A Journey Through Time
Ethiopia, a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant traditions, and profound history, invites travellers to immerse themselves not only in its iconic landmarks but also in its unique accommodations. This curated list showcases 15 historic and distinctive hotels, each offering a captivating window into the country's rich past and vibrant culture
1. Itegue Taitu Hotel (Addis Ababa)
The Itegue Taitu Hotel, Ethiopia's oldest hotel, was built in 1898 during Emperor Menelik II’s reign and named after Empress Taitu Betul. This colonial-style building exudes historical charm in Piassa, Addis Ababa’s old city centre. Despite its minimal comforts, its vibrant interior, great Ethiopian cuisine, and affordable prices make it a favourite among history enthusiasts.
Historical Significance: Ethiopia's oldest hotel, was built in 1898 during Emperor Menelik II's reign and named after Empress Taitu Betul.
Ambience: Colonial-style building in Piassa, Addis Ababa's old city centre, exuding historic charm.
Unique Features: Minimalist comfort, vibrant interior, great Ethiopian cuisine, affordable prices, and a glimpse into the country's past.
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| Itegue Taitu Hotel, Ethiopia's oldest hotel, was built in 1898 during Emperor Menelik II’s |
2. Kuriftu Resort & Spa (Bahir Dar and Debra Zeyit)
Kuriftu Resort offers a luxurious escape with Ethiopian-style design. In Bahir Dar, the resort features rooms with fireplaces on the balconies and a serene spa on Lake Tana’s shores. The Debra Zeyit location boasts bungalows by Lake Bishoftu, kayaking options, and unparalleled service.
Ambience: Luxurious resorts with Ethiopian-style design.
Unique Features:
Bahir Dar offers rooms with fireplaces, a serene spa on Lake Tana's shores, and breathtaking lake views.
Debra Zeyit: Bungalows by Lake Bishoftu, kayaking options, unparalleled service.
Highlights: Relaxing atmosphere, stunning natural surroundings.
3. Harbe Hotel (Lalibela)
This boutique hotel provides modern comfort amidst Lalibela’s historic atmosphere. With 16 rooms and a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the mountains, it’s a perfect spot for sunsets. Guests enjoy freshly prepared dinners by local chefs while immersing themselves in the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Ambience: Boutique hotel with modern comfort amidst Lalibela's historic atmosphere.
Unique Features: The hotel has 16 rooms, a rooftop terrace with breathtaking mountain views, and fresh Ethiopian dinners prepared by local chefs.
Highlights: Ideal base for exploring the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
4. Gheralta Lodge (Hawzen, Tigray)
Tigray’s historic region, Gheralta Lodge offers stone oval accommodations with grassy roofs. Its proximity to rock-hewn churches, like the famous Abuna Yemata Guh, provides guests with opportunities for cultural exploration amidst stunning mountain views.
Ambiance: Stone oval accommodations with grassy roofs, nestled in Tigray's historic region.
Unique Features: It is near rock-hewn churches like Abuna Yemata Guh, has stunning mountain views, and offers cultural exploration opportunities.
Highlights: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Tigray region.
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| Gheralta Lodge offers stone oval accommodations with grassy roofs. |
5. Simien Lodge (Simien Mountains National Park)
Ethiopia's highest lodge is located within the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park. Its tukel-style huts feature solar-powered heating and electricity. Guests can enjoy guided tours to spot Gelada monkeys and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Ambience: The highest lodge in Ethiopia is within the Simien Mountains National Park.
Unique Features: Tukul-style huts with solar-powered heating and electricity, breathtaking mountain scenery, and opportunities to spot Gelada monkeys.
Highlights: Unforgettable trekking experiences in a unique and dramatic landscape.
6. Magnolia Hotel (Addis Ababa)
Magnolia Hotel offers modern comfort in Ethiopia’s bustling capital. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Addis Ababa’s attractions and accessing transportation to historic sites like Aksum in the Tigray region.
Ambience: Modern comfort in Addis Ababa's bustling capital.
Unique Features: Central location, ideal base for exploring Addis Ababa's attractions, easy access to transportation to historic sites like Aksum.
Highlights: Convenient and comfortable accommodation for city exploration.
7. African Village (Dire Dawa)
Located in Ethiopia’s second-largest city, African Village recreates the charm of a traditional Ethiopian village. Guests stay in bamboo-furnished huts surrounded by courtyards. Its unique ambiance and high-quality service make it a delightful choice for tourists
Ambience: Recreates the charm of a traditional Ethiopian village.
Unique Features: Bamboo-furnished huts, courtyards, high-quality service.
Highlights: Unique cultural experience, authentic Ethiopian village atmosphere.
8. La Residence Hotel and Spa (Adama)
This Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel is a vision of luxury. Its snow-white architecture, lush gardens, and elegant interiors provide a serene escape. High windows and airy rooms enhance the experience of tranquillity and indulgence.
Ambiance: Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel, vision of luxury.
Unique Features: Snow-white architecture, lush gardens, elegant interiors, serene escape.
Highlights: Indulgent and relaxing stay with a touch of Moroccan flair.
9. Safari Lodge Adama (Adama)
Surrounded by mango, lime, and orange trees, Safari Lodge blends luxury with nature. Its luxury tower offers panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley, while its natural-material furnishings create an eco-friendly stay.
Ambience: Blends luxury with nature, surrounded by mango, lime, and orange trees.
Unique Features: A luxury tower with panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley, natural-material furnishings, and eco-friendly stay.
Highlights: Stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and a connection to nature.
10. Dorze Lodge (Arba Minch)
Perched on a mountain, Dorze Lodge offers stunning vistas of Chamo and Abaya Lakes. Guests can stay in traditional Dorze huts, crafted by local artisans, and participate in cultural activities, including folk dances and guided tours of nearby villages.
Ambience: Perched on a mountain, offering stunning vistas of Chamo and Abaya Lakes.
Unique Features: Stay in traditional Dorze huts, crafted by local artisans, and participate in cultural activities.
Highlights: Authentic cultural experience, breathtaking views, unique accommodation.
11. Babogaya Lake Viewpoint Lodge (Debre Zeyit)
Set on the shore of a crater lake, this lodge combines rustic charm with adventure. Guests can relax in thatched-roof accommodations and enjoy water activities like swimming and fishing while taking in the serene views.
Ambience: Rustic charm on the shore of a crater lake.
Unique Features: Thatched-roof accommodations, serene views, and water activities like swimming and fishing.
Highlights: Relaxing and peaceful stay with opportunities for water activities.
12. Eco-Lodges of Ethiopia (Various Locations)
Scattered across Ethiopia, eco-lodges offer sustainable accommodations in pristine locations such as national parks and wildlife reserves. These lodges blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, providing guests with immersive and environmentally friendly experiences.
Ambience: Sustainable accommodations in pristine locations like national parks and wildlife reserves.
Unique Features: Blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, environmentally friendly, immersive experiences.
Highlights: Responsible and sustainable travel, unique locations, connection to nature.
13. Hilton Addis Ababa (Addis Ababa)
As one of Ethiopia’s most iconic hotels, Hilton Addis Ababa offers a blend of luxury and history. Its central location and exceptional amenities make it a favourite for visitors exploring Addis Ababa’s vibrant cultural scene.
Ambience: Iconic hotel, the blend of luxury and history.
Unique Features: Central location, exceptional amenities, world-class dining.
Highlights: Luxurious stay in the heart of Addis Ababa, convenient access to city attractions.
14. Sheraton Addis (Addis Ababa)
Known as the “African Palace,” the Sheraton Addis combines opulence with Ethiopian hospitality. Its lavish design, world-class dining, and proximity to key attractions make it an unparalleled choice for luxury travellers.
Ambience: Known as the "African Palace," opulent design, and world-class dining.
Unique Features: Lavish design, proximity to key attractions, unparalleled luxury.
Highlights: Experience the epitome of luxury in Addis Ababa.
15. Tana Hotel (Bahir Dar)
Overlooking the shores of Lake Tana, this historic hotel offers a peaceful retreat. Guests can enjoy boat rides to the lake’s ancient monasteries while savouring the hotel’s traditional Ethiopian dishes and warm hospitality.
Ambiance: Overlooking the shores of Lake Tana, peaceful retreat.
Unique Features: Boat rides to the lake's ancient monasteries, traditional Ethiopian dishes, and warm hospitality.
Highlights: Serene lakeside setting, cultural experiences, and warm Ethiopian hospitality.
From Addis Ababa’s colonial charm to the rugged beauty of the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia’s historic hotels offer unique opportunities to connect with the country’s rich past. Whether you’re seeking luxury, cultural immersion, or breathtaking natural views, these accommodations promise an unforgettable stay in one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.
