Your stay — MTDK Home
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The Property — MTDK Home
MTDK Home is a modest 3-star guesthouse in the Bole district, close to the airport and main shopping strip. The lobby feels functional and clean, with polished floors and a small seating area; it’s a no-frills base for transit travellers or short-stay business visitors. It suits someone who needs reliable WiFi, a decent breakfast and quick access to Bole International Airport, not a wanderer seeking character or nightlife.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Empress Taytu Betul, who chose the hot springs at the base of Mount Entoto. It grew rapidly under Emperor Menelik II as Ethiopia’s new capital, replacing the earlier hilltop settlement. The Italian occupation (1936–41) left a legacy of fascist-era architecture around Mercato and Piazza. Today, the city blends modernist high-rises with eucalyptus-shaded streets and is the diplomatic hub of Africa, hosting the African Union headquarters. Its identity is one of rapid change, where horse-drawn gari still dodge minibuses on chaotic roads.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
October and November, after the main rains, when skies clear and temperatures hover around 20°C. January is also excellent for dry, sunny days and lower tourist density than the festival-heavy months.
Peak / festival surge
July is the start of the heavy rainy season; it’s not peak for tourism but for the Ethiopian Orthodox festival of ‘Meskel’ (September). Prices at MTDK Home stay stable because it’s a budget hotel; the main crowd is travellers on business or connecting flights, not festival-goers.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer lighter rains and fewer visitors; room rates often drop 10–15% from the dry-season rates. The weather is still warm enough for sightseeing without the July downpours.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 metres elevation, so it’s warm by day but cool at night year-round. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and long trousers; leave shorts and sandals at home — the city is conservative and gets chilly after dark.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The new Bole-Lemi light-rail extension opened in early 2026, making it easier to reach Merkato from the airport area without a taxi. Check for disruptions during July rains.
- The Ethiopian government is still enforcing e-visa pre-approval for most nationals; allow at least 3 working days. On-arrival visas are no longer available at Bole airport for standard tourists.
- July 2026 coincides with the start of the rainy season, so expect occasional flight delays and muddy streets around Bole. The bole roundabout construction project has created congestion near the hotel; use the ring road instead.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to MTDK Home, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floors (4-6) are recommended due to the hotel's proximity to the city center. These floors typically have less street noise from the busy roads around Addis Ababa. Additionally, being higher up provides a better view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (1-3) and near the service entrance may experience some noise from the adjacent service corridors and staff activity.
Best views
Upper floors (4-6) offer a view of the surrounding cityscape and potentially the nearby streets.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6
🔊 Noise notes
As a city center hotel, MTDK Home will inevitably have some street noise, but the upper floors mitigate this. Be aware that the hotel's proximity to busy roads may still result in some traffic noise.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a higher floor number for a better view and reduced street noise. Take advantage of the hotel's central location by exploring the surrounding streets and markets, which offer a glimpse into Addis Ababa's rich cultural heritage.
- 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 — MTDK Home
Free, 5 Mbps; no login constraints
Yes, serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); no physical papers
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 08:00; 18:00 late check-out fee: 500.00 ETB
Available 24/7; 50.00 ETB per day
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrance; some rooms limited by narrow corridors
Limited on-site parking (20 spaces) + 100.00 ETB per night; nearest public car park (5-minute walk): 50.00 ETB per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 20.00 ETB per night, per person, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance payment via card at booking; 1000.00 ETB incidentals hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: ቅድስት አርሴማ ቤተ ክርስቲያን (1.5 km · ~18 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
You can exchange currency at local banks or forex bureaus, but be aware that rates at Bole International Airport are generally poor. You may get a slightly better rate at a local bank, like the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Addis Ababa, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless and mobile payments are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For restaurants and bars, 10-20 ETB per drink or meal is sufficient, while taxi drivers and hotel staff expect 20-50 ETB per day.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong and affordable coffee at a local kiosks for around 5-10 ETB.
A plate of injera and wot (stew) at a local eatery costs around 20-30 ETB.
A traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant costs around 50-70 ETB for a main course.
The Merkato market and nearby streets offer a variety of street food options, including roasted corn, popcorn, and fried doughnuts.
The nearest supermarket is the Grand Ethiopia Super Market, which offers a range of international and local products.
You can find affordable clothing at the Merkato market or along Churchill Road, where you can find local vendors selling traditional clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 10-20 ETB, and you can also take a taxi for around 50-100 ETB from the airport.
Bargain at local markets and bazaars to get the best prices.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use local currency and avoid exchanging money at the airport to get a better rate.
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 MTDK Home
🕒 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 MTDK Home?
Rooms on the upper floors (4-6) are recommended due to the hotel's proximity to the city center. These floors typically have less street noise from the busy roads around Addis Ababa. Additionally, being higher up provides a better view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at MTDK Home?
Rooms on the lower floors (1-3) and near the service entrance may experience some noise from the adjacent service corridors and staff activity.
Is MTDK Home noisy?
As a city center hotel, MTDK Home will inevitably have some street noise, but the upper floors mitigate this. Be aware that the hotel's proximity to busy roads may still result in some traffic noise.
Which rooms have the best views at MTDK Home?
Upper floors (4-6) offer a view of the surrounding cityscape and potentially the nearby streets.
What are insider tips for staying at MTDK Home?
Consider requesting a room with a higher floor number for a better view and reduced street noise. Take advantage of the hotel's central location by exploring the surrounding streets and markets, which offer a glimpse into Addis Ababa's rich cultural heritage.
What time is check-in at MTDK Home?
Check-in at MTDK Home is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does MTDK Home have Wi-Fi?
Free, 5 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at MTDK Home?
20.00 ETB per night, per person, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near MTDK Home?
A plate of injera and wot (stew) at a local eatery costs around 20-30 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from MTDK Home?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 10-20 ETB, and you can also take a taxi for around 50-100 ETB from the airport.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
October and November, after the main rains, when skies clear and temperatures hover around 20°C. January is also excellent for dry, sunny days and lower tourist density than the festival-heavy months.
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.