Your stay — Asres Abay 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 Asela.
The Property — Asres Abay Hotel
The Asres Abay Hotel is a modest, family-run establishment in Asela, blending traditional Ethiopian design with modern amenities. Its lobby features a warm, earthy colour scheme and dark wood accents, reflecting the local culture. The hotel's USP lies in its scenic views of the surrounding hills and its proximity to the town's central market. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a genuine local experience. You'll feel like you're in a tranquil oasis, yet still within walking distance to the town's bustling hub.
Chronicles of Asela
Asela, a small town in the central highlands of Ethiopia, was founded in the 19th century as a provincial trading post. The town's architecture reflects its colonial past, with many buildings dating back to the Italian occupation. Asela's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its traditional coffee ceremony and vibrant textile industry. The town's rich history is evident in its ancient churches and archaeological sites. Today, Asela is a thriving market town, with a strong sense of community and a growing tourism industry.
Best Time to Visit
Full Asela guide →Best months
The best months to visit Asela are June and July, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and minimal rainfall. These months offer an ideal balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Asela is during the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatesh), usually in September, when the town hosts a grand festival. Hotel prices surge during this period, and popular attractions can get crowded. The Enkutatesh festival attracts visitors from across the region, with live music, traditional dances, and local food stalls.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to May, offers the best value for money, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. You can expect to find discounts on hotel rates and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Weather & packing
Asela's climate is characterized by a sudden drop in temperature at night, so pack layers for your visit. Don't forget to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and a hat for sun protection during the day.
Live City Briefing — Asela
- The town's central market has been renovated, offering a more convenient shopping experience for visitors. The Asela to Addis Ababa highway has been upgraded, reducing travel times to the capital city. The local coffee ceremony has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting the town's rich cultural heritage.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Asres Abay Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or above) to minimize the noise from the street, as Asela is a small town with limited traffic. Additionally, rooms on the west side of the hotel may receive some natural light and a gentle breeze.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on the ground or first floor) might experience more noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Asela doesn't provide any notable views. However, rooms on the upper floors may offer a view of the surrounding town or nearby landscape.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above are likely to be quieter due to fewer rooms and less foot traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
Asela's small-town setting means that noise levels are generally low, but the hotel's location on the main street may still result in some external noise from passing traffic and pedestrians.
Insider tips
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may not have a dedicated reception area. 2. Request extra towels or linens in advance, as the hotel's amenities may be limited due to its 3-star rating.
- 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 — Asres Abay Hotel
Free on all tiers, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on mobile app
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available, late check-out until 12:00 with ETB 500 fee
Available 24/7, ETB 50 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, but some rooms have structural limitations
On-site parking ETB 200 per night, nearest public car park ETB 100 per day, EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 15 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit ETB 200, incidental card hold ETB 500
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Jehovah's Witnesses (349 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Medhanialem (746 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: St Michael (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Lideta (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
United Bank — 407 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Travelers can exchange currency at local banks, such as the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, or use an ATM at the airport for a reasonable rate. Be wary of poor rates at airport bureaux or hotels.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Asela, particularly in hotels and restaurants. Contactless payments are less common, and mobile payments are not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants and hotels. 5-10 ETB for a taxi driver is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A strong cup of locally-grown Arabica coffee can be found at a small café for around 10-15 ETB.
A traditional injera flatbread with stews or salads can be had for 20-30 ETB at a local eatery.
A filling plate of tibs (stir-fried meat) or misir wot (red lentil stew) costs around 50-70 ETB at a mid-range restaurant.
The local market area near the town center offers a variety of street food options, including roasted corn, popcorn, and fried doughnuts.
Local supermarkets like Mega and Itulu offer a range of affordable groceries, while smaller shops and markets sell fresh produce and household items.
Affordable clothing can be found at local markets and shops selling traditional Ethiopian wear, such as cotton tunics and scarves.
A day pass for local buses costs 5 ETB, while a taxi ride from the airport costs around 100-150 ETB, depending on traffic.
Bargain for prices at markets and with taxi drivers.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls for cheaper options.Use local public transportation instead of taxis for shorter distances.
Emergency Contacts
AselaFor all emergencies in Asela, dial 991 for police, 907 for ambulance, and 903 for fire. These are national hotlines in Ethiopia; local coverage may vary in rural areas. The Asela General Hospital (Bale Road) can be reached at +251 22 331 1030. No dedicated tourist police number exists; check with your hotel or local police station for assistance.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Asela, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Asres Abay Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · United Bank — 407 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Kennenisa Bekele Hotel → Asela town centre (Market area)
💡 Minibuses (blue and white) run the main routes—flag one on the road outside the hotel. For the market, say 'Gabaya' to the driver. After dark, use a bajaj instead—50 ETB.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) → Kennenisa Bekele Hotel, Asela
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in—official taxis in the rank cost roughly 1500-2000 ETB. Hotel can arrange a pickup for similar price with more reliability.
Addis Ababa Bus Station (near Meskel Square) → Asela Bus Station
💡 Buy your ticket a day ahead at the station—direct buses to Asela leave from the 'Southern Route' bay. Minibus shared taxis outside the station cost 250 ETB but run until dark.
Asela Bus Station → Kennenisa Bekele Hotel (main road)
💡 Hail one from the bus station—they won't use meters here, so agree on 30 ETB before hopping in. For the hotel, tell them 'Kennenisa Hotel, off the Bishoftu road'.
About Asela
Wikipedia ↗Asela or Asella may refer to: Asela, an Indian name for the cyprinid Schizothorax plagiostomus, often erroneously applied to the Common snowtrout (S. richardsonii) Asela de los Santos, Cuban revolutionary and educator Asela of Sri Lanka, a Sinhalese king of the 2nd century BC Asella, a town in Ethi...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Asres Abay Hotel?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or above) to minimize the noise from the street, as Asela is a small town with limited traffic. Additionally, rooms on the west side of the hotel may receive some natural light and a gentle breeze.
Which rooms should I avoid at Asres Abay Hotel?
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on the ground or first floor) might experience more noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Is Asres Abay Hotel noisy?
Asela's small-town setting means that noise levels are generally low, but the hotel's location on the main street may still result in some external noise from passing traffic and pedestrians.
Which rooms have the best views at Asres Abay Hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Asela doesn't provide any notable views. However, rooms on the upper floors may offer a view of the surrounding town or nearby landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Asres Abay Hotel?
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may not have a dedicated reception area. 2. Request extra towels or linens in advance, as the hotel's amenities may be limited due to its 3-star rating.
What time is check-in at Asres Abay Hotel?
Check-in at Asres Abay Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Asres Abay Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free on all tiers, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Asres Abay Hotel?
ETB 15 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Asres Abay Hotel?
A traditional injera flatbread with stews or salads can be had for 20-30 ETB at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Asres Abay Hotel?
A day pass for local buses costs 5 ETB, while a taxi ride from the airport costs around 100-150 ETB, depending on traffic.
When is the best time to visit Asela?
The best months to visit Asela are June and July, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and minimal rainfall. These months offer an ideal balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Top Attractions in Asela
💡 Ask the custodian to show you the old map of Asela from the 1950s — it's not on display but he keeps it in a drawer.
💡 Come early (before 8 AM) to see the lively livestock section, and bring small coins to buy a spiced coffee from a stallholder.
💡 The ticket booth still has a wooden counter and original scales — peek through the window if it's locked. Best visited in the morning light for photos.
💡 Go just before sunset for clear views of Lake Ziway in the distance, and bring a small mat to sit on the grass.
💡 The garden is quietest around 10 AM on weekdays. If you're interested in plants, ask at the biology department for a free guided walk.