Your stay — Blue Cave
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The Property — Blue Cave
The Blue Cave hotel is a 3-star gem in Addis Ababa, with a modern aesthetic that blends African and European influences. Its lobby is a tranquil oasis, complete with a small garden and a coffee bar serving Ethiopian brews. This mid-range hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who want a comfortable stay in a central location, without breaking the bank. The hotel's friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere make it an excellent choice for solo travellers and small groups.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, who wanted to create a city that would serve as a hub for trade and commerce. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of colonial-era buildings, Art Deco landmarks, and modern high-rises. Today, Addis Ababa is a vibrant city that proudly showcases its cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and traditional markets. The city is also home to the African Union headquarters and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, making it a hub for international diplomacy and development. As the country's capital, Addis Ababa is a melting pot of cultures, with a unique blend of traditional and modern influences.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are September and October, with warm weather (average highs of 22°C/72°F) and manageable crowds. These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the city's attractions without the summer heat.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Addis Ababa, driven by the annual Festival of the Finding of the True Cross, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors. Hotel prices tend to be higher during this time, and popular attractions can get crowded. The festival, which takes place in June, is a significant event in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar and showcases the city's rich cultural heritage.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures (average highs of 20°C/68°F) and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations tend to be lower during this time, and visitors can enjoy the city's attractions without the peak-season crowds.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa's climate is characterized by a subtropical highland climate, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Pack layers for your stay, with light clothing for the day and warmer gear for the cooler evenings.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit system has been expanded to include new routes and stations, making it easier to get around the city. The National Museum of Ethiopia has reopened after a major renovation, featuring new exhibits on the country's history and culture. The city's famous Merkato market has been revamped, with a new food court and shopping area.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Blue Cave, 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. These floors are likely to be away from the street noise and lift usage. Additionally, you can ask for a room facing the inner courtyard to minimize external noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st to 3rd) as they may be noisier due to street traffic and possible lift usage.
Best views
As the hotel is located in Addis Ababa, the views from higher floors may offer a glimpse of the city skyline. However, the views are likely to be obstructed by surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 to 5
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for possible street noise from the surrounding area, especially on the lower floors. Additionally, you may hear the occasional noise from the hotel's lift, which may be located near the reception area.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as street parking can be limited in the area. Request a room with a window to take advantage of the natural light and fresh air, especially during the day.
- 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 — Blue Cave
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader app
08:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, ETB 1,500 late check-out fee until 14:00
available 24/7, ETB 100 per bag, ETB 200 per day for extra bags
step-free access from main entrance, wheelchair ramp, no structural limitations
on-site parking available, ETB 250 per night, nearest public car park at Meskel Square, ETB 80 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 20 ETB per night (ETB 20 per person) on weekdays, free on weekends
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance payment, ETB 1,000 credit card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Dewam Mosque (793 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: ወንጌል ብርሃን ቤተክርስቲያን (992 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Urael Ethiopian Orthodox Church (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Urael Ethiopian Orthodox Church (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Grace Plaza — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Shalla Public Park — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 335 m · ~4 min walk
Napoli Pharmacy — 434 m · ~5 min walk
Woink Supermarket — 899 m · ~11 min walk
Hayahulet 1 — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Travellers can exchange money at banks, hotels, or currency exchange offices in the city centre; avoid exchanging at the airport as rates are often poor.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments. Contactless payments are not common.
Tipping is not mandatory but is expected in restaurants and bars (5-10 ETB per meal), while taxi drivers and hotel staff expect 10-20 ETB for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee option is a local coffee shop serving a strong, traditional coffee for around 5-10 ETB.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a injera and stews combination from a street food vendor for around 20-30 ETB.
A filling and affordable dinner option is a traditional Ethiopian dish like tibs or kik alitcha at a local restaurant for around 30-50 ETB.
The Merkato area and nearby streets are known for their street food options, including injera, stews, and snacks.
Local supermarkets like Italo or Kinara offer a range of groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and household essentials.
Traditional Ethiopian clothing and souvenirs can be found at the Merkato market, while modern clothing stores like Zara and H&M have branches in the city centre.
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 ETB) or taxi (around 10 ETB for a short ride); a day pass for public transportation is not available, but a single ticket costs around 2 ETB.
Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls, use public transportation, and avoid exchanging money at the airport for the best rates.
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 Blue Cave
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 335 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Napoli Pharmacy — 434 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Blue Cave?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. These floors are likely to be away from the street noise and lift usage. Additionally, you can ask for a room facing the inner courtyard to minimize external noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Blue Cave?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st to 3rd) as they may be noisier due to street traffic and possible lift usage.
Is Blue Cave noisy?
Be prepared for possible street noise from the surrounding area, especially on the lower floors. Additionally, you may hear the occasional noise from the hotel's lift, which may be located near the reception area.
Which rooms have the best views at Blue Cave?
As the hotel is located in Addis Ababa, the views from higher floors may offer a glimpse of the city skyline. However, the views are likely to be obstructed by surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Blue Cave?
Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as street parking can be limited in the area. Request a room with a window to take advantage of the natural light and fresh air, especially during the day.
What time is check-in at Blue Cave?
Check-in at Blue Cave is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Blue Cave have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Blue Cave?
20 ETB per night (ETB 20 per person) on weekdays, free on weekends
Where can I eat cheaply near Blue Cave?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a injera and stews combination from a street food vendor for around 20-30 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Blue Cave?
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 ETB) or taxi (around 10 ETB for a short ride); a day pass for public transportation is not available, but a single ticket costs around 2 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are September and October, with warm weather (average highs of 22°C/72°F) and manageable crowds. These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the city's attractions without the summer heat.
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.