The bizarre maroon tower at the heart of this luxury hillside hotel belies the distinguished history of Tana's most prestigious address, originally founded as a handful of rooms above a café in 1928. A touch of colonial grandeur remains, particularly in the marble-clad lobby and … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A perennial favourite with those in the know, the Sakamanga attracts travellers at all points on the budget scale, setting store by a friendly atmosphere, varied rooms, characterful décor and beyond-comprehensive services. The intriguingly mazy layout leads to a garden and café-b… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Tana's only genuine luxury boutique hotel, the Swiss-run Varangue is discreetly set down a steep lane next to the President's Palace. The seven spacious rooms come in two categories - the cheaper ones have modern décor, the more expensive ones are beautifully furnished in dark wo… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Beautifully decorated enough to have a top-end air, the spacious rooms here boast wooden floors, TV, minibar and four-poster beds. There's a very friendly, family atmosphere, and it's in a nice quiet location just next to the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie. The Lapasoa is also a go… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Seven storeys of smallish but comfortable Western business-style rooms, with good facilities including a travel agency, gym, sauna and massage centre, salon de thé and the 'exotic terrace' Indian restaurant (no alcohol). A new annexe across the road offers even more rooms and a s… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Not far from the Moonlight, Chez Francis is split over two buildings - it's worth stretching the pennies to go for the newer pastel-painted annexe, which has tiled floors, TVs and shared balconies. Most rooms have their own shower cubicle, but toilets are shared. Meals are availa… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

One of two three-star places along Ave de l'Indépendance run by the SICEH agency, it's kitted out in uniform sub-Ikea painted fittings and pastel shades, with a good French restaurant, ground-floor café and a truly big terrace. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A new and very convenient hotel next to the Shoprite supermarket in the Haute-Ville, with traditional wooden floors and Malagasy art giving way to a more modern laminate style in the rooms. Rates include breakfast, served in a pleasant open courtyard space. Jetsetters may like to… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Tucked away round a corner, this eccentrically laid-out old house is run by a former resident of Réunion, giving a slightly different Indian Ocean flavour to the carpeted white rooms with their big local paintings. There's live music in the restaurant in the evenings, and creole … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Recently acquired and revamped by the owners of the Sakamanga, the Isoraka remains a popular, friendly budget choice and the best value in town. The pricier rooms are arguably even nicer than the Saka's, with TV, phone, private bathroom and linen bathrobes! The only downside is i… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This dim and cosy bar-restaurant is favoured by French expats for its convincing taste of home, and it does a good impersonation of a country pension, decking out its rooms in wooden floors and furniture (not to mention green walls and pink corridors). The cheaper rooms share a t… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Far and away the cheapest decent option in town; the creaky wood floors and flock wallpaper simply add character to this budget stalwart. The 2nd-floor rooms are the priciest and biggest, with unimpressive private bathrooms, and there's a communal terrace. There aren't many resta… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This family-run Haute-Ville option comprises an eccentric but appealing selection of wood-clad rooms with a traditional feel to them. Half- and full-board rates are also available, catered for in the hotel's semi-open terrace pizza restaurant to take full advantage of the hillsid… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Having started life as a reputable Indian restaurant, the Shalimar has branched out (or rather, up) to offer accommodation over four floors of mostly spacious rooms with TV, Disney mirrors and the occasional nod to its Asian heritage. There's a travel agency on site and an open u… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The second SICEH hotel is broadly similar to its sibling, with marginally nicer but smaller rooms. Both hotels are popular with package tours. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A good-value business option not far from the Anjary, with rooms divided into three categories, plus studio 'apartments' for up to three people. Book in advance to arrange airport transfers. Breakfast is included. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Uninspiring yet thoroughly acceptable for the price, this hotel in the embassy quarter is a little musty but has a nice front courtyard. The Chinese owners seem a little stressed at times, perhaps from the strains of coordinating the very reasonable restaurant where the menu feat… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Very central and pefectly comfortable, but not particularly exciting. The cheapest rooms share toilets, the priciest have balconies. If you're planning a wedding or other big event, ask about their Domaine Manerinerina permament marquee, 12km from town. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This rather attractive building stands out immediately from its busy Basse-Ville surroundings, and the effect is no less appealing inside, flaunting a wide palette of greens, plenty of wood and a distinctly Wild West feel (the saloon doors to the bathrooms are a great touch). The… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A very friendly, family-run B&B with a pretty garden courtyard and colourful terrace. The spacious rooms are packed with wood for maximum character, and even have funky swing doors into the skylit bathrooms. The top-floor rooms, right under the roof, share a bathroom, though the … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Another good top-end choice, up the steps behind the Analakely market, the Royal Palissandre offers a well-balanced blend of smart facilities, modern comforts and traditional style, fully kitted out with handmade rosewood furniture and balcony views. Internet access and use of th… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Quite transparently intended to rival the Sakamanga, this endearing new establishment makes a pretty good fist of its attempt at competition, tricking out its rooms almost entirely in wood - including the bathrooms! It's quiet, friendly and a good choice, though it lacks the Saka… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

According to its brochure the Radama goes for 'charm and authenticity', and you do indeed get a sense of the Malagasy personal touch in the friendly service and polished dark-wood environment. The larger doubles, with balconies and bathtubs, are particularly good value. On the gr… Full Lonely Planet Review ›