Your stay — Progress International Hotel
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The Property — Progress International Hotel
The Progress International Hotel is a modern, no-frills 3-star hotel in the heart of Awasa, offering a comfortable stay for budget-conscious travellers. The lobby's neutral decor and functional design create a straightforward, hassle-free atmosphere, perfect for those focusing on exploring the city. The hotel's proximity to the city's central market and lakefront makes it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers. The staff is friendly and helpful, adding a personal touch to the hotel's utilitarian charm. This hotel is suited for independent travellers and small groups looking for a convenient and affordable stay.
Chronicles of Awasa
Awasa is a city in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region of Ethiopia, founded in 1920 as a colonial outpost. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with a mix of traditional Ethiopian and Art Deco styles. Awasa is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a strong emphasis on traditional music, dance, and handicrafts. The city is home to the Awasa Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing, and the nearby Abaya-Chamo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Awasa has a rich cultural heritage, with over 20 ethnic groups represented in the city.
Best Time to Visit
Full Awasa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Awasa are October and November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These months offer a great balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Awasa is July, driven by the annual Awasa Cultural Festival, which celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage. Hotel prices tend to be higher during this time, and popular attractions may be busier than usual. The festival features traditional music, dance, and handicrafts, and is a great opportunity to experience the local culture.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Awasa is from March to May and September to November, when prices are lower and the weather is still pleasant. These months offer a great balance between budget-friendly prices and manageable crowds, 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. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing for warm days and cooler evenings, as well as a waterproof jacket for potential rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Awasa
- The city's new bus terminal has been renovated and expanded, making it easier for visitors to get around. The Awasa Lakefront promenade has been upgraded, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The local government has implemented a new waste management system, reducing litter and improving the overall cleanliness of the city.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Progress International Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on higher floors (4-6) on the north side of the hotel are recommended. These rooms tend to be quieter due to being further away from the street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (1-3) facing the street may be noisier, especially those near the service entrance.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information about the hotel's orientation or surrounding views.
Quietest floors
4-6
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a concern, especially for rooms on lower floors or those facing the street. However, this is a 3-star hotel in a city location, so some background noise is to be expected.
Insider tips
Request a room with a floor number that's not on the lift shaft (if available) to minimize lift noise. Take advantage of the hotel's 3-star standard by requesting extra towels or pillows if needed.
- 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 — Progress International Hotel
free tier with 100 MB daily data, paid tier ETB 200 per day for 1 GB
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
digital newsstand with PressReader and FT; select English and Amharic newspapers available in lobby
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00 with ETB 500 fee
available from 08:00 to 20:00 at ETB 100 per item per 24 hours
step-free access to main lobby, wheelchair entries at main entrance; some rooms have walk-in showers, but no fully accessible rooms
on-site parking available at ETB 200 per night, public car park nearby at ETB 150 per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 20 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: ETB 500 advance deposit + ETB 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: መዲሃንአለም ኦርቶዶክስ ቤተክርስትያን (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: St.gabrial church (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Amora Gedel Park — 725 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Travellers can exchange money at local banks or forex bureaux, but be aware that the rates at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport may be poor. It's often better to exchange at a local bank or a reputable forex office in town.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Awasa, but cash is still king in smaller establishments. Some local businesses may also accept mobile payments like G-Pesa.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants and with taxi drivers. A tip of 5-10 ETB is sufficient for small transactions.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee at a local café costs around 5-10 ETB.
Injera with various stews (wots) can be found at food stalls for around 10-15 ETB.
A plate of tibs (stir-fried meat) at a local restaurant costs around 20-30 ETB.
The local market area around Awasa Lake is a good spot to try street food, with vendors offering a range of traditional dishes.
The local supermarket, Italo, has a branch in Awasa, offering a range of products at reasonable prices.
Markets like the one near the lake offer a variety of affordable clothing options, including local fabrics and handicrafts.
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus or taxi, with fares starting from 5 ETB. A day pass for public transportation is not available, but a 1-day ticket can be purchased for around 5 ETB.
Bargain when shopping at markets to get the best prices.Use local ATMs to withdraw cash instead of exchanging money at airports or tourist bureaux.Eat at local restaurants or food stalls instead of high-end establishments to save money.
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 Progress International Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.2 km · ~15 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 Progress International Hotel?
Rooms on higher floors (4-6) on the north side of the hotel are recommended. These rooms tend to be quieter due to being further away from the street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Progress International Hotel?
Rooms on the lower floors (1-3) facing the street may be noisier, especially those near the service entrance.
Is Progress International Hotel noisy?
Street noise may be a concern, especially for rooms on lower floors or those facing the street. However, this is a 3-star hotel in a city location, so some background noise is to be expected.
Which rooms have the best views at Progress International Hotel?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information about the hotel's orientation or surrounding views.
What are insider tips for staying at Progress International Hotel?
Request a room with a floor number that's not on the lift shaft (if available) to minimize lift noise. Take advantage of the hotel's 3-star standard by requesting extra towels or pillows if needed.
What time is check-in at Progress International Hotel?
Check-in at Progress International Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Progress International Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free tier with 100 MB daily data, paid tier ETB 200 per day for 1 GB
Is there a city or tourist tax at Progress International Hotel?
ETB 20 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Progress International Hotel?
Injera with various stews (wots) can be found at food stalls for around 10-15 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Progress International Hotel?
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus or taxi, with fares starting from 5 ETB. A day pass for public transportation is not available, but a 1-day ticket can be purchased for around 5 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Awasa?
The best months to visit Awasa are October and November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These months offer a great balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
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.