Axum Hotel

Axum Hotel was clean, reliable, and well located for our stay in Addis Ababa, and I'd recommend it. The airport shuttle was efficient, and the staff gave me a warm welcome with professional, tourist-standard service. My room was elegant and spotless. Most memorable was the very comfortable bed and high-quality linens, which helped me rest after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel brings together traditional Ethiopian hospitality and modern efficiency.

We got a great price, and the breakfasts were satisfying, mostly local dishes. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, in a modern hotel with an old-fashioned style. One tip from the management: don't book through an agent, since they may be unable to accept the booking even when it's offered. Contact the hotel directly and you should be fine.

I called to ask if they had a massage available, and they said yes, I could come right away. But once I arrived, I was told everyone was busy with clients and I'd only have to wait a couple of minutes. After 15-20 minutes with no update, I went back to reception. They said they'd check, then came back to say the staff had finished with clients but were eating, and I could have my massage after they finished. I decided to leave. Only then did they offer to ask the staff to eat later. It was horrible service, and I was left waiting outside at the café.

A decent enough place, with an easy check-in and a fairly central location. The rooms were forgettable, and the breakfast was okay. They advertised money exchange, but had no money available. My big room cost 1,850 birr. It was under renovation, so it was noisy, especially early in the morning.