Vanivola Hotel
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Fast facts
Check in from: | 12:00 |
|---|---|
Check out before: | 11:00 |
Pets | Pets not allowed |
Amenities
More about Vanivola Hotel
Vanivola Hotel
Located in Nosy Boraha, Vanivola Hotel is by the ocean. Ile Sainte-Marie Pirates Cemetery is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ste Marie Beach and Ile Aux Forbans. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as snorkeling. A full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a steam room, and a coffee shop/cafe are onsite. Vanivola Hotel offers 17 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and fans. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a steam room. The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Comment: 1 Aug 2026
Stayed in: Jul 2026
The hotel is well good centered.
Comment: 2 Jan 2026
Stayed in: Dec 2025
Comment: 8 Aug 2025
Stayed in: Aug 2025
Vanivola to flee: dirty, expensive, mismanaged – big disappointment in August 2025
We stayed at the Hotel Vanivola in Sainte-Marie, and our experience was unfortunately very disappointing, unworthy of a hotel presented as a star. Here is an honest and complete return so that other travellers can make informed reservations.
1. ❗ Reservation problem
We had booked a **bungalow**, but when we arrived we were given a **room** and told: “Personally, I would take the room.” It took **insistence** to get what we had booked. Manipulative borderline management.
2. Very questionable hygiene
The **bungalow was poorly maintained**:
* Mould on walls and ceilings
* Dirty sheets or at least never changed
* Bathroom floor always sandy even after cleaning
* No garbage bag provided on arrival
* Swimming pool poorly maintained, gooey floor in water
When we entrusted the keys for the cleaning, only the bed was redone with the **same sheets**. No real cleaning.
3. ️ Poorly organised catering
The restaurant requires **ordering between 4pm and 5.30pm** for evening dinner. After that time, **impossible to eat** at the hotel, even if you are a customer. In the morning we booked breakfast for 8:30, but by 8:30 it was still not ready: Service slow and disorganized. Prices are **very high for Madagascar**, without justification.
4. Unprofessional staff
Little listening and no spontaneous information on the **activities available**, **spa**, **massages**, etc. When we ask if there are scooters for rent, we are offered a blurry plan at **55 000 Ar/day** (more expensive than current prices on the island) – we feel that we are being tried to **scam us or at least inflate prices.**
We also offer **tuk-tuk transport at 150,000 Ar** for classic journeys such as going to Ile aux Nattes or north, which is **well above the normal fare**.
The **spa / hammam is closed** (not specified on the site), only massages are offered (60,000 Ar / h).
5. Chaotic check-out
We asked to **leave our bags at Welcoming** after the check-out at 11am. At 2:00 p.m., they were still **in the bungalow**, unattended. No one at the reception. The caterer must have called someone. Very insecure.
6. Hidden costs
When we leave, we are charged a **tourist sticker fee (5,000 Ar/night)** without ever informing us on arrival. This should be announced upon booking.
7. Misleading photos
The photos of the hotel are clearly **old and embellished**. In fact, the infrastructure is aging, poorly maintained, and the general Mood does not reflect what is presented online at all.
Conclusion
Hotel Vanivola clearly does not deserve its stars or its reputation. It is a confusing management, a little concerned staff, a very average level of hygiene and a poor general organization.
We have lived a real DISILLUSIONMENT. We definitely do not recommend this property. There are other hotels on the island that deserve more of your time and money.
Comment: 2 Apr 2025
Stayed in: Mar 2025
Comment: 10 Dec 2022
Stayed in: Jul 2022
Very good location
Lamboutsira MAHAVELO BP 37, Sainte Marie, 515, Madagascar|16.2 km from city centre
Check in and check out
Check in from:
12:00
Check out before:
11:00
Good to know
Pets not allowed
Please contact the hotel for details about adding extra beds.