Your stay — Assab Hotel
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The Property — Assab Hotel
The Assab Hotel is a solid 3-star option in Addis Ababa, with a functional lobby and decent-sized rooms. Its faded grandeur is still evident in the high ceilings and ornate details, but the overall atmosphere is business-like rather than luxurious. This hotel suits the budget-conscious traveller who wants a straightforward, no-frills place to rest their head after a day of exploring. The Assab's friendly staff and decent breakfast spread are definite pluses, but don't expect any frills or major amenities.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, has a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. The city's founding was a strategic response to the Italian invasion, and it has since grown into a bustling metropolis with a mix of Ethiopian, Italian, and French influences. The city's historic core, Merkato, is a maze of narrow streets and bustling markets, while the newer parts of the city showcase sleek, modern high-rises and government buildings. Addis Ababa is also Africa's diplomatic capital, hosting the African Union headquarters and numerous embassies. It's a city that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are October and November, with pleasant temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall. The city's famous festivals, like the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatesh) in September, draw large crowds, but October is generally quieter. Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) offers a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist season in Addis Ababa, as it coincides with the peak festival season. The Fana Grand Festival in June is a major draw, with thousands of pilgrims and tourists flocking to the city. Hotel prices skyrocket during this time, and expect to pay upwards of 20% more than usual. The city's streets can get chaotic, especially around Merkato, but it's a unique experience.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with comfortable temperatures (15-20°C) and minimal rainfall. Hotel prices are often 10-15% lower than usual, and you're likely to find better deals on flights and tours. The only downside is that some attractions and businesses might be closed or have reduced hours during this time.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers and chilly mornings. Pack layers for your visit, including a waterproof jacket and warm clothing for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- A new light rail system is currently under construction in Addis Ababa, set to connect the city's major districts by 2027. The city is also home to a growing number of street art murals, with the latest additions appearing in the Merkato district. The city's famous Merkato market is preparing for a major renovation, which may affect visitor access and experience in the coming months.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Assab Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. The lower floors (1st to 3rd) might receive more street noise from the nearby roads.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift area, as these might be noisier due to staff and guest activity.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa doesn't offer a clear view of notable landmarks. However, rooms on the higher floors might provide a glimpse of the surrounding city skyline.
Quietest floors
4th-5th floor
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from nearby roads is a possible disturbance, especially on lower floors. Be prepared for occasional loud sounds from the lift area and service entrance.
Insider tips
If you're driving, note that parking might be limited around the hotel. It's best to arrive early or consider alternative transportation options. Be sure to check-in early, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more personalized service. You can request a room with a view, but it's not guaranteed.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Assab Hotel
free tier, 2 Mbps speed, login required through room key card
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand, physical papers available at the lobby
16:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00 with ETB 500 fee
available 24/7, ETB 50 per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and lobby
on-site parking available, ETB 200 per night, nearest public car park at Meskel Square, ETB 150 per day, EV charging available at a nearby station
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: ETB 50 advance deposit + ETB 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St.Raguel Church (382 m · ~5 min walk)
- Place of worship: ደብረ ኃይል ቅዱስ ራጉኤል ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፱፻፵፰ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (385 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: ታላቁ አንዋር መስጊድ (528 m · ~7 min walk)
- Place of worship: ደብረ አሚን ተክለሃይማኖት ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፰፻፺፰ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Kurtu commercial center — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
HOME — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
Fekat circus artists association — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Kenema Pharmacy No 1 — 234 m · ~3 min walk
Kadisco Paints - Distribution Shop — 247 m · ~3 min walk
Gojam Berenda — 388 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Travellers can exchange currency at local banks or use ATMs, but be aware that airport exchange rates are often poor. Avoid exchanging at hotels or tourist bureaux as the rates are even worse.
Major credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but contactless payments are not as common. Mobile payments like M-Pesa are also widely used.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated, especially for good service. 10-20 birr for a taxi ride and 5-10 birr for hotel staff is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee option is a local coffee shop, where a cup of coffee costs around 10-15 birr.
A plate of injera with vegetables and meat costs around 25-35 birr at a local market.
A traditional Ethiopian dinner at a mid-range restaurant costs around 100-150 birr for a main course.
Street food is common in Merkato Market and around the city's major bus stations.
Local supermarkets like Mega and Itulu are common in the area.
Affordable clothing can be found at Merkato Market and other local bazaars.
A day pass for public buses costs 5 birr, and a taxi ride from the airport costs around 100-150 birr.
Avoid exchanging money at hotels or tourist bureaux.Use local ATMs to withdraw birr instead of exchanging currency at banks.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
Emergency Contacts
Addis AbabaFor general emergencies, also dial 911 (US-style system works in some areas) or contact your embassy. Addis Ababa police station numbers: 251-11-1-11-11-11. Save your hotel's front desk number too.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Addis Ababa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Assab Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk — pharmacy · Kenema Pharmacy No 1 — 234 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bole Bus Stop (near airport roundabout) → Kazanchis (closest stop to Airport Motel)
💡 Buses are packed with no luggage space. Doable with a backpack only. Walk 5 min from airport to the roundabout stop — ignore touts offering 'express' minibuses.
Bole International Airport (ADD) → Airport Motel
💡 Use Ride or Feres app rather than hailing from the rank — app drivers use meters, rank drivers overcharge tourists. Avoid taxis near exit doors unless you want haggling.
Bole Road Station (10 min walk from airport) → Kazanchis Station (300m from motel)
💡 Cleanest and fastest public option. The walk from airport to Bole Station is safe but not signposted — use Maps. Verify direction: you're heading west towards Tor Hailoch.
Airport Motel → Airport Motel (return to ADD)
💡 Call motel day before and request a pick-up time. They send a white minibus with a sign. Tip driver 50 birr if they help with bags — no pressure, but polite.
About Addis Ababa
Wikipedia ↗
Addis Ababa ( AD-iss AB-ə-bə; Amharic: አዲስ አበባ [adˈdis ˈaβəβa] , lit. 'new flower'; Oromo: Finfinnee, lit. 'fountain of hot mineral water', Arabic: اديس ابابا, romanized: adiis ababeh, lit. 'Centre of the Flower') is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. With an estimated population of 2,739,55...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Assab Hotel?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. The lower floors (1st to 3rd) might receive more street noise from the nearby roads.
Which rooms should I avoid at Assab Hotel?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift area, as these might be noisier due to staff and guest activity.
Is Assab Hotel noisy?
Street noise from nearby roads is a possible disturbance, especially on lower floors. Be prepared for occasional loud sounds from the lift area and service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Assab Hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa doesn't offer a clear view of notable landmarks. However, rooms on the higher floors might provide a glimpse of the surrounding city skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Assab Hotel?
If you're driving, note that parking might be limited around the hotel. It's best to arrive early or consider alternative transportation options. Be sure to check-in early, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more personalized service. You can request a room with a view, but it's not guaranteed.
What time is check-in at Assab Hotel?
Check-in at Assab Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Assab Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free tier, 2 Mbps speed, login required through room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Assab Hotel?
ETB 10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Assab Hotel?
A plate of injera with vegetables and meat costs around 25-35 birr at a local market.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Assab Hotel?
A day pass for public buses costs 5 birr, and a taxi ride from the airport costs around 100-150 birr.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are October and November, with pleasant temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall. The city's famous festivals, like the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatesh) in September, draw large crowds, but October is generally quieter. Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) offers a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices.
Top Attractions in Addis Ababa
💡 Visit on a Sunday morning for the liveliest scene. Try the roasted corn (200 birr) or sambusa from stalls. Don't miss the stone relief map of Ethiopia near the central monument.
💡 Enter from the main road near the Tunisia junction. Keep valuables deep in zipped pockets. Haggle hard—start at 30% of the asking price. Best in mid-morning before the heat peaks.
💡 Wear good walking shoes; the path is steep and dusty. Take a minibus from Sidist Kilo for 10 birr. Bring water and a jacket—it gets windy at the top. Entry to the church grounds costs 50 birr.
💡 Combine with a walk around the beautiful university compound. Entry is 50 birr (cheapest museum in town). Give yourself 1 hour. The cafe next door does decent coffee for 15 birr.
💡 Go early on a weekday to avoid school groups. Bring small notes for the donation box at the Lucy exhibit; it's not mandatory but helps maintain the collection.