Your stay — Dave House
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 — Dave House
Dave House is a no-frills 3-star hotel in the heart of Addis Ababa, its lobby's warm colours and simple furniture reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage. The hotel's modest size and prices make it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers, especially those on a tight schedule. The staff is friendly and helpful, often going out of their way to assist guests. It's a place to rest your head while exploring the city's vibrant markets and historical landmarks. Don't expect luxurious amenities, but do expect a clean and comfortable room.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II as a humble village, but it quickly grew into the capital of Ethiopia after Menelik II's victory in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The city's architecture is a mix of ancient and modern styles, with the iconic Holy Trinity Cathedral standing alongside sleek, high-rise buildings. Addis Ababa is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern life. The city's cultural identity is shaped by its rich history, with many museums and cultural institutions showcasing the country's unique heritage. The city's nickname, 'Sheba's Finest', is a testament to its enduring legacy.
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 around 22°C (72°F). November is also a good option, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Addis Ababa, with prices increasing by up to 20% due to the city's busy festival calendar. The Ethiopian Festival of Flowers takes place in June, attracting visitors from around the world. Hotel prices tend to rise during this time, so book in advance to secure a room.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, and prices are lower. Expect to save up to 30% on hotel rates during this time.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa's climate is characterized by a moderate climate with two rainy seasons, but the dry season is generally pleasant. Pack light and breathable clothing for your visit, and don't forget an umbrella for the occasional sudden rain shower.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- A new metro line is currently under construction in Addis Ababa, expected to be completed by 2027, which will significantly improve public transportation. The city's famous Merkato market has been renovated and expanded, offering a more modern and efficient shopping experience. The Ethiopian government has introduced a new visa policy, allowing visitors to apply for an e-visa online, making it easier to enter the country.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Dave House, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Consider requesting rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) as they are likely to be quieter due to reduced street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa. Additionally, rooms with a west or south-facing orientation may receive more natural light and have a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift as they may experience noise from staff and guests moving in and out of the hotel.
Best views
Since the hotel's address is in Addis Ababa, rooms with a north or east-facing orientation may have a better view of the surrounding cityscape, possibly including the nearby Mercato market or the National Museum.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-7 are likely to be the quietest due to their height and distance from the street level.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa, which can be a challenge in any hotel in the city.
Insider tips
If you're driving, consider requesting a room closer to the lobby to minimize walking distance to the parking area. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk and ask for assistance with arranging airport transfers or local transportation to help navigate 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 — Dave House
free, 50 Mbps speed, unlimited devices, no login constraint
serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical papers in the lobby
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM; early bag-drop available from 8:00 AM; late check-out until 2:00 PM (1,500 ETB fee)
available (250 ETB per item, per day)
step-free access, wheelchair entries, accessible rooms available on request
on-site parking available (500 ETB per night), valet parking available (1,000 ETB per night); nearest public car park, 5 minutes walk, 200 ETB per day; EV charging available (1,000 ETB per charge)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 15.00 ETB per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit + 1000 ETB incidental card hold at check-in for 2026-07-10 to 2026-07-11 (weekday), 75% advance deposit + 1500 ETB incidental card hold at check-in for 2026-07-10 to 2026-07-11 (Saturday), 100% advance deposit + 2000 ETB incidental card hold at check-in for 2026-07-10 to 2026-07-11 (Sunday)
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: ቦሌ መንበረ ብርሃን ቅዱስ እግዚአብሔር አብ ቤተ ክርስቲያን (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: እግዚያብሄር አብ (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Beza international church (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Church: St. Giorgis church (1.6 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Century Mall — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 156 m · ~2 min walk
Kaleab Pharmacy — 311 m · ~4 min walk
Gurd Sholla 1 — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Change money at licensed currency exchange offices or banks; avoid airport bureaux for poor rates. You can also use ATMs to withdraw ETB with a debit/credit card.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Addis Ababa, especially in hotels, restaurants, and major shops. Contactless payments and mobile payments like M-Pesa are also common.
Tipping is expected in restaurants (5-10 ETB per meal), for taxi drivers (5 ETB for short trips), and hotel staff (10 ETB per day).
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee is around 5 ETB at a local café
A budget lunch option is a traditional injera with stews or salads for around 20-30 ETB
A typical affordable dinner is around 50-70 ETB for a main course at a mid-range restaurant
Try the street food at Merkato market or around the city's main bus station for affordable eats
Local supermarkets like Mega and Itulu are common in Addis Ababa
Affordable shopping can be found at Merkato market or the nearby Kotebe market
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 2 ETB) or taxi (around 10 ETB for short trips); a day pass for public transportation costs around 10 ETB
Consider buying snacks and water at local markets, use public transportation, and avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas.
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 Dave House
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 156 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Kaleab Pharmacy — 311 m · ~4 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 Dave House?
Consider requesting rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) as they are likely to be quieter due to reduced street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa. Additionally, rooms with a west or south-facing orientation may receive more natural light and have a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Which rooms should I avoid at Dave House?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift as they may experience noise from staff and guests moving in and out of the hotel.
Is Dave House noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa, which can be a challenge in any hotel in the city.
Which rooms have the best views at Dave House?
Since the hotel's address is in Addis Ababa, rooms with a north or east-facing orientation may have a better view of the surrounding cityscape, possibly including the nearby Mercato market or the National Museum.
What are insider tips for staying at Dave House?
If you're driving, consider requesting a room closer to the lobby to minimize walking distance to the parking area. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk and ask for assistance with arranging airport transfers or local transportation to help navigate the city.
What time is check-in at Dave House?
Check-in at Dave House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Dave House have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps speed, unlimited devices, no login constraint
Is there a city or tourist tax at Dave House?
15.00 ETB per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Dave House?
A budget lunch option is a traditional injera with stews or salads for around 20-30 ETB
What is the cheapest way to get around from Dave House?
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 2 ETB) or taxi (around 10 ETB for short trips); a day pass for public transportation costs around 10 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 around 22°C (72°F). November is also a good option, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
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.