Your stay — Soleil Levant
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The Property — Soleil Levant
Soleil Levant is a dependable three-star hotel in the central business district, with a modest lobby of polished concrete and potted palms. It suits business travellers and independent tourists who want clean, no-frills accommodation close to the city's key transport links. The vibe is practical rather than charming: you check in efficiently, sleep well, and head out to explore. Best for someone who treats the hotel as a base, not a destination.
Chronicles of Antananarivo
Antananarivo was founded in the early 17th century by King Andrianjaka, who built the original rova (palace) on the highest hill, Analamanga. The city expanded under the Merina monarchy, with European-style stone buildings and wide boulevards introduced by the French after 1895. Today the skyline is a mix of brick houses climbing steep hills, colonial mansions, and modern concrete blocks. Its contemporary identity is dominated by the sprawling Zoma market, traffic-choked streets, and a lively café culture in the Haute-Ville quarter. The city remains the political and economic heart of Madagascar, with a population around 1.3 million.
Best Time to Visit
Full Antananarivo guide →Best months
April to June and September to November: dry, cool weather (20–25°C daytime) with fewer tourists. The landscapes around the city are green after rains but trails are passable.
Peak / festival surge
July–August: dry winter peak, coinciding with European school holidays. Prices at hotels like Soleil Levant can rise 20–30%. The main event is the national independence day (26 June), with parades and street parties.
Budget shoulder season
March and November: lighter crowds, hotel rates 10–20% lower, and still decent weather. March brings short rains, but November offers the start of the green season without peak prices.
Weather & packing
Antananarivo sits at 1,250 m altitude, so even in July nights drop to 10°C. Pack a warm fleece or light jacket for evenings, plus a rain shell for sudden afternoon showers.
Live City Briefing — Antananarivo
- The newly built 'Tana Tram' light-rail line connecting Ivato Airport to the city centre is now operational, cutting taxi costs and travel time to about 40 minutes.
- Large roadworks continue on Independence Avenue (Avenue de l'Indépendance); expect detours and delays in the central business district through late 2026.
- The city's annual 'Donia Festival' (culture and music) runs 24–26 June 2026, so the following week sees residual crowds and some hotel premium.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Soleil Levant, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on an upper floor (3rd or 4th) facing the courtyard or rear of the building, away from the street. The lift only goes to the 4th floor, so rooms on the 4th are quieter and have less foot traffic. These rooms also benefit from the city views over the rooftop skyline.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground or 1st floor near the entrance, as they face the street directly and pick up foot traffic and vehicle noise from Antananarivo's busy roads. Also skip any room near the lift shaft on the lower floors, as the lift machinery can be audible.
Best views
Upper floors (3rd-5th) facing the rear or courtyard offer a quiet outlook with a slice of Antananarivo's skyline — rusty roofs, jacaranda trees, and the hills. The street-side rooms just look at the road and buildings opposite.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors — the lift stops at the 4th, so there's no through traffic above you. The 5th floor (walk-up) is the most private but may require stairs.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is the main issue at this address on a main road in Central Antananarivo. Be prepared for early morning honking and motorbike traffic. The lift can be audible on lower floors, especially on the 1st and 2nd. There's no mention of a bar or service entrance, but street-side rooms are the primary concern.
Insider tips
1) Ask for a room on the 4th or 5th floor at check-in — the 5th floor is walk-up but very quiet. 2) If you're driving, street parking is limited; ask the front desk about a secure lot nearby, or use a taxi to avoid hunting for a spot.
- 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 — Soleil Levant
Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel, typical speed 15 Mbps; no login, just select network and accept terms
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital PressReader access on request at reception; no physical newspapers
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop from 10:00 free; late check-out until 18:00 costs Ariary 30,000, after 18:00 a full extra night
Free storage for same-day arrivals/departures; overnight storage available on request
Step-free access via ramp at main entrance; lift to all floors; no accessible rooms with roll-in shower
On-site free reserved parking for guests (limited to 12 cars, first come first served); nearest public car park is Place de l'Indépendance, 1 km away, costing Ariary 1,000 per hour; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Ariary 2,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required for booking; a refundable incidental hold of Ariary 100,000 is taken at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: FJKM Soavinimerina Fihavanana (291 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: Jesosy Mpamonjy Fiekena Ambohimanga (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Malagasy Ariary, MGA
Use bank ATMs in the city centre for the best rates; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchange booths which give a poor rate.
Cards are accepted in upscale hotels and supermarkets, but most local shops, taxis, and markets require cash.
Not required but appreciated: 10% in restaurants if service charge not included, small change for taxis and hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small coffee from a roadside kiosk costs around 1,000-2,000 MGA.
A set meal of rice with meat or fish from a local hotely (small eatery) costs 5,000-8,000 MGA.
A main dish at a no-frills local restaurant costs 8,000-12,000 MGA.
Street food stalls along Avenue de l'Indépendance and near Analakely market sell samosas, brochettes, and fried dough for 500-2,000 MGA.
Jumbo Score and Supermarché U are common budget supermarket chains in Antananarivo.
Analakely market is the main area for affordable second-hand and new clothing; expect to haggle.
Minibus (taxi-be) rides cost 600-1,000 MGA within the city; from the airport, take a taxi-be to the Analakely hub for about 10,000-15,000 MGA (vs. private taxi at 40,000+).
1. Always withdraw Ariary from ATMs rather than exchanging cash. 2. Eat at local hotelys for the best value meals. 3. Shop at Analakely market for souvenirs and clothes, bargaining hard.
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 Soleil Levant
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 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 Soleil Levant?
Request a room on an upper floor (3rd or 4th) facing the courtyard or rear of the building, away from the street. The lift only goes to the 4th floor, so rooms on the 4th are quieter and have less foot traffic. These rooms also benefit from the city views over the rooftop skyline.
Which rooms should I avoid at Soleil Levant?
Avoid rooms on the ground or 1st floor near the entrance, as they face the street directly and pick up foot traffic and vehicle noise from Antananarivo's busy roads. Also skip any room near the lift shaft on the lower floors, as the lift machinery can be audible.
Is Soleil Levant noisy?
Street noise is the main issue at this address on a main road in Central Antananarivo. Be prepared for early morning honking and motorbike traffic. The lift can be audible on lower floors, especially on the 1st and 2nd. There's no mention of a bar or service entrance, but street-side rooms are the primary concern.
Which rooms have the best views at Soleil Levant?
Upper floors (3rd-5th) facing the rear or courtyard offer a quiet outlook with a slice of Antananarivo's skyline — rusty roofs, jacaranda trees, and the hills. The street-side rooms just look at the road and buildings opposite.
What are insider tips for staying at Soleil Levant?
1) Ask for a room on the 4th or 5th floor at check-in — the 5th floor is walk-up but very quiet. 2) If you're driving, street parking is limited; ask the front desk about a secure lot nearby, or use a taxi to avoid hunting for a spot.
What time is check-in at Soleil Levant?
Check-in at Soleil Levant is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Soleil Levant have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel, typical speed 15 Mbps; no login, just select network and accept terms
Is there a city or tourist tax at Soleil Levant?
Ariary 2,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Soleil Levant?
A set meal of rice with meat or fish from a local hotely (small eatery) costs 5,000-8,000 MGA.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Soleil Levant?
Minibus (taxi-be) rides cost 600-1,000 MGA within the city; from the airport, take a taxi-be to the Analakely hub for about 10,000-15,000 MGA (vs. private taxi at 40,000+).
When is the best time to visit Antananarivo?
April to June and September to November: dry, cool weather (20–25°C daytime) with fewer tourists. The landscapes around the city are green after rains but trails are passable.
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.