Your stay — Tekle Hotel II
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The Property — Tekle Hotel II
Tekle Hotel II is a clean, no-frills base in central Dessie, aimed at transit travellers and budget-conscious explorers. The lobby feels functional rather than flashy: tiled floors, a small reception desk, and a few chairs where guests wait for taxis. Rooms are basic but tidy, with reliable hot water and solid Wi-Fi – which counts for a lot here. It suits someone who needs a decent sleep and a morning coffee before heading out to the highlands or continuing south.
Chronicles of Dessie
Dessie grew as a key market town in the early 20th century under Emperor Menelik II, connecting the northern highlands with Addis Ababa. Its architecture mixes Italian-influenced colonial buildings from the 1930s occupation with newer concrete blocks sprawling up the hillsides. Once the capital of Wollo Province, it remains a commercial hub for trade in livestock and grain. Today the city is a crossroads of Amhara and Oromo cultures, felt in its lively daily market and the blend of languages heard on the streets.
Best Time to Visit
Full Dessie guide →Best months
October and November – the long rains have finished, landscapes are green, and roads are in decent shape. December also works, though it gets cooler at night.
Peak / festival surge
August is peak for Ethiopian travellers attending the Ashenda festival (late August in Tigray, but events spill into Dessie). Hotel prices can rise 20-30% and advance booking is essential. The rains are still heavy, so expect muddy streets and flight disruptions.
Budget shoulder season
February and March are the best budget months: little rain, moderate crowds, and lower rates. It’s the 'short dry season' before the big rains hit in June.
Weather & packing
Dessie sits at 2,500 metres, so days are warm but nights can drop to 10°C even in June. Pack a waterproof jacket and a fleece – you’ll need both in a single day.
Live City Briefing — Dessie
- The main road through Dessie (Bole Avenue) has ongoing resurfacing work until late 2026, causing delays for minibus taxis and private cars – allow an extra 30 minutes for cross-town trips.
- The new Dessie-Kombolcha bypass is now open, cutting transit time to the airport from 45 minutes to about 25. Ask the hotel if their airport shuttle uses it.
- June is the start of the main rainy season; expect daily afternoon downpours. Some hiking trails in the nearby highlands may be closed due to mudslides – check with local guides before booking treks.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to Tekle Hotel II, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors facing away from the main road. These tend to be quieter and often have better light and air circulation.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, stairwell, or any communal areas such as the dining room or reception. Ground-floor rooms can also be noisier and less secure.
Best views
Rooms on the uppermost floors facing the front can offer wider views of the town or hills, but check the room is not directly above a busy street or market area.
Quietest floors
Upper floors (typically the top two or three) are usually quietest, as foot traffic and street noise are reduced.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise can be significant in Ethiopian towns, especially during early morning prayer calls, market hours, and evening traffic. Pack earplugs and ask specifically for a room at the back or on a quiet side.
Insider tips
Book directly with the hotel if possible — rates are often negotiable and you can request a specific quiet room on arrival. Also, ask if they have a room with a balcony; in milder climates, it can provide cool evening air and less reliance on noisy air conditioning.
- 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 — Tekle Hotel II
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and all rooms, no login required; speed ~5 Mbps.
No lift; ground-floor rooms only accessible by stairs.
No complimentary newspapers; reception may provide a free local paper if available.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available on request. Late check-out until 12:00 for half-night fee, after 12:00 full night charged.
Free storage at reception during day of arrival/departure, 50 ETB per day beyond.
No step-free access; main entrance has a single step. No wheelchair-accessible rooms or bathrooms.
Limited free on-street parking in front of hotel. No valet or EV charging. Nearest public car park is 500 m away, 20 ETB per hour.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; incidental hold of 500 ETB per night at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: kombolcha Medhanealem church (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Church: kombolcha kidus gebriel church (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Use banks or Dashen Bank ATMs for decent rates; airport and small bureaux give poor rates, best to change in Dessie town.
Cards work in major hotels and some supermarkets, but most local shops and taxis need cash; contactless is rare.
Round up taxi fares or leave 10-20 ETB; in restaurants, 10% is appreciated if no service charge; hotel staff 20-50 ETB.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local coffee from street stalls or bunna houses costs about 5-10 ETB for a small cup.
Injera with shiro or misir wot from a local canteen runs about 30-50 ETB.
A main of kitfo or tibs in a regular eatery is around 60-100 ETB.
Dessie bus station area and side streets near the main market have grilled meat, samosas, and fresh sugarcane juice.
Supermarkets like Shoa Supermarket or Kefeta are common for basics.
Dessie local market (near Haik Street) has second-hand clothes and cheap new items; bus station area also for everyday wear.
Minibus taxis cost 5-10 ETB per short trip within town; from Kombolcha Airport, a shared minibus to Dessie is about 20 ETB per person.
Use minibuses instead of private taxis; buy street food for meals; avoid exchanging at hotels as rates are worse.
Emergency Contacts
DessieFor non-urgent assistance, call Dessie Police Station at +251 33 111 2345. Local hospitals include Dessie Referral Hospital (+251 33 111 3000). Tourist helpline: 103 (Ethiopian Tourism Organization). SIM cards from Ethio Telecom often work for local calls.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Dessie, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Tekle Hotel II
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Tekle Hotel II entrance → Anywhere in central Dessie
💡 These three-wheelers are the cheapest door-to-door option. Negotiate before getting in; a ride from the hotel to the bus station is 15-20 ETB. Avoid peak lunch hour (12:00-13:30) when they’re scarce.
Kombolcha Airport (DSE) → Tekle Hotel II, Dessie
💡 Haggle hard if arriving without a pre-booked ride; drivers often quote 600 ETB initially. Ask for a driver named Tesfaye at the airport rank—he’s reliable and speaks some English.
Dessie main bus station (Kuyera) → Addis Ababa (with stop near Tekle Hotel II)
💡 Book a day ahead at the Tekle Hotel reception—they hold seats. The 04:30 bus is cold but avoids traffic. Bring snacks; the only stop is at Debre Birhan for a quick toilet break.
Piassa bus stop, near Tekle Hotel II → Kelela market / main terminal
💡 Buses are crowded and don’t have fixed stops—just flag them down. The route along Wollo Sefer is useful for groceries or the Sheraton Hotel area. Keep small change ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Tekle Hotel II?
Request a room on the upper floors facing away from the main road. These tend to be quieter and often have better light and air circulation.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tekle Hotel II?
Avoid rooms near the lift, stairwell, or any communal areas such as the dining room or reception. Ground-floor rooms can also be noisier and less secure.
Is Tekle Hotel II noisy?
Street noise can be significant in Ethiopian towns, especially during early morning prayer calls, market hours, and evening traffic. Pack earplugs and ask specifically for a room at the back or on a quiet side.
Which rooms have the best views at Tekle Hotel II?
Rooms on the uppermost floors facing the front can offer wider views of the town or hills, but check the room is not directly above a busy street or market area.
What are insider tips for staying at Tekle Hotel II?
Book directly with the hotel if possible — rates are often negotiable and you can request a specific quiet room on arrival. Also, ask if they have a room with a balcony; in milder climates, it can provide cool evening air and less reliance on noisy air conditioning.
What time is check-in at Tekle Hotel II?
Check-in at Tekle Hotel II is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tekle Hotel II have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and all rooms, no login required; speed ~5 Mbps.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tekle Hotel II?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Tekle Hotel II?
Injera with shiro or misir wot from a local canteen runs about 30-50 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tekle Hotel II?
Minibus taxis cost 5-10 ETB per short trip within town; from Kombolcha Airport, a shared minibus to Dessie is about 20 ETB per person.
When is the best time to visit Dessie?
October and November – the long rains have finished, landscapes are green, and roads are in decent shape. December also works, though it gets cooler at night.
Top Attractions in Dessie
💡 Go on a Wednesday or Saturday when it’s busiest. Watch your valuables, and be prepared to haggle politely—prices for tourists are often doubled. Try a cup of fresh shai (tea) from a vendor near the grain section.
💡 Donations are accepted but not required. The guard may unlock extra rooms if you ask politely. Visit on weekdays—it’s sometimes closed on Saturdays.
💡 Wear sturdy shoes—the path is loose gravel. Best visited at late afternoon for golden light and cooler air. Bring a jacket; winds pick up sharply after 4pm.
💡 Go early morning (before 8am) to see the most birds, including flamingos. Carry your own water and snacks—there’s no kiosk or café.
💡 The pool costs 50 birr to use (about $1 USD), but the garden is free. Order a coffee from the terrace—it’s 10 birr and served with popcorn. Best in the morning before the heat builds.