Your stay — Faafen Hotel
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 — Faafen Hotel
Faafen Hotel is a solid mid-range option in the Bole district, a short walk from the airport terminal. The lobby feels like a busy business hotel with dark wood furniture, bright local art on the walls, and a front desk that moves quickly. It suits travellers who need reliable comfort, free airport transfers, and a restaurant that serves both Ethiopian and continental food. The USP is convenience: you can check in and have an Ethiopian beer in the garden bar within 20 minutes of landing.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II when his wife Empress Taytu Betul chose the hot springs at the foot of Mount Entoto for a new capital. The city grew rapidly from a military camp into a railway hub and diplomatic centre, hosting the African Union today. Architecturally, it mixes Italian-era villas from the 1930s occupation with brutalist high-rises and sleek Chinese-built conference halls. Contemporary identity revolves around being the political capital of Africa, yet the streets retain a lively local rhythm of coffee ceremonies and minibus taxis.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
October and November mark the end of the main rainy season and the start of the dry months, with clear skies and average highs around 22°C. February is also excellent – it's the peak of the dry season with abundant sunshine and very little rain, perfect for sightseeing.
Peak / festival surge
January sees the highest hotel occupancy due to the Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) on 7 January and the Timkat festival on 19 January. Prices at Faafen can rise by 30-40% during this period. The Great Ethiopian Run in mid-November also drives a weekend spike.
Budget shoulder season
March and April offer the best value: rains have not yet arrived in force, daytime temperatures are warm (20-25°C), and hotel rates drop by 20-30% from the holiday peak. Crowds are thin except during the Addis Ababa City Marathon in April.
Weather & packing
Addis sits at 2,355 metres, so it's rarely hot – daytime highs rarely exceed 25°C, and nights drop to 10°C. Pack a fleece or jumper for evenings and a light waterproof jacket – sudden afternoon hailstorms and drizzle can happen even in the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The Bole–Mexico–Piassa light rail line extension is ongoing, causing traffic diversions around Bole Road – allow extra time for journeys between the hotel and the city centre until late 2026.
- A new multi-storey car park opened in early 2026 at Bole International Airport, 800 metres from Faafen, reducing street congestion for drop-offs.
- Ethiopia continues its push for visa on arrival at Bole Airport for over 60 nationalities – check your eligibility before travel; the process at arrivals can add 20–30 minutes in July.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Faafen Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may be subject to street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa. If possible, opt for rooms on the east or west side of the hotel to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and potential noise from the city streets.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be noisier due to the hotel's proximity to the street and potential foot traffic. Also, steer clear of rooms near the lift, as elevator noise can be a disturbance.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa does not provide a clear indication of a notable view. However, rooms on the higher floors (above 5th floor) may offer a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
The 6th floor and above should be relatively quiet, given the hotel's layout and the likelihood of fewer rooms on higher floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Noise from the streets and surrounding area may be a concern, particularly for light sleepers. Be prepared for potential disruptions from traffic, pedestrians, and nearby construction.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk to request assistance with any issues or concerns. This can help ensure a smooth stay. Consider visiting the nearby Mercato, one of the oldest markets in Africa, which is within walking distance from the hotel. This can be a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
- 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 — Faafen Hotel
Free Wi-Fi, 2 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but elevator access to the rooftop bar is restricted during peak hours
Complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader app, physical newspapers available at the lobby
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (30 ETB late check-out fee)
Available 24/7, 50 ETB per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrance, but some rooms have structural limitations due to historic building quirks
On-site valet parking, 100 ETB per night, plus 200 ETB for late check-out parking; nearest public car park is 500m away, 150 ETB per day; electric vehicle charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10 ETB per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of 100% of the total stay, plus a credit card hold of 500 ETB for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: ቦሌ ቃለ ሕይወት ቤተ-ክርስቲያን (275 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Hacheva Mosque (326 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: ቦሌ ሚካኤል ቤ/ክ (975 m · ~12 min walk)
- Place of worship: ቦሌ ደብረ ምሕረት ቅዱስ ሚካኤል ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፱፻፷፰ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (981 m · ~12 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 799 m · ~10 min walk
Kab Pharmacy — 809 m · ~10 min walk
Nifas Silk 2 — 2.6 km · ~33 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Exchanging currency at a local bank or an authorized money changer is recommended to get a fair rate; avoid changing money at the airport or tourist bureaux as the rates are often poor. You can also withdraw ETB from an ATM with your debit/credit card.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Addis Ababa, especially in tourist areas, but cash is still preferred for smaller transactions; contactless payments and mobile payments are becoming more common, especially among the younger population.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, especially for good service; 10-20 birr for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, 5-10 birr for taxi drivers, and 10-20 birr per night for hotel staff is considered sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of strong coffee for around 5-10 ETB at a local coffee shop or tea house.
A traditional Ethiopian plate of injera and stews can be found for around 20-30 ETB at a local eatery.
A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 50-80 ETB for a main course.
The Merkato market area is a great place to try local street food and cheap eats.
Local markets like Merkato and Atelset are good places to buy affordable groceries.
You can find affordable clothing at the Merkato market or the nearby shops on Kirkos.
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 ETB) or taxi (around 10-20 ETB), and a day pass for the city bus system costs around 10 ETB.
Bargain when shopping at local markets to get a good price.Eat at local restaurants and food stalls for a fraction of the cost of mid-range restaurants.Use public transportation instead of taxis 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 Faafen Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 799 m · ~10 min walk — pharmacy · Kab Pharmacy — 809 m · ~10 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 Faafen Hotel?
Request rooms on higher floors (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may be subject to street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa. If possible, opt for rooms on the east or west side of the hotel to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and potential noise from the city streets.
Which rooms should I avoid at Faafen Hotel?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be noisier due to the hotel's proximity to the street and potential foot traffic. Also, steer clear of rooms near the lift, as elevator noise can be a disturbance.
Is Faafen Hotel noisy?
Noise from the streets and surrounding area may be a concern, particularly for light sleepers. Be prepared for potential disruptions from traffic, pedestrians, and nearby construction.
Which rooms have the best views at Faafen Hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa does not provide a clear indication of a notable view. However, rooms on the higher floors (above 5th floor) may offer a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Faafen Hotel?
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk to request assistance with any issues or concerns. This can help ensure a smooth stay. Consider visiting the nearby Mercato, one of the oldest markets in Africa, which is within walking distance from the hotel. This can be a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
What time is check-in at Faafen Hotel?
Check-in at Faafen Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Faafen Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi, 2 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Faafen Hotel?
10 ETB per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Faafen Hotel?
A traditional Ethiopian plate of injera and stews can be found for around 20-30 ETB at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Faafen Hotel?
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 ETB) or taxi (around 10-20 ETB), and a day pass for the city bus system costs around 10 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
October and November mark the end of the main rainy season and the start of the dry months, with clear skies and average highs around 22°C. February is also excellent – it's the peak of the dry season with abundant sunshine and very little rain, perfect for sightseeing.
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.