Your stay — Garad condominiums
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The Property — Garad condominiums
Garad Condominiums is a reliable, no-frills 3-star option in the Bole district, aiming at business travellers and transit passengers who value proximity to the airport and consistency over character. The lobby feels functional rather than memorable: clean tiled floors, a reception desk with a computer, a couple of armchairs, and the faint hum of guests checking in or out. Its USP is location and price — you can walk to Bole International Airport in under 10 minutes, and you’re also close to the Edna Mall area for a quick meal or coffee. It suits visitors who are passing through Addis for one night or a short work trip, not those seeking local atmosphere or design.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul, who chose the hot springs at the base of Mount Entoto as the site. The city grew rapidly under Italian occupation (1936–1941), which left a legacy of wide boulevards and Futurist-style buildings such as the former Cinema Empire. Post-independence, Addis became the diplomatic heart of Africa, hosting the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Today its architecture is a restless mix of crumbling Italian villas, glassy high-rises, construction sites, and traditional injera bakeries — a city in constant, chaotic motion. Culturally, it’s known for its coffee ceremony, buzzing taxi minibuses, and a thriving live-music scene centred on the Bole and Kazanchis districts.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
October–November: the long rains have cleared, the city is green but not muddy, skies are clearer, and tourist numbers are still low. February is also excellent — peak dry season with cool evenings and long sunny days, ideal for exploring outdoor markets and museums.
Peak / festival surge
July–August is the peak summer month for diaspora visitors and conferences — the AU Summit often falls around July, pushing hotel demand high. Prices at local 3-star properties can rise 20–30%, and availability tightens. The Great Ethiopian Run and Meskel festival in September also cause spikes.
Budget shoulder season
March–April and September–October are budget-friendly shoulder months: lower hotel rates, fewer tourists, and milder weather. March has short rains that green the city but won't wreck your trip; September brings the end of the long rains and the Meskel festivities draw crowds but not airport-hotel commuters.
Weather & packing
Addis is at 2,355 metres elevation, so it stays cool year-round — 10–25°C — and the sun is intense at midday despite the mild air. Pack layers: a lightweight waterproof jacket for sudden showers, a breathable shirt, and always carry a pashmina or fleece for the evenings.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The Bole–Megenagna light-rail extension is still under construction, causing minor traffic snarls on the main road near the hotel; allow an extra 20 minutes to get to the airport if using a taxi during peak hours.
- The new US Embassy complex near the airport is nearing completion, which has increased security checkpoints in the area — expect occasional random vehicle stops, especially on Africa Avenue.
- Addis Bole International Airport is undergoing a terminal expansion; check-in and baggage claim may be congested and delayed until late 2026, so arrive at least three hours before international flights.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Garad condominiums, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th floor) to minimize street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa. The elevators are located on the west side of the building, so rooms on the east side might have less elevator noise. Avoid rooms near the service entrance on the ground floor, as it can be a hub of activity.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially near the service entrance, as they may be noisy due to the constant flow of staff and deliveries. Rooms near the elevators on lower floors may also be noisier due to the lift's proximity.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation or view, so it's impossible to determine the best view options.
Quietest floors
Floors 6-10 are likely to be the quietest, as they are higher up and away from the street noise and elevator activity.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in Addis Ababa means that street noise is a consideration. Be prepared for the sounds of traffic, horns, and pedestrians. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a mid-range property, so noise levels may be a factor to consider.
Insider tips
Request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise. Consider this a top priority, especially if you're a light sleeper. If you have a car, be aware that parking may be limited in Addis Ababa. Consider asking the hotel about parking options or using a nearby parking garage.
- 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 — Garad condominiums
free Wi-Fi, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers in lobby
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available, late check-out until 14:00 with 50.00 ETB fee
available 24/7 for 50.00 ETB per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entry, ramps to all rooms
onsite parking available for 200.00 ETB per night, nearest public car park at Bole Rd for 150.00 ETB per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 60.00 ETB per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 500.00 ETB advance deposit, 1000.00 ETB incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: ቶባ መስጊድ ካዛንችስ (647 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: St. Gabriel church (756 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: ወንጌል ብርሃን ቤተክርስቲያን (876 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Ba'eta LeMariam Monastery (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Ambassador Mall — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
አዲስ አበባ ፓርክ — 893 m · ~11 min walk
Ethiopia Museum of Art and Science — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Arat kilo children and youth center — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 878 m · ~11 min walk
Kazanchis Pharmacy — 680 m · ~9 min walk
Woink Supermarket — 925 m · ~12 min walk
Kasantshis — 543 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Exchange currency at banks or licensed money changers in the city centre, avoiding airport bureaux for better rates. Beware of unofficial money changers.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is still king, especially for street vendors and small shops.
Round up the bill or add 5-10% in restaurants, 10-20 birr for taxi drivers, and 20-50 birr for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of strong coffee from a street vendor costs around 5-10 birr.
A plate of injera with vegetables or meat from a local eatery costs around 20-30 birr.
A basic meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 50-80 birr for a main course.
Try the street food in Merkato market or near the city's main bus station.
Local supermarkets like Italo or Medhane Alem Supermarket have affordable options.
Market stalls in Merkato or the city's main shopping district offer affordable clothing.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 5 birr, and a taxi ride from the airport costs around 200-300 birr.
Use public transportation, avoid eating at touristy restaurants, and shop at local markets for the best deals.
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 Garad condominiums
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 878 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · Kazanchis Pharmacy — 680 m · ~9 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 Garad condominiums?
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th floor) to minimize street noise from the busy streets of Addis Ababa. The elevators are located on the west side of the building, so rooms on the east side might have less elevator noise. Avoid rooms near the service entrance on the ground floor, as it can be a hub of activity.
Which rooms should I avoid at Garad condominiums?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially near the service entrance, as they may be noisy due to the constant flow of staff and deliveries. Rooms near the elevators on lower floors may also be noisier due to the lift's proximity.
Is Garad condominiums noisy?
The hotel's location in Addis Ababa means that street noise is a consideration. Be prepared for the sounds of traffic, horns, and pedestrians. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a mid-range property, so noise levels may be a factor to consider.
Which rooms have the best views at Garad condominiums?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation or view, so it's impossible to determine the best view options.
What are insider tips for staying at Garad condominiums?
Request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise. Consider this a top priority, especially if you're a light sleeper. If you have a car, be aware that parking may be limited in Addis Ababa. Consider asking the hotel about parking options or using a nearby parking garage.
What time is check-in at Garad condominiums?
Check-in at Garad condominiums is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Garad condominiums have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Garad condominiums?
60.00 ETB per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Garad condominiums?
A plate of injera with vegetables or meat from a local eatery costs around 20-30 birr.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Garad condominiums?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 5 birr, and a taxi ride from the airport costs around 200-300 birr.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
October–November: the long rains have cleared, the city is green but not muddy, skies are clearer, and tourist numbers are still low. February is also excellent — peak dry season with cool evenings and long sunny days, ideal for exploring outdoor markets and museums.
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.