Your stay — Tourist Hotel
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The Property — Tourist Hotel
The Tourist Hotel in Jimma, Ethiopia, is a straightforward 3-star property that caters to budget-conscious travellers seeking a no-frills stay. Its lobby, featuring a modestly decorated reception area with worn wooden furniture, sets the tone for a simple, unassuming experience. Guests can expect a comfortable bed and a clean room, but don't expect any frills. The hotel's staff are generally friendly and helpful, but language barriers can be a challenge. Overall, it's a suitable choice for those prioritising affordability over luxury.
Chronicles of Jimma
Jimma, the capital of the Oromia Region, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was a major trading hub. The city's architecture is a blend of ancient and colonial influences, with many well-preserved buildings from the 19th century still standing. Jimma is home to the famous Kaffa coffee, and the local culture is deeply rooted in its coffee ceremonies and traditional music. The city has undergone significant development in recent years, with a growing number of new businesses and infrastructure projects. Today, Jimma is a bustling urban centre with a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Full Jimma guide →Best months
The best months to visit Jimma are June and July, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing. The crowds are smaller compared to the peak months, and the hotel prices remain relatively low. Additionally, the city hosts the Jimma Flower Festival in June, which brings a vibrant atmosphere to the city.
Peak / festival surge
The peak month in Jimma is January, when the city experiences a significant influx of visitors for the Ethiopian Christmas celebrations. Hotel prices surge during this time, and accommodation options can be limited. The city also hosts the Jimma International Marathon in January, which draws a large crowd.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of March to May offer a great balance of mild weather and lower prices. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Additionally, the city is less crowded, and the hotel prices are significantly lower compared to the peak season.
Weather & packing
Jimma experiences a dry climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from October to February and a wet season from March to September. Visitors should pack light and breathable clothing and be prepared for occasional rain showers, especially during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Jimma
- The Jimma-Micho Railway, a new railway project connecting Jimma to Addis Ababa, is under construction and expected to be completed by 2027.
- The city is experiencing a surge in new business openings, including a few new restaurants and cafes serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
- The local market, known as 'Merkato', is a great place to experience the authentic Jimma culture and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Tourist Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors (1st to 3rd) are more prone to street noise from the main road outside the hotel.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms facing the service entrance or near the lift, as they may be subject to noise from the entrance and lift shaft.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address in Jimma does not provide any notable views, but rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 and 5 are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's layout and address.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the main road is a potential issue, but the hotel's design and location may help mitigate some of this noise.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more fresh air and a view of the surrounding area. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for limited parking options, so it's a good idea to ask about parking availability when checking in.
- 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 — Tourist Hotel
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, but stairs-only access to some rooms in the original wing
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00 (ETB 500 fee)
available 24/7, ETB 50 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, but limited access to some rooms in the original wing
on-site parking ETB 200 per night, nearest public car park ETB 150 per day (5-minute walk), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ETB 10 per night/person
Deposit & card hold: ETB 500 advance deposit + incidental ETB 1,000 card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: የኢትዮጵያ የህይወት ብርሀን ቤተ ክርስቲያን (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: St. Micael (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Evangelical Misgana Church Jimma chapel (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
- Church: Catholic Church (2.1 km · ~27 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Selected Site — 772 m · ~10 min walk
Awetu Park — 688 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 277 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
You can exchange money at local banks or currency exchange offices in the city centre. Be aware that rates at airports and tourist bureaux may be less favorable.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but ATMs are limited. Mobile payments like M-Pesa are also gaining popularity.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 10-20 ETB for a meal and 20-50 ETB for a taxi ride is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can get a strong, locally-roasted coffee for around 10-15 ETB from a street vendor or a small café.
A traditional injera with stews or salads costs around 20-30 ETB at a local restaurant.
A basic meal at a local eatery will cost around 50-70 ETB for a main course.
Street food is abundant in the old town area, where you can find vendors selling fried insects, roasted corn, and other local snacks.
Major supermarkets like Meta and Grand Bazaar are located in the city centre, offering a range of products.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Jimma Market, where you can haggle for prices.
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 ETB) or taxi (around 10-20 ETB), and a day pass for the local bus costs 10 ETB.
Bargain for taxi fares and negotiate prices at markets.Eat at local restaurants or street vendors to save money.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist bureaux for better rates.
Emergency Contacts
JimmaFor English-speaking help, contact your hotel front desk or the nearest police station. The US consulate in Addis Ababa can assist US citizens: +251-11-130-6000. Dial 911 for local emergency services (works in some areas).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Jimma, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Tourist Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 277 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Central Jimma (Bashah Tader) → Dololo Hotel
💡 Cheapest for short hops. Flag one on the main road, not near the hotel gate—drivers there tend to quote double.
Jimma Bus Station (Mendera) → Addis Ababa (via Dololo main road)
💡 Buses pass Dololo's main road junction—not the hotel directly. Expect a 10-minute walk from the drop-off point. Buy tickets at the station a day ahead.
Jimma Airport → Dololo Hotel
💡 Pre-book through the hotel front desk for 350 ETB. Standard yellow taxis at arrivals charge more—agree the fare before getting in.
Jimma Bus Station (Mendera) → Dololo Hotel (main road stop)
💡 Minibuses are packed and stop often. Get off at the 'Dololo corner' (ask the weyala for 'Dololo mado'). Walk 300m to the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Tourist Hotel?
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors (1st to 3rd) are more prone to street noise from the main road outside the hotel.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tourist Hotel?
Avoid rooms facing the service entrance or near the lift, as they may be subject to noise from the entrance and lift shaft.
Is Tourist Hotel noisy?
Street noise from the main road is a potential issue, but the hotel's design and location may help mitigate some of this noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Tourist Hotel?
Unfortunately, the address in Jimma does not provide any notable views, but rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Tourist Hotel?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a bit more fresh air and a view of the surrounding area. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for limited parking options, so it's a good idea to ask about parking availability when checking in.
What time is check-in at Tourist Hotel?
Check-in at Tourist Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tourist Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tourist Hotel?
ETB 10 per night/person
Where can I eat cheaply near Tourist Hotel?
A traditional injera with stews or salads costs around 20-30 ETB at a local restaurant.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tourist Hotel?
The cheapest way to get around is by minibus (around 5 ETB) or taxi (around 10-20 ETB), and a day pass for the local bus costs 10 ETB.
When is the best time to visit Jimma?
The best months to visit Jimma are June and July, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing. The crowds are smaller compared to the peak months, and the hotel prices remain relatively low. Additionally, the city hosts the Jimma Flower Festival in June, which brings a vibrant atmosphere to the city.
Top Attractions in Jimma
💡 Go early (before 9am) to see the coffee roasting and avoid the midday heat.
💡 Buy a bag of roasted maize from the vendors at the gate; it's the local snack here.
💡 Entry is free but bring a small donation for the caretaker; he'll unlock the main rooms.
💡 Ask at the administration office for a guide; they can unlock the main hall if it's closed.
💡 Arrange a guide through the Jimma Coffee Research Centre; they charge a small fee but the walk itself is free.