Country Information

In general, good hotel accommodation in Algeria is limited. The business centres, and in particular Algiers, tend to have either extremely expensive luxury hotels or cheaper hotels primarily suited to the local population visiting on business or for social purposes. Algiers and Oran are full of the cheaper hotels, but they tend to be crowded and difficult to get into, even with a confirmed booking. For assurance on business, reserve rooms only at the best hotels.

Grading: All hotels are subject to government regulations and are classified by a star rating: deluxe (5-star), second class (4/3-star) and tourist class (2/1-star).

The Coast: The hotels in the resorts along the Mediterranean coast have increased in number, and many are of a reasonably high standard. Often, the good hotels in these resorts run their own nightclubs. Winter rates for coastal resorts apply from 1 October to 31 May.

The Oases: Good hotels in the gateway oases of the mid-south (such as Ghardaia and Ouargla) are few and far between, and during the season (any time other than high summer, which runs from late June to early September), it is vital to book well in advance.

The Far South: Hotels in the very far south are extremely limited. In Tamanrasset, better-class hotels have been built since the oasis became a fashionable winter resort. Room availability is, however, limited.

Camping is free on common land or on the beaches but permission from the local authorities is necessary. Campsites with good facilities are found in Ain el-Turk, Annaba and Larhat.

There is a good network of (single sex) youth hostels throughout the country offering accommodation at budget rates. For more information, contact the Fédération Algérienne des Auberges de Jeunesse.

Fédération Algérienne des Auberges de Jeunesse
213 Rue Hassiba Ben Bouali, BP 15, El Annasser, Algiers, Algeria
Tel: (21) 678 658/7.