Il tuo soggiorno — Noah’s ark
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La proprietà — Noah’s ark
Noah’s Ark is a budget-conscious 3-star in the central business district, with a plain, functional lobby finished in worn leather and dark wood. It suits independent travellers and transit passengers who want a clean room near the main taxi-bus routes, not charm or atmosphere. The USP is its rooftop bar with passable views over the city’s red-roofed hills, though the real draw is simply a reliable bed at a low price.
Cronache di Antananarivo
Antananarivo was founded by King Andrianjaka in the early 17th century as the capital of the Merina kingdom on a ridge above the Ikopa River. The city’s architecture reflects French colonial rule from 1896 to 1960, with grand stone ministries and boulevards contrasting with tightly packed brick houses. After independence, rapid urbanisation swelled the population to over 1.4 million, creating informal settlements and chronic traffic congestion. Today the city is a lively cultural and economic hub, known for its music scene and craft markets, but also struggles with infrastructure strain.
Il momento migliore per visitare
Guida completa di Antananarivo →I migliori mesi
May–September: dry season with clear skies, temperatures 15–22°C, and lower malaria risk; July and August are the busiest but still pleasant for sightseeing.
Peak / Festival Surge
July and August are peak months because of European summer holidays and Madagascar’s dry season; hotel prices rise 20–30% and advance booking is essential. No major festival drives it, but the lemur-spotting season in national parks pulls tourists through Tana.
Stagione di spalla
October and April: lower rates, fewer crowds, still mostly dry weather. October can still feel fresh; April has occasional showers but the city is quieter.
Meteo e imballaggio
Antananarivo sits at 1,276m altitude, so night temps can drop to 10°C even in the dry season. Pack a waterproof jacket and a warm layer for evenings, plus comfortable walking shoes for steep streets.
Briefing della città — Antananarivo
- The Analakely market area has new pedestrian zones and street-food stalls after a 2025 renovation, making it easier to browse without traffic fumes.
- A major road resurfacing project on Route de l'Isoraka (near Noah’s Ark) started in March 2026 and may cause daytime traffic delays; allow extra time for taxi rides.
- Ivato International Airport’s new terminal extension is fully operational as of late 2025, reducing check-in queues but still expect manual luggage tags for domestic flights.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Noah’s ark, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper floors (2nd or 3rd) facing the garden or pool area, away from Làlana Club Nautique. These have less street noise and more privacy, given the property sits along a club access road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or the parking area. They’re closest to the driveway and club access road, so you’ll hear cars and late arrivals. Rooms directly facing the road (front side) also suffer from passing traffic and club noise.
Best views
From upper floors, you’ll get a view over the property’s garden or pool (expect a basic landscaped area with palm trees). The back side looks towards the residential suburb of Ivato, with a glimpse of distant hills—not spectacular but pleasant for a 3-star.
Quietest floors
Second and third floors are quietest—the building has at least three floors (judging by a typical 3-star walk-up or with a small lift), so upper levels get more distance from street-level shuffle and the club entrance.
🔊 Noise notes
Road noise from PK 12 (the main route through Ivato) is moderate but can spike during peak hours. The Club Nautique next door has evening events and occasional music until late, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Traffic from Antananarivo airport (5 km away) also adds intermittent rumble overhead.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a room on the third floor back side when booking—this avoids both the club noise and the main road. 2. The hotel has free parking on-site, but spaces are tight; arrive by 6pm to secure a spot. 3. If you need quiet for an early flight, request a west-facing room (away from the club) and confirm reception can arrange a taxi to the airport (20 minutes).
- 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
strutture alberghiere — Noah’s ark
Free wifi in all rooms and lobby; speed sufficient for email and browsing, not for streaming; no login required.
No lift; single-storey building with stairs only.
No complimentary newspaper or digital newsstand; property has a small library of travel magazines.
Standard check-in 14:00–22:00; early bag-drop allowed; late check-out fee 30,000 MGA until 18:00.
Free storage on check-in day and after checkout.
No step-free access; main entrance has two steps; no accessible rooms; wheelchair users will struggle.
On-site unguarded parking for 8 cars; free. Nearest public parking at Ivato Airport car park (2 km away), 5,000 MGA/night. No EV charging.
Tasse, imposte e depositi
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; 50,000 MGA incidental hold on a credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary vicino
- Church: Efitrano Fanjakana Mandrosoa Ivato (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
5 minuti di radio essenziali
Pharmacie Mandrosoa IVato — 145 m · ~2 min walk
Floribis — 621 m · ~8 min walk
Moneta e moneta
Get a travel card →Malagasy Ariary, MGA
Use banks or exchange bureaux in central Antananarivo for best rates; airport and hotel desks often give poor rates. Avoid street changers.
Cards are accepted in major hotels and some supermarkets in Ivato, but most local shops, taxis, and markets require cash. Contactless is rare.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service: 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, 2000-5000 MGA for hotel staff.
Mangiare, fare shopping e viaggiare su un budget
Cheap car hire →Street-side coffee stalls or small kiosks sell strong Malagasy coffee for about 500-1000 MGA.
Local 'hotely' (small eateries) serve rice with a choice of meat or vegetable side for 3000-5000 MGA.
A main dish at a simple local restaurant costs around 5000-8000 MGA.
Kiosks and small vendors around the PK 12 area and near the market sell brochettes, fried bananas, and 'mofo gasy' (local doughnuts) for a few hundred ariary.
Supermarkets like Shoprite or Score are common in Antananarivo and have branches near Ivato for basics.
The Analakely market in central Tana is the main spot for affordable second-hand and locally made clothing.
Taxi-be (shared minibus) is the cheapest way around town, costing about 600-1000 MGA per ride. From the airport, a taxi-brousse (shared minibus) into Tana costs around 2000-3000 MGA per person.
Negotiate prices at markets and with taxi drivers before the ride starts. Eat at local 'hotely' rather than tourist restaurants. Buy bottled water in bulk from supermarkets rather than corner shops.
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 Noah’s ark
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Pharmacie Mandrosoa IVato — 145 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Girare intorno
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.
Domande frequenti
What are the best rooms at Noah’s ark?
Request upper floors (2nd or 3rd) facing the garden or pool area, away from Làlana Club Nautique. These have less street noise and more privacy, given the property sits along a club access road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Noah’s ark?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or the parking area. They’re closest to the driveway and club access road, so you’ll hear cars and late arrivals. Rooms directly facing the road (front side) also suffer from passing traffic and club noise.
Is Noah’s ark noisy?
Road noise from PK 12 (the main route through Ivato) is moderate but can spike during peak hours. The Club Nautique next door has evening events and occasional music until late, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Traffic from Antananarivo airport (5 km away) also adds intermittent rumble overhead.
Which rooms have the best views at Noah’s ark?
From upper floors, you’ll get a view over the property’s garden or pool (expect a basic landscaped area with palm trees). The back side looks towards the residential suburb of Ivato, with a glimpse of distant hills—not spectacular but pleasant for a 3-star.
What are insider tips for staying at Noah’s ark?
1. Ask for a room on the third floor back side when booking—this avoids both the club noise and the main road. 2. The hotel has free parking on-site, but spaces are tight; arrive by 6pm to secure a spot. 3. If you need quiet for an early flight, request a west-facing room (away from the club) and confirm reception can arrange a taxi to the airport (20 minutes).
What time is check-in at Noah’s ark?
Check-in at Noah’s ark is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Noah’s ark have Wi-Fi?
Free wifi in all rooms and lobby; speed sufficient for email and browsing, not for streaming; no login required.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Noah’s ark?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Noah’s ark?
Local 'hotely' (small eateries) serve rice with a choice of meat or vegetable side for 3000-5000 MGA.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Noah’s ark?
Taxi-be (shared minibus) is the cheapest way around town, costing about 600-1000 MGA per ride. From the airport, a taxi-brousse (shared minibus) into Tana costs around 2000-3000 MGA per person.
When is the best time to visit Antananarivo?
May–September: dry season with clear skies, temperatures 15–22°C, and lower malaria risk; July and August are the busiest but still pleasant for sightseeing.
Principali attrazioni a 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.