Your stay — Demesew 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 — Demesew House
Demesew House is a 3-star hotel with a blend of traditional Ethiopian architecture and modern amenities. The lobby features a spacious, high-ceilinged reception area with dark wood accents and plush furnishings, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere. This property suits travellers looking for a comfortable base in a convenient location, with a short walk to the National Museum and other local attractions. The hotel's staff is known for their friendly and helpful service, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Addis Ababa.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, was built on a site chosen for its natural spring and accessibility. The city's architecture reflects its history, with a mix of traditional Ethiopian and Italian colonial styles, particularly in the Merkato market area. In recent years, Addis Ababa has undergone significant urban development, with new skyscrapers and modern infrastructure transforming the cityscape. Today, Addis Ababa is a thriving cultural hub, with a rich heritage of music, art, and cuisine, and a growing expat community. The city is also home to the African Union headquarters, reflecting its status as a key diplomatic and economic centre.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are October, November, and December, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month, driven by the annual Ethiopian Festival of the Immaculate Conception, which attracts large crowds and higher hotel prices. The festival takes place on July 7th and is a major celebration of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, with processions, music, and traditional dancing.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from March to May and September to November, offers the best value for money, with lower prices and fewer tourists, while still enjoying pleasant weather.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa has a high altitude, which means the temperature can drop significantly at night, so pack layers for cooler evenings. It's also a city with a lot of sun, so don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The city's new light rail system, the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit, is currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2027, improving public transportation options. The Merkato market is being renovated, with a new, modern shopping centre set to open soon. The Ethiopian government has introduced a new visa policy, requiring visitors to apply online in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Demesew House, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's street-facing rooms might be affected by traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors (ground floor or 1st floor) as they may be subject to constant noise from the lift and possibly service staff.
Best views
As Demesew House is located in Addis Ababa, rooms on the higher floors (5th floor and above) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
5th floor and above are likely to be quieter, as they are further away from the street and lift noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the busy roads surrounding the hotel may be a consideration for rooms on lower floors or facing the street.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more space and a view, if available. Be prepared for limited parking options, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot or use a nearby public parking lot.
- 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 — Demesew House
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no historic sections with stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out: ETB 500 penalty before 14:00, ETB 1000 after
Available for a flat rate of ETB 200 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, one elevator not wheelchair accessible due to historic constraints
On-site parking available at ETB 200 per night, nearest public car park at Meskel Square is ETB 100 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 5 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: ETB 500 advance deposit + ETB 1000 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Change money at authorized forex bureaux at Bole International Airport or at local banks; avoid airport bureaux for poor rates; use a reputable forex service like Western Union for better rates.
Most major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops; some smaller businesses may only accept cash or mobile payments like M-Pesa.
Round up the bill or leave 10% at restaurants, 100-200 ETB for taxi drivers, and 50-100 ETB per day for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A traditional Ethiopian coffee, locally known as 'jebena', is around 20-30 ETB at a local café.
A filling injera with vegetables and spices can be found for around 50-70 ETB at a market or food stall.
A traditional Ethiopian dish called 'tibs' at a local eatery costs around 80-120 ETB.
The Merkato market and nearby streets are popular for cheap eats, with options like roasted corn, popcorn, and fried doughnuts.
Local supermarkets like Mega and Itulu are common in the area; they offer a range of products at affordable prices.
The Merkato market is a great place to find affordable, traditional Ethiopian clothing and textiles.
A day pass for public buses costs around 5-10 ETB; from the airport, take a taxi or a minibus (around 150-200 ETB) to get to the city center.
Bargain at markets and street stalls to get the best prices.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to save money.
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 Demesew House
🕒 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.
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 Demesew House?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's street-facing rooms might be affected by traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Demesew House?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors (ground floor or 1st floor) as they may be subject to constant noise from the lift and possibly service staff.
Is Demesew House noisy?
Street noise from the busy roads surrounding the hotel may be a consideration for rooms on lower floors or facing the street.
Which rooms have the best views at Demesew House?
As Demesew House is located in Addis Ababa, rooms on the higher floors (5th floor and above) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Demesew House?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more space and a view, if available. Be prepared for limited parking options, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot or use a nearby public parking lot.
What time is check-in at Demesew House?
Check-in at Demesew House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Demesew House have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Demesew House?
ETB 5 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Demesew House?
A filling injera with vegetables and spices can be found for around 50-70 ETB at a market or food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Demesew House?
A day pass for public buses costs around 5-10 ETB; from the airport, take a taxi or a minibus (around 150-200 ETB) to get to the city center.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
The best months to visit Addis Ababa are October, November, and December, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), making it ideal 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.