Your stay — bluesky Hotel
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The Property — bluesky Hotel
Bluesky Hotel is a 3-star hotel in the heart of Addis Ababa, with a modern aesthetic that blends traditional Ethiopian design with a hint of Scandinavian minimalism. The lobby exudes a sense of calm, with a large glass atrium flooding the space with natural light and a minimalist colour scheme. The hotel's unique selling point is its rooftop bar, which offers panoramic views of the city and a lively atmosphere. This hotel suits business travellers and couples looking for a relaxing stay with easy access to the city's main attractions.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, who built the city as a planned metropolis with a mix of European and Ethiopian architecture. The city's architectural evolution reflects its complex history, with Italian colonial-era buildings standing alongside modern skyscrapers and ancient Ethiopian churches. Today, Addis Ababa is a thriving cultural hub, known for its vibrant art scene, historic landmarks like the National Museum of Ethiopia, and its thriving food culture. The city is also home to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, cementing its status as a major diplomatic hub. The city's cultural identity is shaped by its rich history and its status as a melting pot of different cultures.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
September and November are ideal months to visit Addis Ababa, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Addis Ababa, with the city hosting the annual Ethiopian Music Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Hotel prices spike during this period, with rates increasing by up to 20% compared to the off-season. The festival is a must-visit event for music lovers, with a diverse lineup of Ethiopian and international artists.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Addis Ababa, with pleasant temperatures (15-20°C) and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the peak-season prices. You can expect discounts of up to 15% on hotel rates during this period.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers and sunshine. Pack layers for your visit, including a waterproof jacket to protect you from the rain, and a hat and sunscreen for the sunny days.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit system is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2027, making it easier to get around the city.
- The National Museum of Ethiopia has reopened its new wing, featuring a collection of artifacts from the ancient Kingdom of Axum.
- The city's famous Merkato market is undergoing renovations, but visitors can still explore the surrounding area, which offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of traditional and modern stalls.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to bluesky Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to minimize street noise from the busy Addis Ababa streets. Avoid rooms near the lift as the hotel only has a single lift, which might be a bottleneck during peak hours.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor or near the service entrance might be noisy due to the hotel's street-facing location.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address and orientation of the Bluesky Hotel don't provide a clear indication of a recommended view, so views may vary.
Quietest floors
Floors 2-3 are likely to be quieter than the lower floors.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's street-facing location in Addis Ababa means that there may be some noise from the city streets, especially during peak hours. The single lift might also be a source of noise and congestion.
Insider tips
Don't miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine at nearby restaurants, which are within walking distance from the hotel. Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more natural light and a glimpse of the city.
- 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 — bluesky Hotel
Free, up to 500 MB per day, no login constraints
Serves all floors, including historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices, physical newspapers available in lobby
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 09:00, late check-out until 12:00 with ETB 500 (approximately USD 9) fee
Available for a fee of ETB 50 (approximately USD 0.90) per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, limited wheelchair accessibility in historic sections
On-site parking available for ETB 200 (approximately USD 3.70) per night, nearest public car park at Meskel Square for ETB 100 (approximately USD 1.80) per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 20 per night (approximately USD 0.40)
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of ETB 500 (approximately USD 9) at check-in, plus a credit card hold of ETB 1,000 (approximately USD 19) for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: 24 መስጅድ (331 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Beza international church (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Place of worship: Christ Embassy (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Mosque: Dewam Mosque (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Century Mall — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Shola Park — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bunna Bank ATM — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Local Pharmacy — 858 m · ~11 min walk
Food Mart — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Lem Hotel — 841 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Travellers can change money at the airport or at a local bank, but be aware that rates may be poor. The best rates are usually found at the private exchange bureaux on Bole Road.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Addis Ababa, but it's best to have some local currency for smaller purchases. Contactless payments are not common, so it's best to use your card for larger transactions.
Tipping is not mandatory, but 10-20 ETB for taxi drivers and 50-100 ETB for hotel staff is appreciated. In restaurants, 10% is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can get a traditional Ethiopian coffee for around 10-15 ETB at a local café.
A traditional injera bread with stews and salads costs around 20-30 ETB at a local eatery.
A plate of tibs (stir-fried meat) with vegetables costs around 50-70 ETB at a local restaurant.
The Mercato market has a variety of street food stalls offering traditional Ethiopian dishes at affordable prices.
You can find affordable groceries at the local markets or at supermarkets like Mega and Itulu.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Merkato or at shops along Bole Road.
A day pass for public transport costs around 5 ETB, and the cheapest way from the airport is by taking a taxi for around 100-150 ETB.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opt for local eateries instead. Use public transport instead of taxis. Use local banks to exchange money instead of airport bureaux.
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 bluesky Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Bunna Bank ATM — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk — pharmacy · Local Pharmacy — 858 m · ~11 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 bluesky Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to minimize street noise from the busy Addis Ababa streets. Avoid rooms near the lift as the hotel only has a single lift, which might be a bottleneck during peak hours.
Which rooms should I avoid at bluesky Hotel?
Rooms on the ground floor or near the service entrance might be noisy due to the hotel's street-facing location.
Is bluesky Hotel noisy?
The hotel's street-facing location in Addis Ababa means that there may be some noise from the city streets, especially during peak hours. The single lift might also be a source of noise and congestion.
Which rooms have the best views at bluesky Hotel?
Unfortunately, the address and orientation of the Bluesky Hotel don't provide a clear indication of a recommended view, so views may vary.
What are insider tips for staying at bluesky Hotel?
Don't miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine at nearby restaurants, which are within walking distance from the hotel. Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more natural light and a glimpse of the city.
What time is check-in at bluesky Hotel?
Check-in at bluesky Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does bluesky Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free, up to 500 MB per day, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at bluesky Hotel?
ETB 20 per night (approximately USD 0.40)
Where can I eat cheaply near bluesky Hotel?
A traditional injera bread with stews and salads costs around 20-30 ETB at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from bluesky Hotel?
A day pass for public transport costs around 5 ETB, and the cheapest way from the airport is by taking a taxi for around 100-150 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
September and November are ideal months to visit Addis Ababa, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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.