Hôtel des Thermes Antsirabe

Hôtel des Thermes is a striking landmark in Antsirabe, Madagascar, with a history tied to the colonial era and major political events of the 20th century. It was inaugurated in 1896, though some records give 1897, under French colonial rule. The hotel’s connection to King Mohammed V of Morocco brought it international attention. After the French authorities deposed him during Morocco’s independence struggle, he and the royal family, including the young Prince Hassan II, spent their exile in Antsirabe from 1954 to 1955, following a brief stay in Corsica. For Moroccans, the hotel holds deep historical and spiritual meaning as a symbol of the King’s resilience before his triumphant return in 1956 to lead the country to independence. In 2016, his grandson King Mohammed VI visited to honor his memory, strengthening the hotel’s link to Moroccan history. It’s more than a place to stay, it’s a living witness to that past.

We stayed for one night while heading south and had planned to return for another night on our way north, but chose somewhere else instead. There’s so much potential here, yet it falls far short. This wonderful colonial era building has clearly seen better days. Inside, everything looks tired and badly needs renovation. It’s sad to imagine what a grand place it must once have been. I hope someone puts a huge amount of money into restoring it. Fully renovated, it could charge a lot more. The grounds are lovely and well maintained. We ate elsewhere because the menu didn’t offer many good vegetarian options. Breakfast the next morning had good coffee, but the omelette was undercooked.

The interior has fallen into disrepair, even though the hotel still carries its old grandeur and remains an icon of Antsirabe’s colonial past and spa heritage. Hôtel des Thermes in Antsirabe, Madagascar, was completed in 1922 as a luxury destination for French colonists seeking the therapeutic benefits of the town’s natural thermal springs. Together with the thermal bath center, opened in 1917, it helped make Antsirabe a prominent spa destination. Its architecture reflects French colonial influences, and it overlooks Lake Rano Maimbo. Among the significant people hosted here was King Mohammed V of Morocco, who lived in exile at the hotel during the 1950s.

There’s a sense of old times here, and it’s a piece of history in an old mansion. The price feels fair for what you get. It’s a nice place for a night or a couple of days, especially for travelers around Madagascar. Just don’t expect anything special or luxurious. It’s very old, though they do try to keep it in good condition.