Ibis Antananarivo Hotel

The bright lobby reflects the efficient management style of this international hotel; though the staff welcome you warmly. Once beyond check-in, wander out to the patio and gardens, with their well-mown lawns and towering palms, and sparkling pool surrounded by loungers. The international restaurant is a large, well-lit space with excellent burgers and pastas, and tasty local dishes. Have a treatment at the spa or sign up for yoga, then head to the terrace for a fancy fruity cocktail.

The 174 rooms all enjoy a high level of comfort, with either two twins or one large double bed, wooden floors, modern furnishings, and plenty of natural light. Twelve superior rooms are slightly larger, and 24 interconnecting rooms are ideal for families or couples travelling together. The en-suite bathrooms have double basins and walk-in rain-showers. Wi-fi, aircon, mini-bars and satellite TV are standard throughout. You won't be blown away by the individuality in style, but you'll certainly be comfortable.

Trawling Tana's busy streets is unlikely to be the reason you're visiting Madagascar, but the city's history of royalty and conquest is a fascinating foil for the country's wilderness areas. The brew of French, Southeast Asian and myriad tribal identities make for colourful cultural festivals (there are many!). Enjoy the markets, the elevated views from the 17th-century palace of Manjakamiadana, and the Musée de l’Art et de Archéologie, with its 7000 artifacts unearthed at the island’s many excavation sites.