Abyssinia Renaissance Hotel

At least rainwater didn’t drip onto our heads or the bed, so that gets 10 points. The first room had water all over the bathroom floor, minus 1. In the second, there was just one towel and the A/C wouldn’t turn on, each minus 1. We had to sleep with the window open, and city noise disturbed my rest, another minus 1. There was a sewage hole in the middle of the bathroom that smelled even when filled with water. Leaving the bathroom door open made the whole room stink, minus 1. Of the two showers, only one had hot water, minus 0.5. Food quality was at most 5/10, minus 0.5. The minibar kettle had a UK plug, while the outlets were US/Schuko standard, minus 1. Total: 10-7 points, or 3/10.

We were stuck there for four miserable hours before the hotel finally arranged transport back to the airport. We had asked to be sent back by 8 AM, after a sleepless night in conditions that felt unsafe and unsanitary, but instead staff kept saying the power and water would return “in 20 minutes.” They repeated that at least five times and nothing changed. They also said they couldn’t let us leave because it would “look bad” for the hotel. That made us feel like a problem for their image instead of guests who needed help. Ethiopian Airlines had sent us there around 3 AM after denying us boarding because of overbooking. We were exhausted and stressed, and the poorly lit, intimidating area made us feel unsafe even getting out of the vehicle. Inside, the place was filthy and badly run down, barely operational, and not fit for guests. Calling it a one-star hotel would be too generous. Our room was in shocking condition and hygiene seemed neglected. Two adults were given one tiny bar of soap and no other basic toiletries, which felt degrading and unhygienic. Noise outside went on constantly, so sleeping was impossible. The electricity kept cutting out, leaving the A/C unusable, and then the water stopped as well. No power, no water, no comfort. They offered food, but the state of the hotel put us off eating anything there. If the rooms were that dirty, we could only imagine the kitchen. This was the most horrible and unacceptable hotel experience of my life, without exaggeration. Avoid it at all costs. No one should have to go through this.

I’ve visited twice, and both stays were amazing. My kids came along the first time and were welcomed so warmly that they loved it as much as I did. The owner and staff were incredibly kind. The rooms, food, service and hospitality all went beyond what I expected. For the price, I think it’s the best hotel in Ethiopia, and I really recommend it.

The bed was extremely comfortable, and the staff were welcoming and supportive, with superb service. Breakfast would be easier if the food options were labeled. I also found the cigarette smell in the bedroom corridors unpleasant. Cleaning and maintenance could be better, especially for the windows and curtains, and improving that could help the hotel compete. Abyssinia Hotel is satisfactory and comes recommended, though it doesn’t match a 4- or 5-star hotel. My scores: ambiance 3.5/5, staff 4.5/5, comfort 4.5/5, cleanliness 3/5, overall 3/5.