Ruby, the urban lifestyle hotel and part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has opened Ruby Lilou in Marseille, marking the brand’s debut in France…
Inspired by Marseille’s distinctive blend of Mediterranean ease and rebellious creativity, Ruby Lilou reflects the brand’s signature approach to creating hotels deeply connected to their destination.
Set between the historic Vieux Port and the creative energy of La Joliette, the new hotel pairs thoughtful design with laid-back social spaces, a sun-drenched rooftop terrace, and the warm, easy-going spirit that defines a stay with Ruby. Located just moments from charming Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest quarter, Ruby Lilou places guests at the heart of one of the city’s most exciting districts.
Image credit: Ruby Lilou
The reimagination of the former BNP Paribas headquarters in Marseille into Ruby Lilou, spearheaded by Gensler, transforms a former office building into a reimagined 237-room hotel, bringing together hospitality, new workspace, retail and public-facing amenities.
William Yon, Principal and Director at Gensler, said: “Our design for Ruby Lilou Hotel demonstrates the potential of existing buildings to support new uses while retaining their architectural heritage. By working with the original structure and sensitively layering contemporary architectural elements, we designed a hotel that feels distinctly rooted in Marseille’s culture and offers an authentic experience of the Phocaean City.”
The hotel offers easy access to cultural landmarks, the waterfront and the city’s thriving business district. With vibrant cafes and the harbour in close proximity, Ruby Lilou is perfectly placed for exploring Marseille’s art, culture and Mediterranean lifestyle, or heading to the Calanques for a sun-drenched escape.
Michael Struck, Founder and CEO of Ruby Group, said: “Opening Ruby Lilou marks an important milestone for us as we debut the Ruby brand in France. Marseille is a city with a strong sense of identity, creativity, and authenticity, making it a natural fit for Ruby. Together with Ruby Yani Workspaces, we have created a destination that reflects the character of the city while offering guests, workspace members and locals a place to stay, work and connect. We are excited to become part of Marseille’s vibrant community and look forward to welcoming many guests.”
Lauren Krostue, Vice President, Global Brand Management, Ruby, added: “Marseille is a city that thrives on contrast, where heritage meets creativity, and laid-back Mediterranean living sits alongside a bold independent spirit. With Ruby Lilou, we wanted to capture that unique energy, creating a place that feels deeply rooted in its surroundings while offering the thoughtful design, comfort and character guests expect from Ruby.”
Image credit: Ruby Lilou
Marseille has always followed its own rhythm. As France’s oldest city and largest port, it has been shaped by centuries of movement, cultural exchange and creative reinvention. While the nearby Côte d’Azur is known for polished glamour, Marseille has built its identity on raw harbour energy and the easy warmth of Provence. That spirit inspired the design of Ruby Lilou. Soft tones drawn from lavender fields, sun-bleached stone and the Mediterranean Sea are layered with graphic patterns, bold colours and unexpected references to the city’s rebellious creative culture. The result is a hotel that feels unmistakably Marseille while staying true to Ruby’s character-rich, design-led approach.
Ruby Lilou features 237 rooms across the Nest, Cosy, Lovely and Wow categories, combining intelligent use of space with premium comfort. Inspired by luxury yacht design, every room offers oversized beds, walk-in rainfall showers, blackout curtains and carefully curated interiors that reflect Marseille’s maritime heritage and creative spirit.
Ruby Lilou reflects the brand’s focus on soulful, city-centre stays for cosmopolitan, lifestyle-focused travellers, combining central locations, distinctive design and seamless, tech-enabled experiences. Music is woven throughout the experience, from curated sound programmes to live acts in the evening and in-room Marshall amplifiers and Bluetooth speakers, connecting guests more closely to the city’s creative culture. At the heart of the hotel is Ruby’s signature 24/7 bar and café, serving barista coffee, local wines, cocktails and light bites in a relaxed setting throughout the day. Guests and locals alike can also enjoy the hotel’s 300 sqm rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views across Marseille towards the Mediterranean and providing a vibrant space to relax from morning until late into the evening.
Image credit: Ruby Yani
Ruby Yani Workspace
Opening alongside Ruby Lilou, Ruby Yani introduces Ruby Workspaces to France for the first time. Operated by The Ruby Group, the new workspace concept offers more than 126 flexible workstations, private offices, meeting rooms, phone booths and thoughtfully designed communal areas, creating an inspiring environment for freelancers, entrepreneurs, businesses and hotel guests alike. Designed to foster creativity, collaboration and connection, members
also benefit from access to the hotel’s rooftop terrace, seamlessly combining hospitality, work and social experiences in one destination. Flexible membership options are available, allowing users to choose the workspaces that best suits their needs, whether for a single day, regular coworking or dedicated office space. Together, Ruby Lilou and Ruby Yani create a vibrant mixed-use destination that reflects Ruby’s vision of modern urban hospitality.
Main image credit: Ruby Lilou
