Hotel Colbert Spa & Casino is an upscale hotel in Antaninarenina, the central district of Antananarivo, on Rue Prince Ratsimamanga. It has 123 rooms across eight room types, from standard doubles, triples and quadruples to studios and suites, which makes it one of the larger and more complete hotels in the capital. Facilities include an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with sunloungers, a spa offering body wraps, detox wraps and aromatherapy, an on-site casino with a free shuttle, three coffee shops and cafes, a hair salon and shops. Two restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with French cuisine on the menu and children's meals available, and 24-hour room service is offered. The appeal is the combination of facilities and location. The hotel is a short walk from Ambohitsorohitra Palace, Independence Avenue, Analakely Market and the Andafiavaratra museum, so you can step out and explore the old districts on foot, then come back to a pool and a spa after a day of sightseeing in the heat and traffic. It suits travellers who want a comfortable, predictable base for the first or last night of a Madagascar trip, or for a longer stay in the city, and it also works for families who value having a pool and several dining options under one roof.
Location and getting around
The palace district is hilly and best explored in short walks, and the hotel's position in Antaninarenina keeps the main sights within easy reach. Ambohitsorohitra Palace is about two minutes on foot, Independence Avenue and Analakely Market are roughly six minutes and the Andafiavaratra museum is around eight minutes, although the hills make the return walk slower.
The international airport is a drive of roughly three-quarters of an hour or more depending on traffic, and an airport shuttle can be arranged on request for a fee, so allow generous time on departure day. Taxis and arranged drivers wait for guests for longer outings to the Rova, the Lemurs' Park and Ambohimanga.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms have free wifi, hairdryers, free toiletries and flat-screen televisions, and the hotel offers free self-parking, a terrace and on-site shopping. Breakfast is a buffet that is charged separately on some rates, so compare your rate for inclusions. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability, which is useful around early or late flights, so confirm times with the hotel.
Street noise can be noticeable in some rooms, and some travellers mention that older rooms feel dated, so ask for a quieter room and for the most recently renovated category when you reserve.
Who it suits and good to know: it works well for first-night and last-night stays in the capital, for business travellers and for families, and the casino is optional and separate from the main public areas. Evenings in the city are best spent in the hotel restaurants or in a pre-arranged taxi, and your concierge can help organise tours, drivers and domestic flights. The rainy season brings heavy showers to the highlands from around November, so carry a light waterproof layer, and keep some flexibility in your plans in case traffic or weather slows your transfers.
Why stay here
- ✓123 rooms across eight room types
- ✓Indoor pool and outdoor pool
- ✓Spa with body wraps and aromatherapy
- ✓On-site casino with free shuttle
- ✓Two restaurants serving French cuisine
- ✓Three cafes and coffee shops
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Free wifi and free self-parking
Good questions
Where is Hotel Colbert?+
It is in Antaninarenina, central Antananarivo, a short walk from Ambohitsorohitra Palace, Independence Avenue and Analakely Market.
Does it have a pool and spa?+
Yes, there is an indoor pool, an outdoor pool with sunloungers and a spa offering body wraps, detox wraps and aromatherapy.
How far is it from the airport?+
About three-quarters of an hour by car or more depending on traffic, and a shuttle can be arranged for a fee. Allow extra time.
