle, Algerian citizens need a Schengen visa for France; check the current requirements with the consulate or the official website before you travel. Nreservi does not sell any visa service.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from the airport to the city centre? It depends on the time of day and traffic. The A1 shuttle goes straight to Saint-Charles station; check the day's timetable on the airport website before you set off.
Can I book without a credit card? Yes: you pay in dinars and receive your voucher once the payment is made.
Going to Paris as well? Read our guide to a hotel in Paris without a credit card: which area to choose.
Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.