Travel guide · Antananarivo
City centre, Ankorondrano, Ivandry or Ivato: each part of Tana has its strengths. Here is how to choose based on the purpose of your trip, and when the city centre is the best option.
Traffic in Antananarivo is often heavy, so the area matters as much as the hotel: it decides how long you spend on the road. Before you book, ask yourself where your meetings and visits will take place.
This is the historic and commercial heart of Tana. Analakely, Avenue de l'Indépendance, the Upper Town and the Rova are close to each other, with restaurants within walking distance. It is the right choice for meetings in town, exploring the historic centre or a first visit. The Grand Hôtel Urban is in Ambatonakanga, a few minutes from Analakely; the Rova is about a 20-minute walk.
This area has newer office buildings and several large international hotels. It works well if your meetings are held in the district. To reach the historic centre, you will usually need a car.
In the north of the city, Ivandry is a quieter residential neighbourhood, popular for longer stays. It is less practical for going out on foot or attending several meetings in the centre.
The international airport area is handy for a transit night, before a very early flight or after a late arrival. But the airport is about 13 km away, and the drive to the centre often takes 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic: over a stay of several days, those trips add up.
The Grand Hôtel Urban is an independent 4-star hotel with 45 air-conditioned rooms and suites and free Wi-Fi. It suits you if you want to walk between meetings, see the Upper Town and go out for dinner without a car. On site: a 100% halal restaurant, a rooftop with city views and the Barcelone room (up to 75 people). The shuttle from Ivato can be booked in advance.