Cheery pinks and yellows enliven the good range of rooms here, which also get the benefit of rugs and slightly period-effect furniture. The English-speaking staff are helpful and friendly, and the terrace restaurant is well-liked locally. The hotel also has an annexe in Mahavelon… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This fading block on a quiet corner, formerly the Capricorne (if they've actually managed to change the signs yet), has a mixture of tiled and parquet rooms with some fridges but no nets. Terrace rooms 101 and 102 are easily the best seats in the house. A pizza restaurant and cab… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Relishing its plum location opposite the seafront, the Neptune has a sundeck, casino, slot machines and a disco (open Monday to Saturday). The smart but not over-plush rooms have brand-new bathrooms, old-fashioned balconies, TV, minibar and white linen, but no mosquito nets. For … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The first port of call for many expats, foreign residents and regional businessmen, Les Flamboyants has plenty of space over several floors, with personable staff, small TVs, nets and individual boilers for hot water. It's an easy distance from the gare routière and has its own b… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A slightly faded upmarket establishment with a scout-camp air, on the beach about 4km north of town. The multicoloured bungalows, some split into separate rooms, are scattered around the quiet garden and have little sitting areas outside, but no mosquito nets. The hotel is also t… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Even Toamasina's pushy pousse-pousse men don't rate this big central block: the huge, bare lobby leads onto dim rooms with big saggy beds and wire on the windows for an extra prison feel. It's only really a back-up if other places are full. Sailors and prostitutes tend to frequen… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This endearingly quirky guesthouse-hotel is a nice little find, tucked away to the south of town a short walk from the busy main streets. The rooms are a mixed bag of shapes, sizes and styles; the suites in particular are good value, rejoicing in animal-print armchairs, satellite… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Funky polished bamboo furniture makes this friendly beach guesthouse an attractive option, though it's a long way from the centre so you'll have to take taxis or get to know the minibus routes. There's an attached restaurant, open Wednesday to Monday. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A good-value option a couple of blocks from the waterfront, offering tiled rooms with nets, hot water, a communal lounge area and optional TV (around 1400 per day). Prices may be quoted in other currencies, so check carefully before paying! Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Toamasina's most modern and upmarket option. The spotless contemporary style here does much to warrant its four-star rating, furnished in fake walnut with blue walls, red carpets and gilt trimmings. The huge suite comes with its own whirlpool bath as well as all the standard equi… Full Lonely Planet Review ›