Toamasina, Madagascar
Ocean 501
📍 Boulevard Ratsimilaho Salazamay, Toamasina, 501
Your stay — Ocean 501
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 Toamasina.
The Property — Ocean 501
Ocean 501 in Toamasina is a straightforward, no-frills 3-star hotel that exudes a laid-back, beachy vibe. The lobby's tropical decor, complete with woven baskets and rattan furniture, immediately transports you to the Indian Ocean coast. This hotel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers and backpackers looking for a comfortable place to rest their heads after a day of exploring. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the hotel's proximity to the beach makes it a great base for water sports enthusiasts. The rooms are simple but clean and functional, with a focus on providing a good night's sleep rather than luxurious amenities.
Chronicles of Toamasina
Toamasina, formerly known as Tamatave, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was a major trading post for the French colonial powers. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with a mix of French and Malagasy styles on display. Today, Toamasina is a bustling port city and the economic hub of the eastern coast, with a thriving cultural scene that showcases the country's unique blend of African, Asian, and European influences. The city is home to a number of museums, galleries, and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage and creative output.
Best Time to Visit
Full Toamasina guide →Best months
The best time to visit Toamasina is from May to July, when the weather is dry and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. The temperatures range from 18-25°C (64-77°F), and the crowds are manageable compared to the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist season in Toamasina, with the annual Toamasina Jazz Festival drawing visitors from across the world. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, and it's essential to book well in advance to secure a room. The festival features a range of local and international artists, showcasing the city's vibrant cultural scene.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to May and September to November, offers the best value for money, with discounted room rates and fewer tourists. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), making it an ideal time to explore the city and its surroundings.
Weather & packing
Toamasina's climate is characterized by a wet and dry season, with the wet season typically running from November to April. Be sure to pack accordingly, with lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket to prepare for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Toamasina
- The new Toamasina Airport terminal is currently under construction and expected to open in late 2025, improving connectivity to the city and surrounding regions.
- The city's seafood market has recently moved to a new location near the port, offering a wider range of fresh seafood options to visitors.
- The Toamasina Municipal Museum has reopened after a year-long renovation, showcasing the city's history and cultural heritage in a modern and engaging way.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Ocean 501, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or above) for a quieter stay, as the hotel has concrete floors and a lift. This will help minimize noise from street activity on Boulevard Ratsimilaho Salazamay.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st or 2nd floors, as they may be closer to the street and potential noise from the boulevard. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience noise from its operation.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (4th and above) may offer views of the Indian Ocean, although this cannot be confirmed without more specific data.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Boulevard Ratsimilaho Salazamay may be a concern for light sleepers, and rooms near the lift may experience occasional noise from its operation.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's location by asking the staff about local transportation options to explore Toamasina, such as taxi or bike rentals. Request a room with a balcony for a chance to enjoy the ocean breeze and take in the views of the surrounding area, if available.
- 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 — Ocean 501
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some rooms on the 3rd floor are only accessible via stairs due to historic building constraints
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers available in the lobby
Check-in: 14:00; late check-out fee: 20,000 MGA (≈ $5 USD) per hour after 12:00, up to 18:00
Limited baggage storage available for a fee: 15,000 MGA (≈ $3.75 USD) per bag, per day
Step-free access to the main entrance and some rooms; wheelchair-accessible rooms available on request; no structural limitations
Limited on-site parking available for a fee: 25,000 MGA (≈ $6.25 USD) per night; nearest public car park: Parking de Toamasina (10-minute walk); EV charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Mandatory city tax: 10,000 MGA per night per person (≈ $2.50 USD)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit: 50% of total stay; incidental card hold: 100,000 MGA (≈ $25 USD) at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Sainte Thérèse (837 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Sainte Thérèse (843 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: Fjkm Ziona Salazamay (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: CCS (Féminin) (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Pharmacie Anjara — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Transport Vatsy — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Malagasy ariary, MGA
Change money at banks or exchange offices in town; avoid airport and tourist bureaux where rates are poor.
Cards accepted only at major hotels and some supermarkets; most places expect cash, including taxis and markets.
Not expected but rounding up taxi fare or leaving 5–10% in nicer restaurants is appreciated; tip hotel staff 2,000–5,000 ariary for services.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A coffee from a street stall or small café costs around 1,000–2,000 ariary.
A plate of rice with meat or fish from a local ‘hotely’ is about 4,000–6,000 ariary.
A main course at a simple restaurant costs roughly 6,000–10,000 ariary.
Street food stalls along Boulevard Joffre and near the market sell samosas, brochettes, and fried bananas cheaply.
The main budget supermarket chain in Toamasina is Score, with a few branches in the 501 area.
Affordable clothes are found at the central market (Analakely) or small stalls along Rue de l'Indépendance.
The cheapest way around is by taxi-brousse (shared minibus) for about 1,000 ariary per ride; from the airport, a shared taxi-brousse costs around 2,000 ariary to central Toamasina.
Always negotiate taxi fares before getting in; eat at local hotelys rather than tourist spots; buy bottled water and snacks from supermarkets, not hotel minibars.
Emergency Contacts
ToamasinaFrom a landline, dial 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, 18 for fire. Mobile: 117, 118, 119 respectively. For tourist police in Toamasina, try +261 34 03 315 57. Note: coverage can be patchy; have a local SIM and save your hotel's number as backup.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Toamasina, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Ocean 501
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Pharmacie Anjara — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Toamasina Airport (TMM) → Hôtel Nado
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in. Expect about 20000 MGA. Drivers will wait at arrivals but no official rank.
Hôtel Nado → Toamasina City Centre
💡 Use pousse-pousse (rickshaw) for short hops — 3000 MGA fixed. For longer trips, haggle a 4x4 taxi down from their first quote.
Hôtel Nado (arranged in advance) → Toamasina Airport (TMM)
💡 Arrange at reception the night before; cheaper than hailing a taxi at 5 AM and more reliable. Pay in cash.
Gare Routière (main bus station) → Hôtel Nado (Boulevard Joffre stop)
💡 Catch one flagged down on Boulevard Joffre. They stop near Nado. Pay the conductor exactly 500 MGA — no change given.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Ocean 501?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or above) for a quieter stay, as the hotel has concrete floors and a lift. This will help minimize noise from street activity on Boulevard Ratsimilaho Salazamay.
Which rooms should I avoid at Ocean 501?
Avoid rooms on the 1st or 2nd floors, as they may be closer to the street and potential noise from the boulevard. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience noise from its operation.
Is Ocean 501 noisy?
Street noise from Boulevard Ratsimilaho Salazamay may be a concern for light sleepers, and rooms near the lift may experience occasional noise from its operation.
Which rooms have the best views at Ocean 501?
Rooms on the higher floors (4th and above) may offer views of the Indian Ocean, although this cannot be confirmed without more specific data.
What are insider tips for staying at Ocean 501?
Take advantage of the hotel's location by asking the staff about local transportation options to explore Toamasina, such as taxi or bike rentals. Request a room with a balcony for a chance to enjoy the ocean breeze and take in the views of the surrounding area, if available.
What time is check-in at Ocean 501?
Check-in at Ocean 501 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Ocean 501 have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Ocean 501?
Mandatory city tax: 10,000 MGA per night per person (≈ $2.50 USD)
Where can I eat cheaply near Ocean 501?
A plate of rice with meat or fish from a local ‘hotely’ is about 4,000–6,000 ariary.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ocean 501?
The cheapest way around is by taxi-brousse (shared minibus) for about 1,000 ariary per ride; from the airport, a shared taxi-brousse costs around 2,000 ariary to central Toamasina.
When is the best time to visit Toamasina?
The best time to visit Toamasina is from May to July, when the weather is dry and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. The temperatures range from 18-25°C (64-77°F), and the crowds are manageable compared to the peak season.
Top Attractions in Toamasina
💡 Visit late afternoon when the light hits the stained glass. Be respectful during mass (Sunday 9am).
💡 Go early, around 7am, for the best produce and fewer crowds. Haggle politely in Malagasy or French—prices are cheap by Western standards.
💡 Buy grilled zebu skewers from the beach vendors for about 1,000 Ariary. Avoid swimming alone; stick to the area near the lifeguard station.
💡 Call ahead (+261 32 04 123 45) to check it's open—hours are erratic. Combine with a walk along the port pier for a maritime feel.
💡 Take a taxi-brousse from the main road to the park gate—negotiate the fare first. Bring water and snacks; the on-site café is basic.