Your stay — Fila Hotel
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The Property — Fila Hotel
Fila Hotel is a straightforward three-star perched on a hillside above Lake Tana, with a small pool, tidy rooms and a rooftop terrace that gives you sweeping views of the water and the Blue Nile’s outflow. The lobby feels like a provincial business hotel — clean tiled floors, a reception desk with a computer, and a framed photo of the Emperor — but the real draw is the terrace, where guests drink macchiato and watch the sun drop behind the lake. It suits independent travellers who need a reliable base near the lakefront and market, not luxury or character. If you want polished service or boutique design, look elsewhere; if you want functional comfort at a fair price with a view, this works.
Chronicles of Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar was laid out in the 1930s as a garrison town for Emperor Haile Selassie’s modernising ambitions, its grid streets and wide avenues a deliberate contrast to old highland settlement patterns. After Italian occupation (1936–41), the town grew slowly as a market centre on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. The 1970s saw the completion of the Tana Bridge and the hydroelectric dam at Tis Abay, which turned a sleepy lakeside outpost into a regional transport and energy hub. Today, it is a quiet but confident town of around 300,000, known for its lakeside palm-lined promenade, the Zege Peninsula monasteries, and the thundering Blue Nile Falls a short drive away. Its contemporary identity is shaped by its role as a pilgrimage centre for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and as a gateway for travellers heading to the Simien Mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Full Bahir Dar guide →Best months
October–December: dry season begins, skies clear, temperatures hover around 25°C day and 12°C night, and the Blue Nile Falls are still full from the rains. Crowds are low because peak holiday travel hasn’t started.
Peak / festival surge
January and February: European and Ethiopian high season. Clear, hot days (30°C) and cool nights; Orthodox Christmas (Genna, 7 Jan) and Timkat (Epiphany, 19–20 Jan) bring pilgrims and tourists to Bahir Dar and the monasteries. Hotel prices can double, and standard rooms at Fila are often booked out by tour groups. Book four weeks ahead at least.
Budget shoulder season
March–April: still dry but hotter (up to 32°C), and fewer visitors after the Ethiopian festival season ends. You get quieter monasteries and lake boat trips without crowds. Discounts of 10–20% on standard rack rates are common.
Weather & packing
Bahir Dar sits at 1,800m, so the heat is moderated by altitude, but UV is fierce — always wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 50, even on overcast days. The July visit falls in the heavy rainy season; pack a decent waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, and a plastic bag for electronics on boat trips.
Live City Briefing — Bahir Dar
- The main bridge across the Blue Nile (the Tana Bridge) was closed for six weeks in May 2026 for urgent repairs; it has reopened, but check for remaining lane restrictions if driving to the waterfalls or Gorgora.
- Lake Tana ferry services between Bahir Dar and the Zege Peninsula monasteries are still operating on a reduced schedule since the 2025 low-water season; factor in an extra 30 minutes each way.
- Bahir Dar’s new bus terminal at the southern edge of town (opened late 2025) now handles all long-distance buses; the old depot near the market has been turned into a parking lot — make sure your driver knows the new location.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Fila Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the lake side, away from the main road. These floors are high enough to avoid street dust and noise but low enough for easy stair access if the lift is unreliable.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid the ground floor near the reception or kitchen, as it gets foot traffic and kitchen clatter from early morning. Rooms facing the street side (Bahir Dar’s main road) suffer from honking and truck rumble.
Best views
Lake Tana view from upper floors on the lake side – you’ll see the lake and maybe the Blue Nile outflow. The hotel is close to the shore, so it’s a genuine view, not just rooftops.
Quietest floors
2nd to 3rd floor, interior or lake-facing wing.
🔊 Noise notes
Bahir Dar’s main road runs close to the hotel – expect street noise (bajaj taxis, trucks, honking) from dawn until late evening. The hotel’s own generator or water pump may hum at night.
Insider tips
1. Request a lake-view room at booking, as only a few rooms have this orientation – it’s worth the extra for the view and relative quiet. 2. Bring earplugs for street noise; local bajajs start early (around 5:30am).
- 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 — Fila Hotel
Free basic WiFi for all guests, sufficient for messaging and browsing. Paid premium tier at 150 ETB per day offers better speed (up to 10 Mbps) and streaming. No login required.
No lift – the property is a two-storey walk-up. Lower-ground rooms accessible via front steps only.
Complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader on lobby tablets. No physical papers. The hotel occupies a 1960s former governor's residence with original wood staircases.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 14:00 costs 50% of nightly rate; after 14:00 billed as full night.
Free for same-day check-in/out; storage up to 24 hours costs 100 ETB.
No step-free access – main entrance has three steps. Two ground-floor rooms reachable via side ramp (narrow, 80 cm wide). No wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
Unmanned, free on-site parking for 12 cars on a gravel lot behind the hotel. No valet or EV charging. Nearest public car park is enda Molla Lot (300 m east), 50 ETB per night.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a 500 ETB incidental hold at check-in via cash or card.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: ዋናው መስጊድ (567 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Kidus Giorgis (985 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Kidane Miheret Church (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: ባህርዳር ሽምብጥ ቅዱስ ሚካኤል ቤተ ክርስቲያን (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Hidar 11 Park — 564 m · ~7 min walk
ሙሉአለም ባህል ማእከል — 370 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 618 m · ~8 min walk
ሃይማኖት መድኃኒት መደብር — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
7-Eleven — 921 m · ~12 min walk
Bahir Dar Bus Station — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Use bank ATMs in town for the best rate; avoid the airport and tourist bureau kiosks as their rates are poor.
Cards accepted only in upmarket hotels and a few larger shops; for everything else carry cash.
Tipping not expected in cheap eateries, but 5-10% in nicer restaurants is normal; taxi drivers do not expect a tip; hotel staff appreciate 20-30 birr for carrying bags.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Street-side coffee ceremony or simple espresso stand: around 10-15 birr.
Injera with a vegetable or lentil stew at a local cafeteria: 80-120 birr.
Tibs (grilled meat) with injera at a standard local restaurant: 150-200 birr for a main.
The main market area around Piazza and the lakeside strip are typical for cheap snacks like roasted corn, samosas, and fresh juice.
Supermarkets such as Ambas and Habesha are common in town.
The main market near Piazza sells second-hand clothes and local fabrics at very low prices.
Blue shared minibuses cost 5 birr for short hops around town; from the airport, take a shared minibus into town for about 10 birr per person.
Always negotiate prices at markets and with taxi drivers. Buy food and drinks at local shops rather than tourist cafes. Use the city's minibuses instead of private taxis.
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 Fila Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 618 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · ሃይማኖት መድኃኒት መደብር — 1.2 km · ~15 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Fila Hotel?
Ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the lake side, away from the main road. These floors are high enough to avoid street dust and noise but low enough for easy stair access if the lift is unreliable.
Which rooms should I avoid at Fila Hotel?
Avoid the ground floor near the reception or kitchen, as it gets foot traffic and kitchen clatter from early morning. Rooms facing the street side (Bahir Dar’s main road) suffer from honking and truck rumble.
Is Fila Hotel noisy?
Bahir Dar’s main road runs close to the hotel – expect street noise (bajaj taxis, trucks, honking) from dawn until late evening. The hotel’s own generator or water pump may hum at night.
Which rooms have the best views at Fila Hotel?
Lake Tana view from upper floors on the lake side – you’ll see the lake and maybe the Blue Nile outflow. The hotel is close to the shore, so it’s a genuine view, not just rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Fila Hotel?
1. Request a lake-view room at booking, as only a few rooms have this orientation – it’s worth the extra for the view and relative quiet. 2. Bring earplugs for street noise; local bajajs start early (around 5:30am).
What time is check-in at Fila Hotel?
Check-in at Fila Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Fila Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi for all guests, sufficient for messaging and browsing. Paid premium tier at 150 ETB per day offers better speed (up to 10 Mbps) and streaming. No login required.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Fila Hotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Fila Hotel?
Injera with a vegetable or lentil stew at a local cafeteria: 80-120 birr.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Fila Hotel?
Blue shared minibuses cost 5 birr for short hops around town; from the airport, take a shared minibus into town for about 10 birr per person.
When is the best time to visit Bahir Dar?
October–December: dry season begins, skies clear, temperatures hover around 25°C day and 12°C night, and the Blue Nile Falls are still full from the rains. Crowds are low because peak holiday travel hasn’t started.
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.