Antananarivo, the island's capital city with a population of 2 million is situated at 1 370m above sea level. Picturesque with its many hills, traditional houses scattered on the hillside and numerous rice paddies this town is full of character. Tana, as the city is often called, has unusual French and Asian inspired architecture and winding cobblestone streets and staircases that create a medieval impression. Walk around Avenue de l'Independence, the capital's main street and enjoy the bustling vibe of the city and the many street cafes. Other attractions include the colourful daily flower market on the edge of Lake Anosy and the botanical and zoological gardens (Tsimbazaza), where you can see the egg and 3m tall skeleton of the extinct Aepyornis, or elephant bird. Sadly, the Rova (Queen's Palace) burned to the ground in 1996. Though virtually nothing remains at the site, there are nice views of the city from the hill where the palace once stood [the Rova is currently (November 2007) under reconstruction].

There is a selection of good restaurants in Antananarivo, some of which are of a high standard. Amongst the best are: Le Restaurant, Villa Vanille, La Taverne, La Boussole, O Poivre Vert, Chez Maxime. Le Coup d'Etat and Restaurant Tatao.

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Hotels in Antananarivo:

Colbert Hotel ****
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A blend of French tradition and Malagasy hospitality creating an oasis of warmth, quality and efficiency. Comfortable and well equipped rooms two restaurants offering gourmet food in a refined setting. Situated in the business district of Tana. All rooms offer: Room safe, Tea/Coffee making facilities, newspaper, hairdryer, mini fridge, wake-up service, balcony, Satellite TV (Movies/Pay), radio, bidet, desk, bathroom with shower and bathtub, air-conditioning, IDD telephone, non-smoking rooms and VCR. La Taverne, the main restaurant is famous.

Other facilities: Barber shop, beauty salon, boutiques, business center, car rental desk, casino nearby, conference facilities, coffee shop, disco, gym and spa.

Well located in the very heart of the business district.

A unique blend of French tradition and Malagasy hospitality. 140 rooms and suites of international standing, provided with TV by satellite, magnetic key, individual safe, mini-bar, direct telephone line, room service 24 hours a day.

Restaurants and bars:
La Taverne: Select restaurant, genuine French gastronomy
La Fougare: With a panoramic sight on the Queen Palace hill, in fresh and bright surroundings "La Fougare" provides with a large choice of grills and "international cuisine" served inside or on the restaurant's terrace.
Le Cellier: A magic and outstanding place to organize your private lunches or dinners and taste the best French wines.
Le Cafe Bar: First place in the city for meetings in a convivial atmosphere
Le Club Bar: Here, rosewood and leather combine to create a cosy place. Large choice of cocktails and whiskies.
Patisserie: Our patisserie offers a large choice of exquisite pastries and ice creams.

Conference rooms: According to your needs, meeting rooms and lounges are at your disposal for your private or professional meetings: Bougainville, Mazarin, Richelieu, Le Grand Salon Taverne.

Belneotherapy Centre: Heated indoor pool, salted water, Hammam, cardio-fitness space, tea service, body wrapping, massages, bubble bath, sauna.

Other services: Barber shop, hairdresser, handcars, perfumery and a casino.

Carlton **** (formerly the Hilton)
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Overlooking Lake Anosy and close to the city's government ministries, the 170 room. All bedrooms offer lake or pool views, are equipped with TV, air-conditioning, IDD telephones, room safe, mini bar, bathroom with shower and bide, inter connecting rooms, hairdryer, non smoking rooms and work desk.

Restaurant and Bars: Bistro Bar: Typical French bistro located off the lobby offering snacks and a wide range of local and international drinks with daily piano bar entertainment with an added attraction of a cyber net cafe. Pool Restaurant: Surrounding the outside pool, you will enjoy snack, sandwiches and wood oven cooked pizzas accompanied with most refreshing cocktails. La Serre Des Orchidees: Informal atmosphere restaurant overlooking the pool with terrace offering lunch and themed evening buffets.

Hotel du Louvre ***
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Located in the business centre of Antananarivo near banks, ministries, offices and the presidential palace and faces the Antaninarenina Park. There are 60 rooms with and without private balcony and all have air-conditioning, including Satellite TV, mini bar, IDD telephone, PC line and internet connection. The restaurant Saint Germain offers International and local specialities. The business centre has the latest technology.

La Marina Hotel ***
Comfortable airport hotel in Antananarivo. 6 rooms equipped with air-conditioning, TV, mini bar and telephone. Beautiful garden and swimming pool.

La Varangue***
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Situated in the centre of town. Small beautiful guesthouse with excellent restaurant. All rooms offer Satellite TV, IDD telephone, room safe and mini bar. Book well in advance.

Palissandre Hotel & Spa ****
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Perched on the slopes of a hill, 5 minutes drive from the business centre of Tana. Stunning view over the town. 46 spacious rooms, reflecting traditional Malagasy architecture with pink-coloured bricks, Matasoa stone, rosewood and marble. It offers all the facilities of a modern business and leisure hotel. 42 Standard and 6 family suites. All bedrooms are equipped with TV, air-conditioning, IDD telephones, room safe, mini bar, bathroom with shower, hairdryer and desk. There is a brand new small gym and spa. Garden restaurant with umbrellas and swimming pool with recliners. Excellent restaurant and English speaking reception.

Relais des Plateaux ***
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This hotel is situated 10 minutes from the airport and one hour from the city centre in residential surrounding. Airy restaurant with outside and inside sitting area, heated pool with recliners and surveillance, large bar, boutique for last minute shopping, lounge areas and children play ground. 19 beautifully decorated rooms in local Palissandre wood with modern ensuite bathrooms (shower and separate toilet). All rooms have a working desk, couch, TV with satellite channels, stocked mini bar, room safe, hot/cold air-conditioning. The hotel is suitable for business people and families alike. There are inter-leading rooms for families and day rooms are available.

Residence Lapasoa ***
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Residence Lapasoa is a traditional Malagasy hotel situated in the centre of Tana bursting witch character and charm. It has 10 rooms all with en-suite facilities (shower), fan, TV, safe, telephone and a working desk. There are 8 standard rooms, 1 suite and 1 family room. The restaurant Kudeta has a great ambience and superb cuisine.

Sakamanga **
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Vibey hotel in the centre of town and popular amongst the backpackers and budget conscious travellers. Recently refurbished. Great restaurant.

Sunny Gardens ***
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A fairly new hotel in the new industrial part of Antananarivo on the way to the airport. This hotel is perfect for clients wanting to do business in Tana and is thirty minutes from town and thirty minutes from the airport. It has thirty standard rooms and four suites. Internet room, conference room, games room, spacious gym leading to a huge pool in a pleasant garden, snack bar, restaurant and piano bar. All the bedrooms are spacious with modern ensuite bathrooms (bath and shower). Mini bar, safe, TV, air-conditioning /heating. The suites have a small lounge.

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 Madagascar: Antananarivo - Palissandre Hotel & Spa **** - 20-12-06 13:20

 Madagascar: Antananarivo - Relais des Plateaux *** - 12-07-06 14:18