Our hotel partners in Antananarivo
Antananarivo, often simply called Tana, is the bustling capital of Madagascar and the essential gateway to the island’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re heading to the Avenue of the Baobabs, the rainforests of Andasibe, the pristine beaches of Ile Sainte Marie, or the remote Tsingy de Bemaraha, most itineraries require a night in Tana either on arrival or before departure due to flight schedules and travel logistics. MadagasCaT offers a handpicked selection of accommodation options in Antananarivo to suit different budgets and the length of your stay — from charming guesthouses to comfortable hotels conveniently located near the airport or in the heart of the city. Our trusted properties ensure that your time in Tana is safe, restful, and hassle-free, whether you’re beginning your Madagascan adventure or wrapping up an unforgettable journey.
Au Bois Vert
Au Bois Vert Hotel is a peaceful, leafy retreat just 10 minutes from Antananarivo’s Ivato International Airport. Set within a lush three-hectare forest, it offers charming stone-and-wood bungalows with hand-carved granite bathrooms, private terraces, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air-conditioning. The on-site restaurant is a favourite with locals and travellers alike, known for its wood-fired paella, fresh seafood, and grilled Malagasy dishes. With a swimming pool, massage services, and beautiful garden surroundings, it’s an ideal stopover for travellers needing a comfortable, hassle-free overnight in Tana — and one of MadagasCaT’s preferred options for both short and extended layovers.
Hotel Nosy Manga
Nosy Manga Hotel, just 900 m from Ivato Airport, blends sleek modernity with warm Malagasy charm in a stylish new property opened in 2023 . Guests rave about its spacious, wood-toned rooms featuring quality bedding, air-conditioning, flat‑screen TVs, free Wi‑Fi, and elegant bathrooms—often described as “immaculate,” “clean safe and welcoming,” with “exceptional comfort”
The rooftop pool and bar offer panoramic sunset views over Tana, while the on-site restaurant serves refined local and international cuisine in both indoor and garden terrace settings
Ideal for transit stays or longer stays in Ivato, Nosy Manga provides free 24/7 airport shuttles, secure parking, and a luggage storage service. Guests also appreciate its inclusive amenities—disabled access, elevator, conference facilities, and courtesy showers between flights .
With consistently high ratings (around 9.1/10) for service, cleanliness, location, and comfort, it’s among MadagasCaT’s top picks for a seamless, stylish stopover in Antananarivo .
Relais des Plateaux
Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa is a refined four‑star retreat just 5 minutes from Ivato International Airport and a convenient 15 minutes from central Antananarivo. Set amid lush gardens and jacaranda trees, it features 46 individually furnished rooms and bungalows crafted with Malagasy wooden furniture, each offering air-conditioning, minibars, free Wi‑Fi, and private balconies or terraces . Guests begin their day with a complimentary breakfast buffet before enjoying the heated outdoor pool, full-service spa (M’ALoe Fitness & Spa), sauna, and fitness room relais-des-plateaux.com. The elegant Ikambo restaurant and poolside bar deliver a mix of French‑international and Malagasy dishes, while the hotel’s free airport shuttle eases transit. A boutique shop and conference facilities are also on-site, making it an ideal option for both leisure stopovers and business layovers. With consistently high guest ratings (~8.4–8.8/10), efficiency, comfort, and genuine Malagasy hospitality, Relais des Plateaux is a top‑recommended property by MadagasCaT for travellers seeking a seamless and relaxing stay in Tana
La Varangue
La Varangue Boutique Hotel is an enchanting urban sanctuary tucked into historic downtown Antananarivo, steps away from the Grand Market and Presidential Palace. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial villa—Antananarivo’s first boutique hotel—it features just nine individually styled rooms and suites, blending antique furniture, stone and parquet floors, high-tech comfort, luxury bedding, spacious en‑suite bathrooms, minibars, safes, and free Wi‑Fi . The hotel’s restaurant is renowned city‑wide, celebrated for its exquisite presentation of locally sourced, seasonal dishes served in a charming, plant‑filled terrace and vintage‑adorned dining room.
With its warm, attentive service, intimate bar, leafy courtyard, and curated collection of antiques—from oil lamps to vintage cameras—La Varangue delivers a tranquil oasis in the heart of the capital. Regular guests praise its “incredible style,” peaceful ambiance, and “fantastic” restaurant, making it a top MadagasCaT recommendation for a refined, stress‑free stopover
Top 10 Things to Do in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Antananarivo, or Tana as it’s affectionately known, is more than just a stopover city — it’s a fascinating introduction to Madagascar’s rich culture, history, and character. Whether you’re overnighting before heading to the beaches of Nosy Be, the rainforests of Andasibe, or the towering Tsingy de Bemaraha, it’s worth taking time to explore what the capital has to offer. Here are ten of the best things to do in Antananarivo.
1. Visit the Royal Palace (Rova of Antananarivo)
Perched on the highest hill in the city, the Rova was once the royal residence of the Merina monarchy. Its historical significance and panoramic views over the city make it a must-visit.
2. Discover the Andafiavaratra Palace Museum
Home to rescued artefacts from the Rova fire and royal relics, this 19th-century red-brick palace offers a glimpse into Madagascar’s regal past.
3. Explore Analakely Market and Independence Avenue
Bustling and chaotic, this central market area is perfect for those wanting to experience the energy of local life while shopping for spices, fabrics, and everyday Malagasy goods.
4. Stroll Around Lake Anosy
A scenic spot in the heart of Tana, this man-made lake is famous for its jacaranda-lined shores, especially striking in spring when the purple blooms reflect on the water.
5. Visit Lemur Park
Located about 22 km from the city centre, this privately managed reserve is one of the easiest and most ethical places to see Madagascar’s iconic lemurs up close in a lush, natural setting.
6. Explore Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Though modest in scale, this collection of Madagascar’s endemic species — from chameleons to rare birds — offers insight into the island’s incredible biodiversity.
7. Sample Traditional Malagasy Cuisine
Tana has a growing food scene, with top restaurants like Kudéta, La Varangue, and Villa Vanille serving everything from romazava to zebu steak, alongside creative fusion dishes.
8. Visit Ambohimanga Sacred Hill
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this royal city and burial ground just outside Tana is one of the country’s most culturally significant landmarks and offers tranquil countryside views.
9. Shop for Local Handicrafts at Digue Market
For souvenirs and traditional crafts, Digue Market is the place to go. Expect intricate wood carvings, embroidered textiles, woven baskets, and semi-precious stones.
10. Catch Sunset from the Upper Town (Haute-Ville)
Take a stroll through Tana’s oldest quarter with its colonial architecture, old churches, and hilltop vantage points offering some of the city’s best views at dusk.
Antananarivo is an essential stop on many Madagascan itineraries. Because of its position as the country’s main transport hub, it’s often necessary to overnight here on arrival or before flying home. MadagasCaT recommends a carefully selected range of properties in Tana tailored to your budget, travel preferences, and the length of your layover — ensuring you enjoy a restful, hassle-free stop in the capital.
