Your stay — Azewa Hotel
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The Property — Azewa Hotel
The Azewa Hotel is a functional three-star property on the lakefront strip, offering clean, no-frills rooms and a decent restaurant. Its main draw is the rooftop terrace with views over Lake Tana and the Blue Nile outlet. It suits budget-conscious travellers or tour groups who want a reliable base near the water, without pretence. Standing in the lobby you feel a workaday efficiency – tiled floors, busy reception, and the low hum of groups heading out to the monasteries.
Chronicles of Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar was founded in the 1930s as a garrison town under Emperor Haile Selassie, replacing an older lakeside settlement. Its grid layout and many of its early buildings date from the Italian occupation (1936–1941). The city grew rapidly after the 1960s as a regional administrative and transport hub. Today it is known as the gateway to the Lake Tana monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls, and its palm-lined boulevards and lakeside promenade give it a relaxed, orderly character. The blend of Orthodox Christian heritage and modern Ethiopian federalism defines its contemporary identity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Bahir Dar guide →Best months
October to February – the dry season, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures (25–30°C). Crowds are moderate, making it easy to visit the lake monasteries without peak-season congestion.
Peak / festival surge
December and January – the busiest months due to the Christmas holiday (Genna, 7 January) and Timkat (Epiphany, 19 January). These festivals draw domestic and international visitors; hotel prices can double, and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
March and April – still generally dry but with occasional showers. Mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower room rates than the peak season. Good for budget travellers who can handle some afternoon heat.
Weather & packing
Bahir Dar lies at 1,800 m, so evenings can be noticeably cooler than the midday sun. Pack a light fleece or sweater for mornings and evenings, and always carry a rain jacket even in the dry season – a sudden storm is not unheard of.
Live City Briefing — Bahir Dar
- The new asphalt road from the airport to the city centre was completed in late 2025, cutting transfer time by about 15 minutes.
- The Blue Nile Falls footbridge reconstruction is expected to finish by mid-2026; check if alternative river crossings are needed.
- Several lake monasteries now require advance permission for photography – check with your guide before the boat trip.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Azewa Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the lake (south side) — these are above street-level noise from the main road and likely get some breeze off Lake Tana.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms — they’re closest to the lobby, dining area, and street traffic at Bahir Dar’s main junction. Also skip any room directly above the entrance or near the lift shaft.
Best views
South-facing rooms at the back offer a partial view of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile outflow — ask specifically for a ‘lake view’ room when booking or at check-in.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are your quietest bet — further from both the street and common areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the main road (side streets around the central market) is noticeable, especially early morning and evening. The lift may clatter — avoid rooms adjacent to the lift shaft.
Insider tips
Check in by late afternoon to claim a lake-facing room; staff are flexible if you ask politely. If you drive, park around the side of the hotel rather than on the street to avoid dust and foot traffic.
- 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 — Azewa Hotel
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and ground-floor rooms; upper-floor rooms get patchy signal. Speed is adequate for email and web browsing, not streaming.
No lift. The hotel is a two-storey building with stairs only.
No complimentary newspapers; small TV in lobby shows local channels.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed. Check-out by 11:00; late check-out until 14:00 costs 300 ETB (subject to availability).
Free storage for same-day arrivals/departures; overnight storage not routinely offered.
No step-free access. The main entrance has three steps; no ramp or wheelchair-accessible rooms.
On-site free parking for about 10 cars. Nearest public car park is 500 m away (free, unguarded). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required for standard bookings; a 500 ETB incidental hold is taken at check-in via card imprint or cash deposit.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: ዋናው መስጊድ (859 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: መሃል (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: Kidus Giorgis (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Kidane Miheret Church (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Millennium Park — 251 m · ~3 min walk
Hyper Cinema — 733 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 968 m · ~12 min walk
ግሪር መድሃኒት ቤት — 506 m · ~6 min walk
Bahir Dar Market Place — 304 m · ~4 min walk
Bahir Dar Bus Station — 797 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Use official banks or Dashen Bank ATMs for best rates; airport and hotel bureaux give poor rates.
Cards work at mid-range hotels and supermarkets but cash is king for taxis, markets and small shops; contactless rare.
10-15% at restaurants if service charge not added; round up taxi fares; 20-50 Birr for hotel porter or room cleaner.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local bunna (coffee) at a kiosk or street stall for around 10-15 Birr.
Injera with shiro or a meat stew from a budget cafeteria for 60-100 Birr.
Tibs or firfir at a local eatery, main dish for 80-120 Birr.
Along the lakefront promenade and near the bus station, stalls sell roasted corn, samosas and kitfo sandwiches.
Ethio Supermarket or Sheger Minimart for basic goods; larger selection at Best Supermarket.
The main market (Addis Ketema) for second-hand clothes and cheap fabrics; Bahir Dar Mall for budget retail.
Minibus shared taxis (10 Birr per short ride); from the airport take a blue minibus to town for 20-30 Birr, or a private taxi for 150-200 Birr.
Eat at local cafes not tourist hotels; buy water in bulk from supermarkets; negotiate rates for boat trips on Lake Tana only after walking the jetty and comparing boatmen.
Emergency Contacts
Bahir DarFor general emergencies, call 911 from any phone. The main hospital is Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital on Addis Ababa Road. For tourist police, try +251 58 220 0202.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Bahir Dar, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Azewa Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 968 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · ግሪር መድሃኒት ቤት — 506 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bahir Dar city centre → The Annex Bed & Breakfast
💡 Bajajs are best for short trips inside Bahir Dar. From the main roundabout near the lake, it's a 20 birr ride to the Annex. Tell the driver 'near the French consulate' for clarity.
Bahir Dar Airport (BJR) → The Annex Bed & Breakfast
💡 Blue-and-white taxis are the standard. Agree a price before you get in, as meters aren't used. 300-400 birr is the going rate for airport to the Annex.
Bahir Dar Airport (BJR) → The Annex Bed & Breakfast
💡 The hotel can arrange a driver to meet you at arrivals. Pay the hotel directly to avoid negotiation at the airport.
Airport roundabout (20 min walk) → Near The Annex B&B, Piazza area
💡 Cheapest option but involves a 2km walk from the airport terminal to the main road. Minibuses don't run after dark, so plan accordingly.
About Bahir Dar
Wikipedia ↗
Bahir Dar (Amharic: ባሕር ዳር, lit. 'sea shore') is the capital city of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Bahir Dar is one of the leading tourist destinations in Ethiopia, with a variety of attractions in the nearby Lake Tana and Blue Nile river. The city is known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Azewa Hotel?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the lake (south side) — these are above street-level noise from the main road and likely get some breeze off Lake Tana.
Which rooms should I avoid at Azewa Hotel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms — they’re closest to the lobby, dining area, and street traffic at Bahir Dar’s main junction. Also skip any room directly above the entrance or near the lift shaft.
Is Azewa Hotel noisy?
Street noise from the main road (side streets around the central market) is noticeable, especially early morning and evening. The lift may clatter — avoid rooms adjacent to the lift shaft.
Which rooms have the best views at Azewa Hotel?
South-facing rooms at the back offer a partial view of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile outflow — ask specifically for a ‘lake view’ room when booking or at check-in.
What are insider tips for staying at Azewa Hotel?
Check in by late afternoon to claim a lake-facing room; staff are flexible if you ask politely. If you drive, park around the side of the hotel rather than on the street to avoid dust and foot traffic.
What time is check-in at Azewa Hotel?
Check-in at Azewa Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Azewa Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and ground-floor rooms; upper-floor rooms get patchy signal. Speed is adequate for email and web browsing, not streaming.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Azewa Hotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Azewa Hotel?
Injera with shiro or a meat stew from a budget cafeteria for 60-100 Birr.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Azewa Hotel?
Minibus shared taxis (10 Birr per short ride); from the airport take a blue minibus to town for 20-30 Birr, or a private taxi for 150-200 Birr.
When is the best time to visit Bahir Dar?
October to February – the dry season, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures (25–30°C). Crowds are moderate, making it easy to visit the lake monasteries without peak-season congestion.
Top Attractions in Bahir Dar
💡 Arrive by 8am to beat the heat and see the best selection. Don't bother with the souvenir section near the entrance — the real bargains are deeper in. Carry small bills.
💡 Climb to the top of the hill for the best view of Lake Tana and the city. No entrance fee, but you'll likely be asked to sign a guestbook. Weekdays are quietest.
💡 The museum is small but has royal regalia from the Gondar period. Ask the guard to point out the 18th-century processional cross — it's the gold one with the bell. Photography inside costs 50 birr extra.
💡 Hire the boat at the harbour near Ghion Hotel; negotiate hard for a half-day trip covering two monasteries. The 50 birr photography fee inside Azwa Maryam is optional — ask first.
💡 Go early, before 9am, to see the rainbows in the spray. The bridge crossing costs 50 birr, well worth it for the view.