Where to Stay in Antananarivo
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The historic heart of Antananarivo, featuring cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and panoramic views of the city. This area encompasses the Rova (Queen's Palace) and many of the city's most atmospheric hotels. The steep hillside location provides cooler temperatures and a sense of old-world charm.
- Stunning city views and colonial architecture
- Walking distance to major historical sites
- Quieter and more atmospheric than lower areas
- Cooler temperatures due to elevation
- Steep hills can be challenging for those with mobility issues
- Fewer restaurants and shops within immediate walking distance
A central residential and commercial district that sits between the Upper and Lower Towns. Isoraka offers excellent access to restaurants, shops, and business facilities while maintaining a relatively peaceful atmosphere. This area is popular with both business travelers and tourists seeking convenience.
- Central location with good access to all parts of the city
- Wide selection of restaurants and cafes nearby
- Good mix of accommodation options across price ranges
- Relatively safe and well-maintained streets
- Can experience traffic congestion during peak hours
- Less distinctive character than historic areas
A modern business district located in the eastern part of the city, known for its shopping centers and contemporary hotels. This area has developed significantly in recent years and offers reliable infrastructure, making it popular with international business visitors and tourists seeking modern comforts.
- Modern hotels with international standards
- Proximity to shopping malls and supermarkets
- Good restaurant selection including international cuisine
- Reliable infrastructure and services
- Less authentic Malagasy atmosphere
- Further from main historical attractions
An upscale residential area in the northeastern part of Antananarivo, featuring embassies, international organizations, and quality hotels. Ivandry offers a quieter, more suburban feel while still maintaining good connections to the city center and airport.
- Peaceful and secure residential environment
- High-quality accommodation options
- Good access to the airport (approximately 20 minutes)
- Pleasant gardens and green spaces
- Requires taxi for most city center visits
- Limited walking accessibility to attractions
The bustling commercial heart of the Lower Town, centered around the famous Analakely Market and Avenue de l'Indépendance. This is the most vibrant and energetic part of Antananarivo, offering budget-friendly accommodation and immersion in daily Malagasy life.
- Most affordable accommodation options in the city
- Excellent access to markets and local transportation
- Authentic local atmosphere and street food
- Central location for exploring the city
- Can be noisy and hectic, especially during market hours
- Higher vigilance needed for personal security and belongings
A residential area in the southern part of the city, known primarily for housing the botanical and zoological gardens. This quieter neighborhood offers a more local experience with some guesthouse options popular among researchers and NGO workers.
- Access to botanical gardens and zoo
- More affordable than central areas
- Authentic residential neighborhood experience
- Less touristy atmosphere
- Limited accommodation choices
- Requires transportation to reach most attractions
A central hillside neighborhood that offers a good balance between accessibility and residential calm. Located between the historic Upper Town and the commercial center, this area features several mid-range hotels and guesthouses with pleasant views.
- Good value for money compared to premium areas
- Pleasant hillside setting with views
- Walking distance to both Upper and Lower Town attractions
- Selection of family-run guesthouses with personal service
- Some streets can be steep
- Fewer international-standard hotels
A developing area north of the city center that has seen growth in recent years. While less tourist-oriented, it offers some accommodation options and represents a more working-class face of Antananarivo with authentic local markets and neighborhoods.
- Very affordable accommodation rates
- Authentic local atmosphere away from tourist areas
- Growing number of local restaurants and services
- Good public transport connections
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English speakers
- Longer travel times to main attractions
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Antananarivo features several beautifully restored colonial-era buildings converted into charming boutique hotels, particularly in the Haute-Ville area. These properties typically offer 10-30 rooms with period furniture, high ceilings, and personalized service.
Best for: Travelers seeking character, history buffs, romantic getaways, and those who appreciate architectural heritage
Several international brands operate in Antananarivo, primarily in Antsahavola and Ivandry, offering standardized quality, modern amenities, and facilities like fitness centers and business services. These include brands like Radisson and Accor properties.
Best for: Business travelers, those seeking predictable standards, loyalty program members, and visitors prioritizing modern facilities
Family-run guesthouses are abundant throughout Antananarivo, offering intimate settings with typically 4-12 rooms. Many include breakfast featuring local specialties and provide insider knowledge about the city from hosts.
Best for: Budget to mid-range travelers, those seeking personal interactions, solo travelers, and visitors wanting local insights
Increasingly popular in Antananarivo, serviced apartments offer kitchen facilities and separate living spaces, ideal for longer stays. These are concentrated in Isoraka, Ivandry, and Antsahavola neighborhoods.
Best for: Families, long-term visitors, business travelers on extended assignments, and those who prefer self-catering options
A small but growing hostel scene exists in Antananarivo, mainly in Analakely and near the city center. These offer both dormitory beds and private rooms, with communal spaces facilitating traveler interactions.
Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers, young travelers, and those seeking social atmosphere and budget accommodation
Purpose-built hotels catering to business travelers, featuring meeting rooms, business centers, and reliable Wi-Fi. These are found mainly in Isoraka, Antsahavola, and near government buildings.
Best for: Business travelers, conference attendees, and those prioritizing work facilities and reliable connectivity
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Antananarivo's Ivato International Airport is approximately 16km from the city center, and arriving late at night without arranged transport can be challenging. Most hotels offer airport pickup services for $15-30 USD. Pre-booking this through your accommodation ensures a smooth arrival and typically costs less than arranging a taxi on arrival.
Infrastructure can be inconsistent in Antananarivo, with water and electricity occasionally experiencing interruptions. When booking, specifically confirm that hot water, backup generators, and Wi-Fi are available if these are important to you. Mid-range and upscale hotels generally have backup systems, but budget properties may not.
Accommodation in Analakely may be 40-50% cheaper than similar quality in Haute-Ville or Ivandry, but you'll spend more time and money on taxis. For stays of 3+ days, paying extra for central or elevated locations often proves more economical and convenient overall, especially when factoring in time saved and safety considerations.
The quality of accommodation in Antananarivo can change relatively quickly with management changes or maintenance issues. Focus on reviews from the past 6 months and pay attention to comments about cleanliness, water pressure, and staff responsiveness. Photos in reviews often provide more accurate representations than official hotel images.
While most mid-range and upscale hotels accept credit cards, many budget properties and guesthouses operate cash-only. Additionally, some hotels quote prices in Euros but may offer better rates if paying in local currency (Ariary). Confirm accepted payment methods and whether credit card payments incur additional fees (typically 3-5%).
For stays of 5+ nights, directly contacting hotels can yield discounts of 15-30% off published rates, especially during low season. This is particularly effective with independent hotels and guesthouses rather than international chains. Email or phone negotiations work better than booking platform messages.
Many Antananarivo hotels include breakfast in their rates, but quality varies dramatically from simple bread and coffee to extensive buffets. Clarify what's included, as a good breakfast can save $5-10 per person daily. Some hotels offer better rates without breakfast, which may be worthwhile if you prefer exploring local cafes.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For travel during July-September and December-January, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance as the best properties fill quickly. Prices can be 30-50% higher than low season, and last-minute availability is limited, especially in boutique hotels and popular mid-range options.
April-June and October-November offer good availability with moderate pricing. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead is generally sufficient, and you may find promotional rates. This period offers the best balance of availability, reasonable prices, and decent weather.
During the rainy season (January-March, excluding the December-January holiday peak), accommodation is abundant and prices drop by 20-40%. Booking 1-2 weeks ahead is typically adequate, and last-minute deals are common. However, some smaller properties may close for maintenance during February.
For Antananarivo specifically, booking 4-6 weeks in advance provides the best selection at reasonable prices for most of the year. The city has limited boutique accommodation, so these specific properties require earlier booking regardless of season. Budget options generally have good availability year-round.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.