Our guide book described the Hotel “Le Soleil des Tsingy”:http://www.soleildestsingy.com/en/ as the most luxurious place in town. After three nights of sleeping on a mattress on the floor at Camp Amoureux, we were looking forward to comfort.
The hotel, built in 2013, had 20+ bungalows set on the side of a steep hill with lovely views over the Tsiribihina River. The accommodation was spread out, but fortunately our bungalow (1) was the nearest to the reception and very large open-air, but covered bar/restaurant. However, it was still a trek along a steep sandy path or down a shorter sandy path and then up a large steep set of stairs. Neither would be easy for anyone less mobile and, no matter how careful we were, sand always followed us into the room.
Our spacious room had a four-poster bed complete with mosquito net, desk, sofa, wardrobe, safe, and full-length mirror. Despite being relatively new, there were flaws: apart from plug points for the bedside lamps, the only others were low down and behind a heavy desk; there was not much space between the bed and the desk; and there was no hair dryer. There was no air conditioning, but picture windows in the bedroom and bathroom had wire mesh, so could be kept open and there was a fan. The bed was a little hard, but at least it was on legs. Complimentary bottled water was provided, but not tea or coffee making facilities.
An arch led into a huge bathroom and separate loo. The open shower was easy to regulate and there was lots of room for toiletries.
The large covered balcony had chairs, sofa and table.
The infinity pool was stunning, with beautiful tiles, a consistent depth of 1m 40cm, and refreshing water. The large surrounding deck had loungers complete with comfortable leather cream cushions, and tables and chairs.
Complimentary Wi-Fi was available, but only at the pool and restaurant/bar.
The restaurant food was good, and our package included dinner, chosen from a set menu. One night we had a choice of goats’ cheese croquette and salad or prawn soup, followed by fish fillet or zebu steak. The wine list had 10 red and one white, but as this was a sweet Sauterne, we stuck with beer or gin and tonic.
Breakfast was reasonable: juice, yoghurt, small bananas, cheese, ham, salad, and three hot dishes (a rather good scrambled egg, savoury beans and a milky gloop which we discovered was rice). There was also a good selection of pastries and breads and the serve yourself coffee was excellent.
We stayed at this hotel to visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park which was an hour’s drive.
