Espace le Majestic Toamasina

The video gives a very different impression from what you'll find now. The building is covered in mold, which sets the tone for the inside: dirty sheets, cockroaches and ants in rooms, the fridge, kitchen, and toilets, plus clogged, filthy sinks and almost no water pressure. The toilets leaked, the TV didn't work, and the Wi-Fi was terrible. The staff seemed not to care about guests at all. Just leave when you see the place.

I ended up staying 15 nights rather than 22, and the experience was extremely disappointing. I have specific needs because of sleep apnea, but the hotel did nothing to help. Power cuts happened often, and the sheets and towels were frequently dirty. There were cockroaches, and the TV, internet, and refrigerator didn't work. They were supposed to use a generator for electricity, but it ran only two hours each night. I had to buy solar panels because there wasn't enough power, and they still asked me to pay for the generator fuel. The owners also refused to refund the 400,000 ariary for the nights I didn't use, blaming the cyclone. The security guard was a swindler about tips. He wouldn't give us water unless we tipped him, and he often complained that his boss made him work too much and didn't pay him. It made the atmosphere unpleasant, as though we were supposed to feel sorry for him and give him money like a beggar. My stay was very negative, and I strongly advise against this hotel. In my opinion, it's the worst rip-off in Toamasina. Positive reviews on Booking.com initially influenced my choice, but the Google reviews include many bad ones. Its 2.8 rating was the lowest among all the hotels, which showed me this place simply isn't enjoyable. I'll also include photos to show what I mean.

It's so filthy that even the rats would rather stay in the stinking dumpster right beside it.

The room was spacious and the rooftop view was beautiful. Everything was impeccably clean, and the staff were helpful. It's quiet and secure, good value for money, and I'd recommend it.