Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Java Hotel
HOTEL €€€
( 53 316 26, 034 12 252 53;
http://javahotel.wifeo.com
;
34 Blvd Joffre; d Ar140,000;
) An antiseptic business hotel, but given the competition, a bit of mouthwash feels re-
freshing. Rooms and hallways sparkle, while the brand new elevator leaves the hardened
traveller dumbstruck. Interior parking is another welcome touch, particularly in Tamatave.
Hotel Toamasina
HOTEL €€
( 53 335 49;
www.hotel-tamatave.com
; 13 Rue de la Colonne; d Ar59,000-65,000, ste
Ar77,000-89,000; ) Facing Place de la Colonne, this hotel's rooms are a mixed bag of
shapes, sizes and styles; the suites in particular are good value, with satellite TV for the
homesick. Attached is the reasonable
Pousse-Pousse restaurant
(mains Ar6000) which
serves a mixture of Malagasy, Italian, and Oriental fare.
EATING
Le Bateau Ivre
INTERNATIONAL €€
( 53 302 94; Blvd Ratsimilaho; mains Ar9000-18,000; breakfast, lunch & dinner;
) This sprawling beachfront enterprise manages to do everything well - and we do
mean everything. There is a central restaurant and bar, a beach bar with BBQ, a hambur-
ger bar, a pizza oven, a stage, a 25m swimming pool, and even beach volleyball. Beneath
the central big top, you'll find a diverse mix of clientele, from miner expats to Malagasy
families; charmingly cluttered rooms full of statuary, fossils, and parasols; excellent sea-
food, creative drinks, and nightly music; and a broad view of the port's commercial dock.
This eclectic mix is not only stimulating, it manages to define a vibe for the whole city that
seems entirely appropriate, like a Cotton Club for Tamatave. If you're only in town one
night spend some time here, although given the options, there is little reason to leave. Very
busy on weekends.
Piment Banane
FRENCH €€
( 034 08 043 09; Rue de L'Ourd; mains from Ar10,000; lunch & dinner Mon-Sat;
) You wouldn't generally find a sophisticated brasserie next to a ruined police station, but
we are in the land of exceptions. And exceptional is how to describe this welcome addition
to the city, from the stylish decor to the creative cuisine ('neo-gastro' as the chef calls it) to
the extensive wine list, all of which has garnered rave reviews from those pickiest of culin-
ary travellers, the French. 'Monsieur, I implore you, try the
tornedos rossini
!'
