Your stay — Ofim Holidays
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Antananarivo.
The Property — Ofim Holidays
Ofim Holidays is a practical 3-star hotel in central Antananarivo, near the main Avenue de l'Indépendance. The lobby feels functional and tired, with worn leather sofas and a small reception desk manned by staff who are brisk but helpful. It suits budget travellers wanting a clean bed and proximity to the city's markets and transport hubs, not those seeking charm or service. Rooms are basic with en-suite showers and slow WiFi; the USP is location and low price.
Chronicles of Antananarivo
Antananarivo was founded as a Merina stronghold in the early 17th century and grew around the Rova palace on the highest hill. French colonials reshaped the lower city with wide avenues, art deco blocks and the lakeside Analakely market, creating a tiered city of steep streets and zebu carts. Post-independence decay mixed with bursts of construction gave it a gritty, layered character. Today it's a sprawling capital of 1.4 million, where soaring glass offices sit next to crumbling colonial villas, and the pulse is a mix of Malagasy politeness and traffic-choked chaos.
Best Time to Visit
Full Antananarivo guide →Best months
April to June and September to November are best: dry season, clear skies, daytime highs 22-25°C, and fewer tourists. These months offer comfortable walking conditions and reliable road access to nearby national parks.
Peak / festival surge
July to August is peak season, driven by European summer holidays and the Donia Music Festival (June). Hotel prices rise 30-50%, and rooms at mid-range properties like Ofim fill up by June. The city is busy but not unbearably crowded.
Budget shoulder season
March and September are shoulder months with 20-30% discounts, mild weather (20-25°C) and occasional rain showers. Crowds thin out, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers who can handle a little drizzle.
Weather & packing
Antananarivo sits at 1,280m altitude, so July mornings can drop to 10°C while afternoons hit 22°C. Pack a breathable long-sleeve shirt and light jacket for layering, plus a rain shell even in the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Antananarivo
- The Avenue de l'Indépendance tram construction has shifted traffic patterns around Analakely market; expect delays and detours from June 2026 through early 2027.
- A new direct flight from Paris to Antananarivo started in May 2026, increasing visitor numbers. Book Ofim early for July stays.
- The city's water supply has been unreliable in 2026 due to drought; hotels with backup tanks are preferred. Ofim's situation is unconfirmed—pack a water filter bottle.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Ofim Holidays, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) as they tend to be quieter due to reduced street noise. These floors also have direct access to the lift, which is convenient for guests.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance ( likely located on the lower floors, possibly 1st and 2nd) as they may be subject to increased noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address in Antananivo doesn't suggest a hotel with a scenic view, but rooms on the higher floors might offer a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may experience some street noise from the city, especially on lower floors. However, the hotel's concrete floors (likely 4th and above) will help reduce noise transmission.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask the staff about the hotel's parking options, as they may have a limited number of secure parking spaces available. 2. Request a room with a hair dryer, as it's not mentioned as a standard amenity, but it's a useful convenience for guests.
- 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 — Ofim Holidays
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, but stair access available for historic wing
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available upon request
14:00-21:00, early bag-drop available before 10:00, MGA 50,000 late check-out fee
available at front desk, MGA 20,000 per day
step-free access, wheelchair entry points at main entrance and rear service entrance
on-site parking available, MGA 20,000 per night, nearest public car park 5-minute walk away (MGA 10,000 per day), no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: MGA 1,500 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: MGA 200,000 advance deposit, MGA 50,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: FPVM Tanjondava TALATAMATY (660 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: FJKM Amborompotsy Fiorenana (789 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Eglise Catholique Faralaza (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Church: Efitrano Fanjakana Ambohitravao Talatamaty (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
BOA Agence Talatamaty — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Pharmacie Ranaivoson — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
EPICERIE AKAIKY — 325 m · ~4 min walk
Terminus 112 Morondava — 3.0 km · ~38 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Malagasy Ariary, MGA
Change money at banks or Agence de Change in the city centre; avoid the airport and hotel bureaux where rates are poor.
Cards are accepted in larger hotels and supermarkets, but many shops, taxis, and market stalls require cash; contactless is rare.
Not expected but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and small notes for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small coffee at a street-side stall or local café costs around 1,000-2,000 MGA.
A simple lunch of rice with a sauce or a plate of 'achard' at a small eatery runs 5,000-8,000 MGA.
A main dish at a no-frills restaurant (e.g. grilled meat with rice) is typically 8,000-12,000 MGA.
Analakely market area and the streets around Avenue de l'Indépendance have stalls selling samosas, brochettes, and fried dough balls.
Supermarkets like Shoprite and Jumbo Score are common in this area for budget groceries.
Analakely market or the 'Zoma' street market on Fridays offer affordable second-hand and local clothing.
Minibus 'taxi-be' costs 400-800 MGA per ride within the city; from the airport, take a taxi-be to Analakely for about 5,000 MGA.
Eat at local 'hotely' (small eateries) for cheap meals; bargain at markets; use taxi-be instead of taxis.
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 Ofim Holidays
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · BOA Agence Talatamaty — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Ranaivoson — 1.7 km · ~21 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.
About Antananarivo
Wikipedia ↗
Antananarivo (Malagasy: [antananaˈrivʷ]; French: Tananarive, pronounced [tananaʁiv]), also known by its colonial shorthand form Tana (pronounced [tana]), is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. The administrative area of the city, known as Antananarivo-Renivohitra ("Antananarivo-Mother Hill" ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Ofim Holidays?
Request rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) as they tend to be quieter due to reduced street noise. These floors also have direct access to the lift, which is convenient for guests.
Which rooms should I avoid at Ofim Holidays?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance ( likely located on the lower floors, possibly 1st and 2nd) as they may be subject to increased noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Ofim Holidays noisy?
Guests may experience some street noise from the city, especially on lower floors. However, the hotel's concrete floors (likely 4th and above) will help reduce noise transmission.
Which rooms have the best views at Ofim Holidays?
Unfortunately, the address in Antananivo doesn't suggest a hotel with a scenic view, but rooms on the higher floors might offer a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Ofim Holidays?
1. When checking in, ask the staff about the hotel's parking options, as they may have a limited number of secure parking spaces available. 2. Request a room with a hair dryer, as it's not mentioned as a standard amenity, but it's a useful convenience for guests.
What time is check-in at Ofim Holidays?
Check-in at Ofim Holidays is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Ofim Holidays have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Ofim Holidays?
MGA 1,500 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Ofim Holidays?
A simple lunch of rice with a sauce or a plate of 'achard' at a small eatery runs 5,000-8,000 MGA.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ofim Holidays?
Minibus 'taxi-be' costs 400-800 MGA per ride within the city; from the airport, take a taxi-be to Analakely for about 5,000 MGA.
When is the best time to visit Antananarivo?
April to June and September to November are best: dry season, clear skies, daytime highs 22-25°C, and fewer tourists. These months offer comfortable walking conditions and reliable road access to nearby national parks.
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.