Isalo Rock Lodge

This is a beautiful hotel situated in a great location, with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. All the rooms have great views of the rock formations to the east, providing excellent sunset photo ops via sliding glass walls. The rooms are very spacious, and the bath area is impressive- a nice rain forest shower head (plus handheld spray), complement a very big, concrete soaking tub. The architecture for the lodge is modern, with lots of exposed concrete, accented with wood touches. The rooms have A/C, and it was able to maintain a comfortable temp even during the hottest part of the day. At night the temp drops, so the supplied duvet is appropriate. There is adequate storage for large suitcases, and suitable clothes hanging area, plus open shelves and a small safe. The room has a mini fridge is stocked with soda, water and beer, for a fee. I used it to hold a few bottles of soda we had acquired earlier. Breakfast was limited but good- breads (including Danish or pain au chocolate), a small bowl of fresh fruit, a choice of two fruit juices, yogurt, and, if desired eggs (scrambled, omelet, etc.) Unfortunately, lunch and dinner were disappointing. On our first day my wife’s chicken brochette pieces were dramatically undercooked, so they had to be sent back, Even the kitchen’s second try was disappointing. My dinner main course was described as a pasta carbonara, but instead of bacon the kitchen substituted ham cubes, and there was almost no sauce. Because of these and related food service issues, our guide changed our plan from full board to half board (room and breakfast only) and enjoyed lunch at two nearby French hotels with associated restaurants for the remaining 4 days.

Dont miss it.......its impossible to explain how cool this place is. The lodge is nestled in a formidable rockscape in a very inobtrusive way and the landscape/light changes all the time and makes it look completely different - sunrise, sunset, sunshine, thunderstorm - you can sit and enjoy the silence interrupted only by the birds, or when it rains the thunder and lightening provides a spectacular & deafening display. There is an airport close to the Lodge, so for a memorable experience you can fly in for your stay at the lodge. On arrival, we received a very warm welcome, smiles all around and a cool drink from the reception staff, which was a very nice touch - the staff speak multiple languages. The rooms are large, luxurious in design and furnishings, very comfortable beds, plenty of hot water, spotless, there is a huge deep bath, excellent aircon, mosquito nets, and all amenities in the room. Each room has a private balcony, with daybeds for relaxing and drinking the unbeatable panoramic view - on my last day I enjoyed a coffee on the balcony in the morning, watching a chameleon on a small bush. The lounge/bar has its own balcony and at sunset you can have a drink and look out over the national park plains in front of you, or walk up to the rock lookout on the property and be served drinks up there, its truly memorable. The restaurant served excellent food at all meals. The staff in all departments were professional, attentive, polite and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. The pool was very welcome, after a hot day out. We had a full day hiking in the nearby Isalao National Park with a really super local guide (whose brother works in the bar!). It was such a beautiful day, with spectacular rockscapes and full of amazing creatures, from locusts with bright red wings, stick insects, frogs, lizards, scorpions, lots of birds, cicadas, chamelons, to unique flora and a large natural rock pool that we had all to ourselves and swam in, the water was cool and clear. Dont even think of staying elswhere, you wont ever want to leave...............

Magnificent scenery and the lodge didn’t destroy the view. Decent restaurant. Very helpful staff. There are many day trips and hikes to be taken from here. Please use a guide as you’ll miss bits of nature and misinterpret some of the customs.

My favourite hotel i have returned several times. It is not only a very calm and beautiful place, the staff is also exceptional. It clearly shines through that the owners (italian) and the management are great responsible people, it resonates through the space and staff.

What an amazing hotel resort! This is one of the swankiest places we’ve ever stayed. Staff were very attentive and friendly. The restaurant has a great menu. We spent most of our time by the swimming pool. There’s even a swim up bar. Very nice Totally recommend.

A great lodge. Set amongst spectacular landscape, this isolated luxury lodge provides a great haven and rooms with spectacular views. Staff were helpful and the food very good. They cook their own bread. An excellent location from which to explore the area.

The lodge was beautiful, the staff was very courteous and helpful, and views were awesome! There was some confusion about the type of room we were booked for through our tour company, but all was worked out to our satisfaction and the staff was accommodating! Additionally, I had an accident and injured my fingers. The manager, Severon, was very quick to effective and efficient first aid with all of the needed supplies. Thank you, Dr. Severon!!! It was a wonderful experience and I would not hesitate to go there again!

Required a transfer to a Swiss bank account before arrival and contrary to Agoda terms and conditions. Many "mistakes" on the bill. No free water. Undisclosed 20 per cent surcharge. No internet in rooms. Bad internet in lobby. No fly screen. Many mosquitoes. Two small beds pushed together to make a "double". No TV Dangerous rotten wood to walk on. Disgusting food . Fish was off. Small portions. Not recommended at all.

WOW! That is a word to describe this magnificent resort! In the middle of nowhere you drive down this dirt road to a gorgeous oasis in southern Madagascar. This resort is absolutely gorgeous. The views are strikingly beautiful from a room that has everything you could as for. Outdoor deck with views, huge bathtub, very comfortable bed, and as clean as you could hope for. There is a beautiful infinity pool making our morning trek in the nearby National Park even that much more refreshing. The lodge’s design is top rate. The natural beauty with fantastic staff, excellent restaurant with delicious food make this I place to put on your bucket list.