I always stay in Vieux-Port area. Sites and attractions are nearby or can be reached by bus, metro and boat, easily enough. And there is Tourist Office at the end of Canebière street just before the Port. The office is open even on Sunday so quite practical to get infos you need for excursions, etc.

Hotels : from my experience.
Escale Oceania 3* on the Canebière street across the street from the tourist office. I stayed there when it was still called Mascotte and the rates were like 70 - 80 €. After renovation and new management, the rates got higher but maybe still within your budget. Many have direct or side view of the Vieux-Port.

Résidence de View Port 3*
http://www.hotel-residence-marseille.com/fr/
The best thing about this hotel is most rooms have a balcony (with a table and chairs) and a gorgeous frontal view of the view-port with Notre Dame de La Garde towering over it. Here when I stayed in 2005 and 2006, the rates were around your budget. I have looked at their rates now - actually they start from about €115 - non refundable - for Xmas time, so it might work for you...

Now a days, I stay still in the area but not directly on the port and lot cheaper, such as IBIS - Bourse where I pay between €45 - 75 depending on the season. Much less interesting view and the room smaller but still nice and clean. Also has a free PC with internet acess.

There are some more others along the view port ( mostly Accor group hotels, more expensive). I have not stayed at those.

Vieux-Port is still with lots of construction work, I guess. The city is chosen as the European City of Culture 2013, or something and they started digging up the port side roads. It would be much nice after the work but until then, it's a lot of mess. Last time I was there was the first week of November. Could it be a bit better now getting close to 2013?

Any thoughts on this:

http://www.casa-ortega.fr/

Only about the location, generally speaking the areas close to the St.Charles station is not really nice BUT where the casa ortega is located is not the area I know. Have a look at google map street view. You might like the look. You might not. Tripadvisor review is quite good. I guess you got the name from there. You can write on Marseille Forum of trip advisor, if you have not done it yet. Some locals may give ideas, good or bad, about the location.

I like the Vieux Port area, also. I stayed in a really nice hotel there but I imagine it is more than 125 euro. It's a Mercure but their top label, the Grand Hotel Beauvau.

http://www.mgallery.com/gb/hotel-1293-grand-hotel-beauvau-marseille-vieux-port-mgallery-collection/index.shtml

The Mercure Marseille Centre is minutes walking distance to Vieux Port and in a nice area, might fit into budget. Otherwise I have also stayed at the Sofitel Vieux Port which I suspect will not be in budget, but the views are wonderful even if you just go for a drink.

Any feedback on Grand Tonic? I found a really good rate that is cancellable.

http://www.hotels-de-marseille.com/english/

Don't know the particular hotel, but location is perfect, much better than the other one you'd mentioned. I'd say go for it and enjoy.

Good ol' Marseille has been taking a beating reputation-wise here in France over the last year or so, but personally, I think it's well worth a visit of a few days with the caveat that you stay well away from the infamous Quartiers Nords.

By the way, Marseille is Europe's "Cultural Capital" for 2013. Expect lots going on and the honor is spilling over to Aix and Arles which are joining in the fun. Just google "Marseille European Capital Culture 2013" and you'll get tons of info.

Planning on taking advantage as much as possible before the summer hordes arrive.

- Kevin

I have stayed at the Grand Tonic Hotel and can highly recommend it.

Thanks, nuggi

I can get a standard room for 75€ a night in the Annex of Résidence de View. No view, older room. Same price as The Grand Tonic. Any input is the better way to go?

> Annex of Résidence de View ...

Sorry I miss-spelled on my post above. That's du Vieux-Port.

If you don't get the view of the Vieux-Port, for me there is no reason to stay at this hotel. Tonic is nice enough isn't it? And maybe you even get some view?