The hotel occupies two floors of the architecturally influential La Cité Radieuse, a concrete residential building that -- from the outside -- resembles a mix of a Brave New World prison, a Communist housing block, and a dated university dorm. However, for design buffs, the building is fantastically inspiring, a Le Corbusier Brutalist masterpiece that helped pave the way for modern minimalism when it was built in the early 1950s. Inside, the communal areas are limited to the restaurant and rooftop. The restaurant, with its tiny wooden bar, has lovely views of the city and a beautiful -- though, like the rest of the place, simple -- rooftop garden, while the rooms also have the look and the feel of student apartments. Most guests are drawn to the property's history, though the affordable rates are also attractive to budget travelers. 

Located on a main avenue in the suburbs surrounded by residences, the hotel is somewhat isolated. It's a 15-minute walk to the nearest Metro station, Rond-Point du Prado, and the beach is about 20 minutes away. However, a large park, Jardin de la Magalone, is just across the street and there is a bus stop nearly. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the Le Velodrome stadium and there's a huge supermarket within about the same distance. The Marseille airport is about 30 minutes away by car or taxi. 

For guests seeking comfort, Suites are the best bet at Hotel Le Corbusier. Despite their unusable kitchenettes, Suites have significantly more floor space than the ultra-compact Cabin rooms, and some have lovely views of the sea in the distance. All rooms are simple, with empty built-in shelves, white walls, wood floors, and essentially no decoration -- just some pops of primary color. Each room has a flat-screen TV, and most have full bathrooms with shower/tub combos and original 1950s toilets; some rooms have shared toilets. Guests should double-check to ensure Wi-Fi access (for a fee) is available in the room they're booking.

In addition to being located within the historical monument that is architect Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse, the hotel offers wireless internet throughout the hotel (for a fee), and various dining options. There's an ample, fresh breakfast buffet (not included in the room rate), which is served on the terrace of the full-service bar with amazing Mediterranean Sea views. The on-site restaurant serves delicious -- if a bit overpriced -- nouvelle cuisine for lunch and dinner. The rooftop garden also offers stunning views and a chance to soak in more of Le Corbusier's ocean liner-like aesthetic. The rooftop also occasionally hosts art exhibits. Free parking is available on-site.