Your stay — Sunspot
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The Property — Sunspot
Sunspot is a no-frills three-star in the Bole district, a few minutes from the airport. The lobby feels like a functional transit hub: tiled floors, a small front desk, a seating area with dark leather sofas and a TV airing Ethiopian news. It suits short-stay business travellers or anyone needing a clean, reliable room near the airport without paying for frills.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taytu Betul, who chose the site for its hot springs and high-altitude climate. The city expanded rapidly in the 20th century as the seat of the African Union and remains a diplomatic capital. Its architecture mixes Italian colonial villas, brutalist blocks and modern glass towers, with the Entoto Mountains rising to the north. Today Addis is known for its lively coffee culture, sprawling mercato, and as a hub for pan-African politics and culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
October and November – dry season, clear skies, pleasant 15-23°C days, and fewer tourists after the rainy season ends. March is also good, with mild weather.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is January (African Union summit) and late September (Ethiopian New Year / Enkutatash). Hotel prices can double; advance booking essential. Roads clogged with delegations and festival traffic.
Budget shoulder season
April and early June – tail end of small rains, still decent weather, hotel rates drop 20-30% from peak. June 27-28 falls in early rainy season; expect afternoon downpours but lower prices.
Weather & packing
Addis Ababa sits at 2,355m, so evenings can drop below 10°C year-round – pack a warm jacket. For a late June stay, bring a waterproof coat and sturdy umbrella; rain typically arrives in short, heavy bursts from noon onward.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The Bole–Meskel Square road expansion, part of the city’s corridor development, continues into 2026; expect lane closures and traffic delays on the route from the airport to Sunspot.
- The new Addis Ababa Riverside Development project has opened several landscaped stretches along the Kebena River, offering a new public walking and cycling path near the city centre.
- Ethiopian Airlines launched direct flights from Addis to more West African destinations in mid-2026, increasing passenger traffic through Bole International Airport.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sunspot, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4 or 5) to minimize street noise from Bole Road, which can be busy and noisy, especially during peak hours.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor (1) may experience more noise from the main entrance and potential street traffic, and may also receive more foot traffic due to the church opposite.
Best views
There is no indication of a clear view from the hotel, given its location on a busy road. However, rooms on the higher floors (4 or 5) may have a slightly elevated view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
Floors 2-5 are likely to be quieter due to being above the main entrance and potential street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests should be prepared for potential street noise from Bole Road, especially during peak hours.
Insider tips
Be prepared for limited parking and arrive early to secure a spot, as the hotel's parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider purchasing the premium wifi tier (20 Mbps) if you require a stable and fast internet connection, as the free basic wifi (5 Mbps) may not be sufficient for heavy usage.
- 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 — Sunspot
Free basic wifi (5 Mbps) for all guests; premium tier (20 Mbps) available at 200 ETB per day. Login via room number and surname, no time limit.
One lift serves all 5 floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital PressReader access via hotel tablets in lobby; no physical papers delivered. Building is a modern low-rise with no heritage quirks.
Check-in 14:00, check-out 11:00; early bag-drop from 07:00; late check-out to 14:00 costs 50% of nightly rate, after 14:00 full night
Free for same-day post-check-out; longer storage 100 ETB per bag per day
Step-free ramp at main entrance; lift to all floors; no grab bars in standard bathrooms; wheelchair accessible rooms available on request
On-site unguarded parking free for guests (first-come, first-served, 20 spaces); nearest public car park at Bole Dilday Garage (200 m, 100 ETB overnight); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10% service charge + 15% VAT included in quoted rates; no separate city tax
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required for booking; incidental hold of 1000 ETB (approx £15) at check-in via card or cash
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: ቦሌ መስጅድ (488 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Eastridge Church Addis (830 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: ደብረ ሰላም መድኃኔዓለም ወመጥምቁ ቅዱስ ዩሐንስ ወአቡነ አረጋዊ ቤተ ክርስቲያን በ፲፱፻፸፪ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (971 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Bole Medhanialem Church (977 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Grace Plaza — 470 m · ~6 min walk
Shalla Public Park — 455 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 532 m · ~7 min walk
Nile Pharmacy — 457 m · ~6 min walk
Almi Mini Market — 507 m · ~6 min walk
St. Urael — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Use Dashen or Commercial Bank ATMs inside malls for the best rates; avoid airport bureaux and hotel desks, which give poor rates.
Only upscale hotels and larger supermarkets accept Visa/Mastercard. Most shops, taxis, and street stalls want cash. Mobile money (M-Pesa/Amole) is common but requires a local account.
Round up taxi fares or add 10% for good service. Restaurants often include a service charge (check the bill); if not, leave 50–100 birr. Hotel porters get 50–100 birr per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A jebena-brewed Ethiopian coffee from a roadside kiosk or small café costs 10–20 birr. No one does takeaway; you sit on a small stool and drink it fresh.
Injera with shiro or a bean stew from a local 'bunna bet' café: 80–120 birr, including a cup of tea or coffee.
A main dish of kitfo (raw spiced minced beef) or tibs (fried meat) at a simple local restaurant: 150–250 birr, served with injera.
Around Piazza, Merkato, and Bole Medhane Alem roundabout you'll find fried sambusas (5–10 birr), roasted corn (10–20 birr), and skewers of suya (20–40 birr).
Supermarkets like Bambis, Yeboku, or Showa. Fresh produce is cheaper at open markets; try Merkato for spices and grains.
Merkato is the main market for second-hand clothes (silks from Europe) and cheap new basics. For chain stores, go to the Bole area or Dembel City Centre mall.
Minibus taxis (blue/white) cost 6–10 birr per ride within the city. From Bole Airport, take a minibus to Meskel Square for 10–15 birr, then another to your area. A taxi from the airport costs 500–800 birr.
Carry small denominations (1–50 birr notes) because many stalls cannot break larger bills. Bargain at Merkato but not in supermarkets. Eat lunch at a 'bunna bet' (coffee house) instead of a sit-down restaurant for half the price of dinner.
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 Sunspot
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 532 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Nile Pharmacy — 457 m · ~6 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 Sunspot?
Request a room on the upper floors (4 or 5) to minimize street noise from Bole Road, which can be busy and noisy, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sunspot?
Rooms on the ground floor (1) may experience more noise from the main entrance and potential street traffic, and may also receive more foot traffic due to the church opposite.
Is Sunspot noisy?
Guests should be prepared for potential street noise from Bole Road, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Sunspot?
There is no indication of a clear view from the hotel, given its location on a busy road. However, rooms on the higher floors (4 or 5) may have a slightly elevated view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Sunspot?
Be prepared for limited parking and arrive early to secure a spot, as the hotel's parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider purchasing the premium wifi tier (20 Mbps) if you require a stable and fast internet connection, as the free basic wifi (5 Mbps) may not be sufficient for heavy usage.
What time is check-in at Sunspot?
Check-in at Sunspot is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sunspot have Wi-Fi?
Free basic wifi (5 Mbps) for all guests; premium tier (20 Mbps) available at 200 ETB per day. Login via room number and surname, no time limit.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sunspot?
10% service charge + 15% VAT included in quoted rates; no separate city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Sunspot?
Injera with shiro or a bean stew from a local 'bunna bet' café: 80–120 birr, including a cup of tea or coffee.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sunspot?
Minibus taxis (blue/white) cost 6–10 birr per ride within the city. From Bole Airport, take a minibus to Meskel Square for 10–15 birr, then another to your area. A taxi from the airport costs 500–800 birr.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
October and November – dry season, clear skies, pleasant 15-23°C days, and fewer tourists after the rainy season ends. March is also good, with mild weather.
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.