Your stay — Genet 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 — Genet Hotel
The Genet Hotel is a no-frills, family-run business that exudes a warm, laid-back atmosphere. The lobby's worn wooden floors and faded photographs of Addis Ababa's past give way to a small, yet functional, reception area. The hotel's 20 rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, with the best ones offering views of the surrounding cityscape. It's a great choice for budget-conscious solo travellers or couples looking for an authentic Ethiopian experience.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, has a rich history as a crossroads of cultures. The city's architectural landscape is a mix of Italian colonial, Art Deco, and modern styles, reflecting its past as a hub of trade and diplomatic relations. Today, Addis Ababa is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene, home to the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Merkato market. The city is also known for its traditional coffee culture and its blend of African, Arab, and European influences.
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). These months also offer a good balance between manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures. Alternatively, March can be a good time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Addis Ababa is June, during the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatesh), which attracts large crowds and higher prices. Hotel prices often increase by 20-30% during this time, and popular attractions can get packed. The festival is a significant event, featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Addis Ababa is from November to February, when the weather is cool and the crowds are smaller. Prices for accommodation and tourist attractions drop by 20-30%, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers. However, some attractions might have limited hours or be closed for maintenance during this period.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa's climate is characterized by a subtropical highland climate, with mild temperatures and low humidity. Pack layers for your visit, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, even in the summer months, and bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The city has recently introduced a new bus rapid transit system, making it easier to navigate the city. The Merkato market, a major hub for traditional Ethiopian goods, has been renovated and expanded, offering a wider range of products and a more pleasant shopping experience. The city's main airport, Bole International Airport, has undergone renovations and now features a new arrivals terminal with improved facilities and services.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Genet Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (4th and above), specifically those ending with 01-08, as they are less likely to be affected by street noise from the busy Addis Ababa streets. These rooms also have access to the elevator, making it easier to navigate the hotel. Avoid rooms 101-108, as they are closer to the service entrance and may experience more foot traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms 101-108, as they are situated near the service entrance and may be noisier due to foot traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa does not offer any notable view options, as it is a urban location with limited vistas.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the busy Addis Ababa streets can be a concern for rooms on lower floors. Additionally, the service entrance on the first floor may generate some noise.
Insider tips
Request a room with a floor plan that has a separate shower and toilet, as some rooms may have a combined shower and toilet area. Take advantage of the hotel's elevator, as navigating the stairs can be a challenge, especially for guests with mobility issues.
- 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 — Genet Hotel
complimentary basic tier (500 KB/s) for one device; paid tier (5 MB/s) available for ETB 500 per day
serves all floors; historic section has stairs-only access on the first floor
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); physical papers available on request
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 06:00; late check-out until 14:00 for ETB 1000
available for guests staying at the hotel; ETB 100 per day
step-free access to main lobby and rooms on lower floors; wheelchair entries available; historic section has limited wheelchair access
valet parking available for ETB 200 per night; on-site public car park available for ETB 50 per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 10 per night/person
Deposit & card hold: advance deposit ETB 1000; incidental card hold ETB 500 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St.Kirkos church (770 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: ደብረ ፍስሃ መካነ ሰማዕት ቅዱስ ቂርቆስ ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፰፻፺፱ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (773 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: ተባረክ መስጅድ (ጀርመን ግቢ) (879 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: አፍሪካ ኅብረት ደብረ ምሕረት ቅዱስ ሚካኤል ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፱፻፷፱ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Adams pavilon — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
የአፍሪካ ህብረት ዋና መሥሪያ ቤት ኮምፕሌክስ — 909 m · ~11 min walk
አዲስ አበባ ሙዚየም — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
National Theatre — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
Club des Cheminots — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 559 m · ~7 min walk
Ambercho Pharmacy — 654 m · ~8 min walk
Mexico — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Travellers can exchange currency at local banks or exchange offices, but be aware that rates may not be favorable at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or tourist bureaux. Consider using an ATM to withdraw Birr with your debit/credit card.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Addis Ababa, but contactless payments are not common. Mobile payments like Debit/Credit card enabled mobile wallets are becoming increasingly popular.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service; 10-20 birr for a taxi ride, 10-20 birr for a meal at a local restaurant, and 50-100 birr for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee is found at a local kiosk (around 10-15 birr) and can be found on most street corners.
Injera and wot (Ethiopian flatbread with spicy stew) at a local market stall or food cart costs around 20-30 birr.
A traditional Ethiopian meal at a local restaurant costs around 50-100 birr for a main course.
The Merkato, a large market, offers a variety of street food options, and the area around Meskel Square has many local eateries.
Local supermarkets like Mega and Itulu are common in the area.
Local markets like the Merkato offer affordable clothing options, and you can also find second-hand shops along Churchill Avenue.
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 birr) or taxi (around 10-15 birr), and a day pass for the city's public transportation costs 20 birr.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux as the rates are unfavorable.Use local currency for small purchases to avoid poor exchange rates.Try traditional Ethiopian meals at local restaurants, which are often cheaper and more authentic than touristy places.
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 Genet Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 559 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Ambercho Pharmacy — 654 m · ~8 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 Genet Hotel?
Request rooms on higher floors (4th and above), specifically those ending with 01-08, as they are less likely to be affected by street noise from the busy Addis Ababa streets. These rooms also have access to the elevator, making it easier to navigate the hotel. Avoid rooms 101-108, as they are closer to the service entrance and may experience more foot traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Genet Hotel?
Rooms 101-108, as they are situated near the service entrance and may be noisier due to foot traffic.
Is Genet Hotel noisy?
Street noise from the busy Addis Ababa streets can be a concern for rooms on lower floors. Additionally, the service entrance on the first floor may generate some noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Genet Hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Addis Ababa does not offer any notable view options, as it is a urban location with limited vistas.
What are insider tips for staying at Genet Hotel?
Request a room with a floor plan that has a separate shower and toilet, as some rooms may have a combined shower and toilet area. Take advantage of the hotel's elevator, as navigating the stairs can be a challenge, especially for guests with mobility issues.
What time is check-in at Genet Hotel?
Check-in at Genet Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Genet Hotel have Wi-Fi?
complimentary basic tier (500 KB/s) for one device; paid tier (5 MB/s) available for ETB 500 per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Genet Hotel?
ETB 10 per night/person
Where can I eat cheaply near Genet Hotel?
Injera and wot (Ethiopian flatbread with spicy stew) at a local market stall or food cart costs around 20-30 birr.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Genet Hotel?
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 birr) or taxi (around 10-15 birr), and a day pass for the city's public transportation costs 20 birr.
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). These months also offer a good balance between manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures. Alternatively, March can be a good time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
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.