Your stay — Block 124
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Addis Ababa.
The Property — Block 124
Block 124 is a 3-star hotel in Addis Ababa's Merkato district, a short drive from the city's main attractions. The hotel's interior design blends traditional Ethiopian and modern elements, with a spacious lobby featuring a high ceiling and large windows. Guests can enjoy a rooftop restaurant with views of the city and a garden area for relaxation. This hotel suits budget-conscious travellers and those who want to experience the authentic Addis Ababa. The lobby's warm and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like you're in a local guesthouse, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II as a replacement for the old imperial capital, Entotto. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of traditional Ethiopian, Art Deco, and modern styles. The city has a strong cultural identity, with over 80 ethnic groups represented. Addis Ababa is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing Ethiopian art and culture. The city's history is also reflected in its many historic landmarks, including the National Museum of Ethiopia.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are September and October, with mild temperatures (average high 22°C) and fewer crowds. November is also a good option, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. The weather is generally pleasant during these months, with minimal rainfall.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Addis Ababa is June and July, with temperatures often reaching 25°C. This is the time of the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatesh), which attracts many visitors. Hotel prices are higher during this time, and popular attractions can be crowded. The city hosts many cultural events and festivals during this time, including the Addis Jazz Festival.
Budget shoulder season
The best time for budget-conscious travellers is from November to March, with lower prices and fewer tourists. The weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This period is ideal for exploring the city's cultural attractions without the crowds.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa is known for its unique climate, with a high altitude (2,350m) that results in cooler temperatures. Pack layers for your visit, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the warmer months.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The city's new light rail system has extended its services to the Merkato district, making it easier to get around Addis Ababa.
- The National Museum of Ethiopia has reopened its new wing after a major renovation, featuring a collection of ancient Ethiopian artifacts.
- The city's main bus station has introduced a new online booking system, making it easier for visitors to plan their journeys.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Block 124, 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 nearby busy roads. Avoid rooms 101-103 as they are closest to the service entrance and may experience noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms 101-103 due to proximity to the service entrance and potential noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Best views
There is no specific view to request as the hotel does not have a notable orientation or a distinct view from its address.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in Addis Ababa means that street noise from nearby roads and traffic is a consideration, especially for ground and 1st floor rooms.
Insider tips
Book a room with a floor plan that includes a desk or workspace, as some rooms may have a separate seating area. Additionally, request a room with a window that faces the interior courtyard for a quieter atmosphere.
- 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 — Block 124
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps, login required via room key card or mobile app
serves all floors, with a few stairs-only sections in the original historic building
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader app, physical papers available in the lobby
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00 costs Ethiopian Birr 1,500
available for Ethiopian Birr 100 per item per day, with a maximum of 2 items
step-free access to main areas, wheelchair entries at main entrance and some rooms, but some structural limitations in historic sections
on-site parking available for Ethiopian Birr 200 per night, nearest public car park at Megenagna Bus Station for Ethiopian Birr 100 per day, EV charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Ethiopian Birr 10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Ethiopian Birr 500 advance deposit and Ethiopian Birr 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
You can exchange currency at the airport, hotels, or local banks, but rates may be poor; for better rates, go to a local bank or an authorized currency exchange office. Be cautious of unofficial money changers.
Major credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Addis Ababa, but cash is still king; some smaller shops and street vendors may only accept cash. Mobile payments like M-Pesa are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated; 10-20 ETB for taxi drivers, 10-20 ETB for hotel staff, and 5-10 ETB for restaurant staff is considered sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee from a street vendor costs around 10-15 ETB.
A traditional injera and stews or salads from a local eatery costs around 20-30 ETB.
A plate of tibs (stir-fried meat) or key wot (stew) from a local restaurant costs around 50-70 ETB.
The Merkato market and the streets around it offer a variety of street food options, including injera, tibs, and other traditional dishes.
The local supermarkets, such as Italo or Debre Zeit, offer a range of groceries at affordable prices.
The Merkato market and other local markets have a variety of affordable clothing options, including traditional Ethiopian clothing like habesha kemis.
A day pass on the Addis Ababa public bus costs around 2 ETB, and a taxi ride from the airport costs around 100-150 ETB.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotels, as rates are often poor.Use local ATMs to withdraw ETB, as they offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices.Negotiate prices when shopping at local markets or from street vendors.
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 Block 124
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Block 124?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd floor or above) to minimize street noise from the nearby busy roads. Avoid rooms 101-103 as they are closest to the service entrance and may experience noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Block 124?
Rooms 101-103 due to proximity to the service entrance and potential noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Is Block 124 noisy?
The hotel's location in Addis Ababa means that street noise from nearby roads and traffic is a consideration, especially for ground and 1st floor rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Block 124?
There is no specific view to request as the hotel does not have a notable orientation or a distinct view from its address.
What are insider tips for staying at Block 124?
Book a room with a floor plan that includes a desk or workspace, as some rooms may have a separate seating area. Additionally, request a room with a window that faces the interior courtyard for a quieter atmosphere.
What time is check-in at Block 124?
Check-in at Block 124 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Block 124 have Wi-Fi?
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps, login required via room key card or mobile app
Is there a city or tourist tax at Block 124?
Ethiopian Birr 10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Block 124?
A traditional injera and stews or salads from a local eatery costs around 20-30 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Block 124?
A day pass on the Addis Ababa public bus costs around 2 ETB, and a taxi ride from the airport costs around 100-150 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are September and October, with mild temperatures (average high 22°C) and fewer crowds. November is also a good option, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. The weather is generally pleasant during these months, with minimal rainfall.
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.