Your stay — Selam Pension
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The Property — Selam Pension
Selam Pension is a no-frills, family-run guesthouse in the Bole district, a short walk from the airport. The lobby is a modest, tiled space with worn armchairs, a small reception desk and a constant hum of Ethiopian jazz from a radio behind the counter. It suits budget travellers, transit passengers and anyone wanting a clean, safe place to sleep without pretension. The USP is location and price: you can get a simple double room with en-suite bathroom for well under $50 a night, and be at the terminal in ten minutes.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul, who chose the hot springs at Filwoha as the site for a new capital. From a collection of thatched huts it grew rapidly, and under Emperor Haile Selassie it became the seat of the African Union, cementing its role as the diplomatic heart of the continent. Its grid is irregular, weaving together Italian-era stucco villas, Soviet-era concrete blocks and slick glass towers that house NGOs and airlines. Today the city is a buzzing, chaotic sprawl of 3.8 million people, where Orthodox priests in white robes walk past street vendors selling sambusas and cartons of macchiato.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
November to February — these are the dry season months with clear skies and daytime temperatures around 22-25°C, ideal for sightseeing. Crowds are moderate because it's the main tourist season but not packed.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is October and January, driven by the Ethiopian Orthodox festival Meskel (late September/early October) and the general holiday season; hotel prices in Bole can jump 20-30%. Christmas celebrations (January 7, Ethiopian calendar) also draw domestic visitors.
Budget shoulder season
March and June are good shoulder months: March is the tail of the cool dry season with thinner crowds; June is the start of the long rains but mornings are often fine and prices drop as occupancy falls. May is also quiet.
Weather & packing
Addis sits at 2,355 metres, so evenings are chilly even in July — expect 10-15°C after dark. Pack a fleece or light jacket for evenings and a compact umbrella; July is peak rainy season with frequent afternoon downpours.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line along Bole Road opened in late 2025, reducing congestion along the airport corridor; it runs every 10 minutes and costs 10 birr per ride.
- The ongoing renovation of Meskel Square reopened its central plaza in March 2026, with wider pedestrian areas and a new monument commemorating the 2020-2022 conflict. Expect occasional road closures for state events.
- The Addis Ababa Light Rail service has added night runs until 11pm during the July rainy season, making it easier to get back from restaurants in Mexico Square area.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Selam Pension, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience more street noise from the busy roads surrounding the hotel. Additionally, consider rooms with a balcony for a view of the city.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as they may be noisier due to the constant flow of guests and staff.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor or above) may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
The 4th floor and above are likely to be the quietest, as they are away from the main road and lift area.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may experience noise from the nearby streets, which can be busy and noisy, especially during rush hour.
Insider tips
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may get busy. 2. Request extra towels or amenities at the front desk, as they may not be readily available in the rooms.
- 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 — Selam Pension
free Wi-Fi throughout the property, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, but some stairs-only sections in historic building
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices
check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 for Birr 500 fee
available for a fee of Birr 100 per day
step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, but some rooms have structural limitations
on-site parking available for Birr 200 per night, nearest public car park 500 meters away for Birr 100 per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Birr 1.50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: Birr 500 advance deposit and a card hold of Birr 2,000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Thehadso International Church (391 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Southern Addis Ababa Meserete Kristos Church (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Mosque: Welo Sefer Mosque (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Place of worship: ህያው ቃል ቤተክርስቲያን (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Demble City Center — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Peacock Park — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
አዲስ አበባ ሙዚየም — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 636 m · ~8 min walk
Nile Pharmacy — 380 m · ~5 min walk
Temenja Yazh — 1.2 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
You can exchange currency at the airport or at banks in the city centre, but be aware that rates may not be favourable. It's recommended to exchange some money at the airport, but not all of it, as you may be able to get a better rate in the city.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and bars, but some smaller businesses may only accept cash. Contactless and mobile payments are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For taxis, it's around 10-20 ETB, and for hotel staff, 50-100 ETB per day is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a traditional injera and coffee for around 10-15 ETB at a local café.
A traditional Ethiopian dish like tibs or misir wot can be found for around 25-35 ETB at a local eatery.
A basic Ethiopian meal at a local restaurant can cost around 50-70 ETB for a main course.
The Merkato market area has a variety of street food stalls offering traditional snacks and meals.
Local supermarkets like Hamlin and Robi Supermarket are common in the area and offer affordable prices.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like Merkato or at shops along Meskel Square.
A single bus ticket costs around 2 ETB, and a day pass can be bought for around 10 ETB.
Bargain and negotiate prices at markets and from taxi drivers.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use public transport 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 Selam Pension
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 636 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Nile Pharmacy — 380 m · ~5 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 Selam Pension?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience more street noise from the busy roads surrounding the hotel. Additionally, consider rooms with a balcony for a view of the city.
Which rooms should I avoid at Selam Pension?
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as they may be noisier due to the constant flow of guests and staff.
Is Selam Pension noisy?
Guests may experience noise from the nearby streets, which can be busy and noisy, especially during rush hour.
Which rooms have the best views at Selam Pension?
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor or above) may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Selam Pension?
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may get busy. 2. Request extra towels or amenities at the front desk, as they may not be readily available in the rooms.
What time is check-in at Selam Pension?
Check-in at Selam Pension is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Selam Pension have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout the property, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Selam Pension?
Birr 1.50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Selam Pension?
A traditional Ethiopian dish like tibs or misir wot can be found for around 25-35 ETB at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Selam Pension?
A single bus ticket costs around 2 ETB, and a day pass can be bought for around 10 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
November to February — these are the dry season months with clear skies and daytime temperatures around 22-25°C, ideal for sightseeing. Crowds are moderate because it's the main tourist season but not packed.
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.