🇪🇹 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Biserat Hotel
📍 Addis Ababa
Your stay — Biserat Hotel
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The Property — Biserat Hotel
The 2-star Biserat Hotel in Addis Ababa offers a no-frills and unpretentious stay with a hint of colonial charm. The lobby's wooden accents and worn terracotta floors evoke a bygone era, while the hotel's 24-hour reception and simple rooms cater to the needs of business travellers and budget-conscious tourists alike. This is a good choice for those seeking a straightforward, hassle-free base to explore the city. The hotel's staff is friendly and accommodating, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. It's not a place for luxury or high-end amenities, but for a straightforward, no-nonsense stay in the heart of Addis Ababa.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, Addis Ababa has grown from a small trading post into a thriving metropolis. The city's architecture reflects its complex history, with a mix of modern high-rises, Art Deco buildings, and ancient Ethiopian churches. Merkato, the city's bustling market, is a sensory overload of colours, sounds, and smells. The city is home to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, giving it an international flair. Addis Ababa's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its rich history and its people's warm hospitality.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are September and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C. The rainy season is over, and the city's famous for its wildflower displays around this time. The crowds are manageable, and prices for accommodations are relatively lower compared to peak season.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Addis Ababa is July, which coincides with the Fidel Festival, a celebration of Ethiopian music, art, and culture. Expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially for accommodations. Hotel prices can increase by up to 20% during this time, driven by the influx of domestic and international tourists.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget-friendly shoulder months are April and May, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Prices for accommodations are lower, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers. The weather is mild, with average highs of 25°C, and the city's wildflowers are in full bloom.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa's climate is characterized by a unique temperature phenomenon: the 'lake effect', where the surrounding highlands create a microclimate that brings cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack layers for your stay, including a warm sweater or light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- A new light rail system is currently under construction in Addis Ababa, set to improve transportation efficiency and reduce congestion. The city has recently introduced a new visa policy, allowing for easier entry for tourists from eligible countries. The Merkato market has expanded its hours, opening from 6 am to 8 pm, Monday to Saturday, to cater to the growing demand from tourists.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Biserat Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd floor or above) to minimize street noise from the road outside. The hotel's 2-star rating suggests a simpler layout, so rooms on the 3rd floor or above may be farther from the ground-level reception and service areas.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as it may be a source of noise, especially if it's a older model.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa does not provide any notable views, as the city's urban landscape is relatively flat. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise, especially from the road outside, as the hotel is located in a urban area. The hotel's simple layout and 2-star rating suggest it may not have advanced noise-reducing features.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces may be limited in the surrounding area. Request a room with a window to the side or rear to reduce street noise.
- 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 — Biserat Hotel
Free, 2 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on mobile app, no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 0600, late check-out until 1400 (ETB 500 fee)
Available, ETB 100 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, some rooms adapted for guests with disabilities
On-site parking ETB 300 per night, nearest public car park ETB 200 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 10 per night/person (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit ETB 500 per night, incidental card hold ETB 1000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Lideta Full Gospel Church (416 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Addis Ababa International Lutheran Church and Mekane Yesus Lideta Congregation (502 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Ethiopian Assemblies of God church - Lideta (513 m · ~6 min walk)
- Place of worship: ደብረ መድኃኒት መድኃኔዓለም ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፱፻፹፭ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (584 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Ahmed Mall — 559 m · ~7 min walk
Lideta Menafesha — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
HOME — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
National Theatre — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk
Club des Cheminots — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 632 m · ~8 min walk
Lucy Pharmacy — 373 m · ~5 min walk
Petram PLC — 519 m · ~6 min walk
Tegbared — 327 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Currency exchange offices are available at the airport, but rates are often unfavorable. It's better to exchange money at local banks or use ATMs to get the best rates.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but contactless payments are less common. Mobile payments like M-Pesa and Telebirr are gaining popularity.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, 5-10 ETB per meal is sufficient, while for taxis and hotel staff, 20-50 ETB is a reasonable amount.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee from a local street vendor costs around 10-15 ETB.
A traditional injera with vegetables and meat costs around 50-70 ETB at a local eatery.
A plate of tibs (stir-fry) or wats (stews) at a mid-range restaurant costs around 150-200 ETB.
The Merkato market and nearby streets offer a variety of street food options, including roasted corn, popcorn, and fried doughnuts.
Local supermarkets like Itulu and Mega offer a range of affordable products, while traditional markets like Merkato and Addis Mercato offer fresh produce and spices.
The Merkato market and nearby stalls offer a wide range of affordable clothing, including traditional Ethiopian wear.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 10 ETB, and a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 200-300 ETB.
Bargain when shopping at local markets, as prices can be negotiable.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of mid-range restaurants.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, and opt for local banks or ATMs instead.
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 Biserat Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 632 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Lucy Pharmacy — 373 m · ~5 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 Biserat Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd floor or above) to minimize street noise from the road outside. The hotel's 2-star rating suggests a simpler layout, so rooms on the 3rd floor or above may be farther from the ground-level reception and service areas.
Which rooms should I avoid at Biserat Hotel?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as it may be a source of noise, especially if it's a older model.
Is Biserat Hotel noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise, especially from the road outside, as the hotel is located in a urban area. The hotel's simple layout and 2-star rating suggest it may not have advanced noise-reducing features.
Which rooms have the best views at Biserat Hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa does not provide any notable views, as the city's urban landscape is relatively flat. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Biserat Hotel?
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces may be limited in the surrounding area. Request a room with a window to the side or rear to reduce street noise.
What time is check-in at Biserat Hotel?
Check-in at Biserat Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Biserat Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free, 2 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Biserat Hotel?
ETB 10 per night/person (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Biserat Hotel?
A traditional injera with vegetables and meat costs around 50-70 ETB at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Biserat Hotel?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 10 ETB, and a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 200-300 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are September and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C. The rainy season is over, and the city's famous for its wildflower displays around this time. The crowds are manageable, and prices for accommodations are relatively lower compared to peak season.
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.