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pect from a top-end hotel. The exterior of the building itself is a bit bland and boxy, but the
rooms are spacious and elegantly decked out in a nautical-themed decor.
Le Grand Hôtel
HOTEL €€€
( 82 230 63;
www.grand-hotel-diego.com
;
Rue Colbert; r Ar276,000; ) With
its imposing facade, this hotel lives up to its moniker. The rooms are plush but devoid of
charm. Where the Grand Hôtel scores points is with its pool and tip-top location in the
centre of town.
Hôtel Fiantsilaka
HOTEL €
( 82 223 48; dom.bigot@wanadoo.fr; 13 Blvd Etienne; d Ar35,000, without bathroom
Ar22,000) A basic option in the centre of town; rooms are ageing but kept clean. The
French manager is very friendly.
EATING
Diego has some excellent restaurants, but as with accommodation, they're not the cheapest
in Madagascar. In the early evenings, there are good
street-food stands
along Rue Colbert.
Le Melville
FRENCH €€€
( 032 05 606 99;
www.hotels-diego.com
; Allamanda Hôtel, Rue Richelieu; mains
Ar15,000-23,000; breakfast, lunch & dinner) Right by the sea, with a fabulous patio
that's particularly alluring at sunset, the atmosphere at Melville is romantic and sophistic-
ated without being stuffy. The food is absolutely delicious: the fat zebu steak with vanilla
mash is sumptuous, and seafood- and fish-lovers will be spoiled for choice. Service is also
top-class, with wine recommendations from staff. Booking is recommended for weekends.
La Bodega
FUSION €€€
(cnr Rue Colbert & Rue Flacourt; mains Ar15,000-18,000; Mon-Sat) The name sug-
gests Spanish influence, but owner Cyrille is from France and the colourful restaurant is
in Madagascar, so it's hardly surprising the menu is a mix of all three nationalities. We
loved the tapas à la Malagasy, the grouper carpaccio with avocado and lime mousse, and
the amazing rum cocktails. It's always busy, too, and has a great atmosphere.
Balafomanga
INTERNATIONAL €€
(18 Rue Louis Brunet; mains Ar12,000-15,000; Mon-Sat) The big menu at Balafo-
manga offers a bit of everything, although the delicious food definitely has a big French
