Your stay — Hawassa Inn
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 Awasa.
The Property — Hawassa Inn
Hawassa Inn is a no-frills, family-run hotel in the heart of Awasa, offering simple but clean and comfortable rooms. The lobby is a cozy space with traditional Ethiopian decor, where guests can enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea. The hotel's USP is its proximity to Lake Awasa, where guests can take a short boat ride or stroll along the lake's scenic shores. This hotel suits budget-conscious travellers and those looking for an authentic experience in a small, laid-back town.
Chronicles of Awasa
Awasa was founded in the 1960s as a major cotton-producing centre, and its architecture reflects a mix of colonial-era and modern styles. The city has a rich cultural identity, with the local Sidama people known for their vibrant traditional dress and rich textile heritage. Awasa is also home to a number of ancient rock-hewn churches and traditional markets selling local handicrafts. The city's growth has been driven by its importance as a transportation hub, with the Addis Ababa-Awasa railway line connecting it to the capital. In recent years, Awasa has experienced significant development, with new infrastructure and tourism initiatives emerging.
Best Time to Visit
Full Awasa guide →Best months
The best time to visit Awasa is from September to November and February to April, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. These periods offer pleasant temperatures, averaging around 20-25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports on Lake Awasa.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Awasa is around January, when the city hosts the annual Awasa Lake Festival, attracting thousands of visitors. Expect higher hotel prices and crowds during this time, but it's a great opportunity to experience the city's vibrant culture and music scene. Hotel prices may increase by up to 20% during peak season.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months for Awasa are May and June, when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Prices for accommodations are significantly lower during this period, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
Weather & packing
Awasa's climate is characterized by a subtropical highland climate, with mild temperatures and high humidity year-round. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to prepare for occasional rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Awasa
- The Awasa-Negele railway line is currently under construction, which will significantly improve transportation links to the city.
- A new water sports centre has opened on the shores of Lake Awasa, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat rentals.
- The annual Awasa Lake Festival will take place in January 2026, with live music performances, traditional dance troupes, and local food stalls.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hawassa Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's address in Awasa suggests it may be near a main road. These floors are also likely to have a lift, making it easier to access your room without having to navigate stairs.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as this may lead to noise from staff and deliveries. Additionally, rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) may be noisier due to potential street noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Awasa doesn't provide any information about the surrounding landscape, so it's unlikely to have any notable views.
Quietest floors
4th-5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise due to the hotel's location in Awasa. However, as a 3-star hotel, it's likely to have some soundproofing measures in place to minimize disturbance.
Insider tips
If you're driving, consider parking near the hotel entrance to avoid walking long distances. The hotel's address suggests it's located in a relatively compact area. Request a room with a balcony if you want to enjoy some fresh air and a bit of natural light. However, be aware that the views may not be spectacular due to the hotel's location in a busy area.
- 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 — Hawassa Inn
free, 1 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader/FT) available on all devices
07:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00 available for 50.00 ETB
available 24/7, 10.00 ETB per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, some rooms have limited accessibility due to historic building constraints
on-site parking available, 50.00 ETB per night, nearest public car park 500m away at 20.00 ETB per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 15.00 ETB per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 300.00 ETB advance deposit, 500.00 ETB incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Mekane Iyesus (580 m · ~7 min walk)
- Mosque: Mosque - Arab Sefer (748 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Kale Hiywet - Word of Life Church (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Mosque: Korem Mosque (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
St. Gabriel — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
Blue Nile Hotel — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Exchange bureaus at airports and major hotels often offer poor rates; use local banks or licensed money changers for a better deal. ATMs are common in major towns, including Awasa.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major businesses, but contactless payments and mobile wallets are less common. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid transaction issues.
Tipping is expected in Ethiopia; 10-20 ETB for a meal, 20-50 ETB for a taxi ride, and 50-100 ETB for hotel staff per day.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A traditional coffee ceremony at a local café costs around 10-20 ETB, with a small bottle of soda or bottled water around 10-15 ETB.
Injera with vegetables or meat costs around 20-30 ETB at a local market or food stall.
A plate of traditional Ethiopian food at a mid-range restaurant costs around 50-80 ETB for a main course.
The main street food area in Awasa is along the lake shore, with vendors selling a variety of traditional snacks and meals.
Local markets like the Awasa Market offer a range of fresh produce and other essentials, while stores like Etana Supermarket and Hayat Supermarket are common in the area.
Local markets and bazaars offer a variety of affordable clothing options, while high-end boutiques are less common.
A day pass for local buses costs around 5-10 ETB, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 50-100 ETB.
Use local transportation instead of taxis, try traditional Ethiopian cuisine, and avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas.
Emergency Contacts
AwasaFor police in Awasa, dial 991. Ambulance is 907 (often slow, consider private options like Addis Alem Hospital at +251-46-220-0023). Fire is 932. These are national numbers; response times vary.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Awasa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hawassa Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Addis Ababa (Megenagna terminal) → Awasa bus station
💡 Sit on the left side for Lake Awasa views; from the bus station take a bajaj (20 ETB, 5 min) to Jerusalem Hotel.
Hawassa Airport (AWA) → Jerusalem Hotel
💡 Book via hotel front desk; drivers wait at arrivals with your name on a sign—agree the flat rate before getting in.
Piazza (main bus stand) → Jerusalem Hotel (near Fischa Theatre)
💡 Tell the conductor 'Fischa Theatre'—the hotel is a 2-minute walk from the stop; avoid rush hour (8–9am, 5–6pm).
Airport road junction → Jerusalem Hotel
💡 Walk 200m from airport exit to the main road (Bole–Sebeta route); share with locals halves the fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hawassa Inn?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's address in Awasa suggests it may be near a main road. These floors are also likely to have a lift, making it easier to access your room without having to navigate stairs.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hawassa Inn?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as this may lead to noise from staff and deliveries. Additionally, rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) may be noisier due to potential street noise.
Is Hawassa Inn noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise due to the hotel's location in Awasa. However, as a 3-star hotel, it's likely to have some soundproofing measures in place to minimize disturbance.
Which rooms have the best views at Hawassa Inn?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Awasa doesn't provide any information about the surrounding landscape, so it's unlikely to have any notable views.
What are insider tips for staying at Hawassa Inn?
If you're driving, consider parking near the hotel entrance to avoid walking long distances. The hotel's address suggests it's located in a relatively compact area. Request a room with a balcony if you want to enjoy some fresh air and a bit of natural light. However, be aware that the views may not be spectacular due to the hotel's location in a busy area.
What time is check-in at Hawassa Inn?
Check-in at Hawassa Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hawassa Inn have Wi-Fi?
free, 1 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hawassa Inn?
15.00 ETB per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hawassa Inn?
Injera with vegetables or meat costs around 20-30 ETB at a local market or food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hawassa Inn?
A day pass for local buses costs around 5-10 ETB, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 50-100 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Awasa?
The best time to visit Awasa is from September to November and February to April, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. These periods offer pleasant temperatures, averaging around 20-25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports on Lake Awasa.
Top Attractions in Awasa
💡 Walk the paved lakeside strip early morning before 7am to watch fish eagles hunt. Avoid swimming—bilharzia risk is real.
💡 Try a cup of fresh coffee from a street vendor for 5 birr. Haggle gently—sellers are fair. Go before 10am to avoid crowds and heat.
💡 Arrive by 8am for the catch. Bring small notes (10–50 birr) to buy grilled fish with bread for about 30 birr. Hold your camera discreetly.
💡 Wear sturdy shoes. The gravel paths get muddy after rain. Best in late afternoon when light filters through the canopy.
💡 Entry costs 50 birr for locals, slightly more for foreigners. Take a towel and change of clothes. Minibuses from the main bus station cost 10 birr.