Ethiopia hotels are divided into four main categories: European standard  hotels, tourist class hotels, medium range hotels and cheap hotels.

European standard hotels are hotels that generally fulfill a good European hotel standard.

They are very few and are confined to the capital city, Addis Ababa. They include the Sheraton and the Hilton.

Tourist class hotels in Ethiopia are mainly government owned and are often used by tour companies. They offer comfortable rooms, hot shower, satellite TV, and restaurants that serve western food. These chains of hotels include; The Ghion chain of hotels, which dominates almost all of the northern routs and The Ras chain of hotels which controls the south eastern part of Ethiopia.

Medium range hotels are for those whose main concern is to keep accommodation costs low while at the same time having a comfortable and clean surrounding. They mostly have hot showers and TV. Most of them have good restaurants and waiters that can communicate in English. Cheap hotels cater to people who are on a very restricted budget. They have a clean bed and cold showers.  We have compiled a short review of some of the best Addis Ababa hotels to help you plan your Ethiopia tour.

Located at the heart of the city, half a mile from the cathedral and about five miles from Bole International Airport is the Hilton Addis Ababa. The five star hotel that is ideal for business and exploring Ethiopia many historic sites. This lush and exotic hotel is situated right in the city centre surrounded by 15 acres of well and artfully landscaped garden.

Hilton Addis Ababa is so near many other places of interest like; half a mile from it is the Post Office Museum and Ethnological and Archaeological Museum, about a mile away is the Ethiopia National Museum, about to miles south is the Martyrs' Monument and the African Union Headquarters. Three miles is East is the Merkato, Africa’s biggest open air market.

The Hilton Addis has about three hundred and fifty six rooms including suites and self contained apartments. All the rooms are tastefully done in the unique Ethiopian architecture. All the rooms are fitted with an air conditioning unit, a direct dial telephone, radios, satellite TV, daily maid services, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access and balconies with panoramic view of the gardens. The hotel also has 5 restaurants and 3 bars, excellent conference facilities that include four meeting rooms and a large ballroom for functions such as cocktail parties or luncheons.

The hotel amenities are plenty and vary to accommodate almost every taste. They include a thermally heated pool, four tennis courts, one of which is floodlit so that it can be used at night, squash court, mini golf, a state of the art gymnasium, separate men and women saunas with steam bath, a jogging track, aerobics class, massage treatments, spa beauty salon, florist gift shop and a news agent. Hilton Addis also offers room service concierge assistance, laundry facilities, a business center, currency exchange, free parking and 24-hour front desk service.

While staying here you could choose to eat at Kaffa House which is an American-style coffee shop, or the Pizzeria which offers a whole variety of pizzas, or the Jacaranda Restaurant which offers international cuisines and a variety of seafood.

Another 5 star hotel in Addis Ababa is the Sheraton. Positioned in the mountainous countryside, Sheraton Addis Ababa represents African elegance and it is renowned for its luxurious surrounding and impeccable service. The hotel is situated opposite the National Palace and is just 7km from Bole International Airport. Sheraton Addis is also in close proximity with the National Museum, the Merkato, the United Nations headquarters and the St. George’s Cathedral. The hotel’s location in the mountainous countryside makes a beautiful mythical like retreat.

The Sheraton has about two hundred and ninety one elegant guest rooms including an executive floor, 33 suites including a presidential suite, 49 non-smoking rooms and four luxurious three bed roomed self-contained villas each with its own swimming pool. All the rooms have air-conditioning, fax machines, deluxe bath amenities as well as individual climate control.

Hotel amenities include the Aqua Club a recreational facility with outdoor swimming pools fitted with underwater music, sauna, massage, treatments and Jacuzzi. The hotel also offers airport transfers computer rentals door service free parking and 24-hour room service. On-site dining that is a casual poolside affair includes Baywatch and Breezes which offers light meals at the poolside, The Office which is a garden bar, Fountain Court and Summerfield which are coffee bars. If you want elegant and fine dining then the Stanley’s, Les arcades Shaheen and Stagioni are the places to go. The Shaheen offers Indian Cuisine while the Stagioni Offers Italian. There is also a bakery on site with heavenly baking called the Temptations.

Situated in the heart of Addis Ababa’s business district near the Royal palace, the Ghion hotel is a sight to behold. Its beauty is enhanced by the beautiful landscape acres and gardens that surround it. With more than 190 comfortable guest rooms plus luxury suites, the Ghion boasts of a 24hrs room service satellite TV, telephone and in room safe. Their amenities include hot mineral pool, tennis courts, restaurant, nightclub casino, Ethiopian theme restaurant, bar, lounge, laundry/dry- cleaning services, conference facilities and a business center.

The Arara hotel is most conveniently located atop a hill giving a stunning view of Addis Ababa. It is a few minutes drive from the city center. The rooms are artistically decorated and they each have their own balconies with superb view of the Addis. The rooms have television with satellite, mini-fridges, and telephone. This hotel meets the needs of discerning business and leisure travelers requiring the ultimate comfort and personalized services. The hotel amenities include a conference centre, banquet facilities, business centre, restaurant, roof top lounge and complementary airport shuttle services.

The closest hotel to Bole International Airport is the Imperial hotel. The hotel offers Cable television, mini bar in rooms, safe, telephone, 24hr room service, laundry services, bar/café, restaurant, business center, conference facilities, discotheque, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage, gym, shops and non-smoking facilities

Located in the Safest and center of Addis Ababa about 5 Minutes drive from the International Airport is the Damu Hotel which was established in May 2005 with 20 Rooms and three different sizes conference halls. It offers satellite TV, telephone and 24hr room services. The Damu hotel is small but very charming and is also very friendly on the pocket.

The one place where your pocket depth doesn’t matter is Ethiopia. There is always something available for every pocket from hostels to 5 star resorts. Be sure to plan ahead for a more comfortable stay.