Antananarivo, Madagascar
Avamada Lodge
📍 Antananarivo
Your stay — Avamada Lodge
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Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Avamada Lodge, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to minimize the likelihood of street noise, as Antananarivo can be quite lively. Also, opt for a room on the north or south side to avoid direct sunlight and potential heat gain.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors, as this can be a hub of activity and noise. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance may experience occasional noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's location in Antananarivo does not provide any notable views, given its urban setting. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
The 4th floor and above are likely to be the quietest, as they are further away from the street and lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Antananarivo is a hilly city, and some rooms may be subject to noise from the nearby streets and market areas. Soundproofing may not be a priority in 3-star hotels, so it's essential to request a room away from potential noise sources.
Insider tips
Request a room with a concrete floor, as these tend to be cooler and more comfortable than carpeted floors, especially during Madagascar's hot and humid climate. If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room with double-glazed windows or a window on the opposite side of the building to minimize street noise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Avamada Lodge
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; login is required via room number and surname
Serves all floors, with a historic section on the top floor accessible only by stairs
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) available on all devices, with a selection of physical newspapers available at the lobby
Check-in: 14:00, Early bag-drop available from 08:00, Late check-out: 12:00, Late check-out fee: 10,000 AR (approximately €2.25) per hour after 12:00
Available for a fee of 5,000 AR (approximately €1.13) per item per day
Step-free access to the main entrance, with wheelchair-accessible rooms available on request; some rooms have structural limitations due to the historic building's layout
On-site parking available for 15,000 AR (approximately €3.50) per night, with valet parking also available; nearest public car park is 5 minutes' walk away at a cost of 10,000 AR (approximately €2.25) per day; electric vehicle charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Mandatory city tax: 15,000 AR (approximately €3.50) per night/person
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of 20,000 AR (approximately €4.50) at check-in, with an incidental card hold of 50,000 AR (approximately €11.25) for any additional expenses
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Efitrano Fanjakana Mandrosoa Ivato (398 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: FJKM Antanetibe Fitiavana (892 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Efitrano Fanjakana Ambohitravao Talatamaty (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Pharmacie Mandrosoa IVato — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
PRESCOI SARL — 915 m · ~11 min walk
Terminus/Primus_Ligne_114_Ambatolampy — 2.9 km · ~36 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Malagasy Ariary, MGA
Travellers can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or withdraw from ATMs using international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Amex). Be wary of poor rates offered at airport bureaux and tourist information centres.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred for street vendors and markets. Mobile payments (e.g., Momo, Orange Money) are also gaining popularity.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 1,000-2,000 MGA (5-10 USD) for good service is appreciated for restaurant staff and hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around 500-800 MGA (2.50-4 USD) for a strong local brew from a street vendor or a local café.
A plate of rice and meat (chicken or beef) at a street food stall or a local eatery costs around 8,000-12,000 MGA (4-6 USD).
A budget-friendly dinner at a local restaurant or food stall costs around 15,000-25,000 MGA (7.50-12.50 USD) for a main course.
Street food areas like the Analakely Market and the Rova Market offer a variety of affordable food options.
Popular supermarkets like Magasin de Gastronomie and Mondelez offer a range of local and international products.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at the Analakely Market and the Rova Market, where you can find local clothing and souvenirs.
A single bus ticket costs around 2,000-3,000 MGA (1-1.50 USD) and a day pass can be purchased for around 10,000 MGA (5 USD). The cheapest way to get around is by using the 'taxi-brousse' (minibus) which costs around 5,000-8,000 MGA (2.50-4 USD) for a ride.
Negotiate prices when shopping at markets and for taxi rides.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist information centres for poor rates.Use local currency (MGA) for street vendors and markets to get the best prices.
Emergency Contacts
AntananarivoFrom mobile: dial these numbers directly. Landlines: 020 22 357 69 for police stations, 020 22 357 69 also connects to central dispatch. Consider Gendarmerie Nationale (022 24 69 00) in rural areas. Carry your embassy’s local number too.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Antananarivo, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Avamada Lodge
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Mandrosoa IVato — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Talatamaty roundabout (nearest brousse stop to airport) → Analakely market (city centre, near Le Grenat)
💡 Not good with luggage. Sit window-side to pay the collector; hand your fare in small bills. Get off at 'Jumbo Score' and walk five minutes east to Ankorondrano.
Ivato Airport arrivals hall door → Le Grenat Hotel
💡 Download 'Beb' (B.e.b) before landing—it's the only ride-hail that works reliably here. Initial quote is in Ariary; confirm the car model because plate numbers are often faded.
Ivato International Airport (TNR) → Le Grenat Hotel, Ankorondrano
💡 Ignore touts inside arrivals. Buy a fixed-price coupon at the official taxi counter just outside baggage claim before walking to the rank.
Ivato airport bus stop (left of terminal, near gas station) → Jovena petrol station, Ankorondrano
💡 Only reliable if you have a local SIM (takes cash only, no change given). Stand at the front to signal the driver. From Jovena it's a 10-minute walk west to Le Grenat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Avamada Lodge?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to minimize the likelihood of street noise, as Antananarivo can be quite lively. Also, opt for a room on the north or south side to avoid direct sunlight and potential heat gain.
Which rooms should I avoid at Avamada Lodge?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors, as this can be a hub of activity and noise. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance may experience occasional noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Avamada Lodge noisy?
Be aware that Antananarivo is a hilly city, and some rooms may be subject to noise from the nearby streets and market areas. Soundproofing may not be a priority in 3-star hotels, so it's essential to request a room away from potential noise sources.
Which rooms have the best views at Avamada Lodge?
Unfortunately, the hotel's location in Antananarivo does not provide any notable views, given its urban setting. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Avamada Lodge?
Request a room with a concrete floor, as these tend to be cooler and more comfortable than carpeted floors, especially during Madagascar's hot and humid climate. If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room with double-glazed windows or a window on the opposite side of the building to minimize street noise.
What time is check-in at Avamada Lodge?
Check-in at Avamada Lodge is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Avamada Lodge have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; login is required via room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Avamada Lodge?
Mandatory city tax: 15,000 AR (approximately €3.50) per night/person
Where can I eat cheaply near Avamada Lodge?
A plate of rice and meat (chicken or beef) at a street food stall or a local eatery costs around 8,000-12,000 MGA (4-6 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Avamada Lodge?
A single bus ticket costs around 2,000-3,000 MGA (1-1.50 USD) and a day pass can be purchased for around 10,000 MGA (5 USD). The cheapest way to get around is by using the 'taxi-brousse' (minibus) which costs around 5,000-8,000 MGA (2.50-4 USD) for a ride.
Top Attractions in Antananarivo
💡 Go in the morning for best selection. Don't pay more than half the initial price. Bring small notes.
💡 In November the trees bloom purple - spectacular for photos. Avoid dusk when mosquitoes are active.
💡 Go early morning to avoid midday heat and crowds. The path up via Analakely market is steep but scenic.
💡 Entry is about 10000 ariary (£2). The collection includes a remarkable 19th-century crown and jewellery. Quiet on weekday afternoons.
💡 Entry costs about 4000 ariary (under £1). The lemur enclosure is best visited at feeding time, around 10:00.