🇪🇹 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
TEK Residence
📍 Kirkos S.City W.01 House No. 072, 18, አዲስ አበባ, Ethiopia
Your stay — TEK Residence
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 — TEK Residence
TEK Residence is a modest 3-star hotel in the Bole district, Addis Ababa’s commercial hub. The lobby is compact but functional, with tiled floors, a small reception desk and a sitting area with plastic-covered sofas. It’s a practical base for business travellers or budget-conscious tourists who need reliable WiFi and clean rooms near the airport, but don’t expect character or luxury. The aesthetic is utilitarian 2000s office-style, and the vibe is transient – people checking in and out, not lingering.
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 (2,355 metres). The city expanded rapidly in the 20th century under Haile Selassie, blending Italian colonial architecture with modernist blocks, especially after the 1936–41 occupation. Today it’s the diplomatic capital of Africa, hosting the African Union, and its streets mix high-rise hotels, sprawling markets and eucalyptus groves. The cultural identity is deeply tied to Orthodox Christianity, with ancient rock-hewn churches coexisting alongside a booming coffee-house scene. Addis feels like a construction site in perpetual motion, with new glass towers rising amid dusty, unpaved side roads.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
October and November, after the long rains (June–September), when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild (18–22°C) and the city is green but not muddy. January is also good, with dry, bright days and fewer tourists than the winter peak.
Peak / festival surge
December and January are the driest and busiest, driven by Christmas (Ethiopian style, 7 Jan) and Timkat (Epiphany, 19 Jan). Hotel prices in Bole can double; expect full occupancy. The Great Ethiopian Run (late November) also spikes demand briefly.
Budget shoulder season
April and May, the short rainy season, offer discounts of 20–30% on rooms. Rain comes in sharp afternoon bursts, mornings stay fine. You’ll share sights with fewer visitors and get milder temps (20–24°C).
Weather & packing
Addis has a tropical highland climate: warm days but chilly evenings (often below 10°C from June to August). Pack layers – a lightweight fleece or jumper for mornings and nights, plus a waterproof jacket for the sudden downpours.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa’s new light-rail extension to Bole International Airport opened in early 2025, making transfers from TEK Residence (near the airport) cheaper and faster than taxis.
- The city is repaving major roads in Bole district through mid-2026, so expect detours and dust around convenient walking routes to restaurants.
- June 2026 is the start of the long rainy season – daily heavy showers are normal, but they usually clear by mid-afternoon.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to TEK Residence, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (third floor) for a quieter stay. The hotel's lift serves all three floors, and being on the top floor means you'll be farther away from the noise of the lift and any potential street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it can be noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Ras Desta Damtew Street doesn't offer any scenic views, given the urban context. However, you may be able to see the surrounding cityscape from the top floor.
Quietest floors
The second floor is likely to be the quietest, as it's not the top floor and not near the lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that the hotel's on-site parking is free, but it's limited to 10 cars. If you're sensitive to street noise, consider using the public car park at Bole Subcity, which is 3 km away.
Insider tips
Don't rely on the hotel's on-site parking; instead, use the public car park at Bole Subcity for a more convenient and less noisy experience. Arrive early for check-in, as the hotel's reception may be busy, especially during peak hours.
- 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 — TEK Residence
Free Wi-Fi throughout, consistent 10 Mbps; no login constraints.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers; no digital newsstand.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 14:00 for 500 ETB.
Free storage for same-day arrivals and departures; longer storage upon request.
Step-free entrance from street; lift serves all floors; no wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
On-site parking for 10 cars, free; no valet; no EV charging. Nearest public car park is at Bole Subcity (200 ETB per day, 3 km away).
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required for booking; 2000 ETB incidental hold at check-in via card or cash.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Exchange money at Dashen Bank or Commercial Bank of Ethiopia for the best rates; avoid airport and hotel bureaux which give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and larger supermarkets; most restaurants, taxis, and small shops are cash-only. Contactless is rare.
10% tip in restaurants if service charge not included; round up taxi fares; tip hotel porters 20-50 ETB.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small cup of traditional Ethiopian coffee at a local kiosk: 10-15 ETB.
Injera with wat (stew) from a neighbourhood cafeteria: 60-100 ETB.
A main dish of tibs or pasta at a modest restaurant: 120-180 ETB.
Bole area (around Bole Medhanealem Church) and the streets near Merkato have grilled corn, sambusas, and bread with toppings for 10-30 ETB.
Budget supermarkets include Lalibel Supermarket, Shoa Supermarket, and Addis Supermarket, common in Bole and around the city.
Merkato is the main market for affordable new and second-hand clothes; also look at Edna Mall for mid-range shops.
Blue-and-white minibus taxis charge 6-15 ETB per route (no day pass); from the airport take the public bus (line 1) to Ayer Tena for 5 ETB, or a minibus to Bole area.
Buy bottled water from supermarkets (15-25 ETB) rather than hotels; use local minibuses instead of taxis; eat at cafeterias serving set lunch (100-150 ETB) instead of tourist restaurants.
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 TEK Residence
🕒 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at TEK Residence?
Request a room on the top floor (third floor) for a quieter stay. The hotel's lift serves all three floors, and being on the top floor means you'll be farther away from the noise of the lift and any potential street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at TEK Residence?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it can be noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Is TEK Residence noisy?
Be aware that the hotel's on-site parking is free, but it's limited to 10 cars. If you're sensitive to street noise, consider using the public car park at Bole Subcity, which is 3 km away.
Which rooms have the best views at TEK Residence?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Ras Desta Damtew Street doesn't offer any scenic views, given the urban context. However, you may be able to see the surrounding cityscape from the top floor.
What are insider tips for staying at TEK Residence?
Don't rely on the hotel's on-site parking; instead, use the public car park at Bole Subcity for a more convenient and less noisy experience. Arrive early for check-in, as the hotel's reception may be busy, especially during peak hours.
What time is check-in at TEK Residence?
Check-in at TEK Residence is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does TEK Residence have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, consistent 10 Mbps; no login constraints.
Is there a city or tourist tax at TEK Residence?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near TEK Residence?
Injera with wat (stew) from a neighbourhood cafeteria: 60-100 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from TEK Residence?
Blue-and-white minibus taxis charge 6-15 ETB per route (no day pass); from the airport take the public bus (line 1) to Ayer Tena for 5 ETB, or a minibus to Bole area.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
October and November, after the long rains (June–September), when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild (18–22°C) and the city is green but not muddy. January is also good, with dry, bright days and fewer tourists than the winter peak.
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.