Park Lane Addis Hotel

The facilities are very good, and the WiFi is among the best you'll find, with good speed. For a business trip in Addis, this is a place I'd choose for executive staff. There's a bar for unwinding, and night clubs aren't far away if you want more of a night out. Customer service is good, with staff who have exceptional skills.

There’s no elevator, and the steel workshop on the same street gets noisy, so it’s better to head out early. The location is handy for the busy southern part of Addis, with a burger place, pizzeria and rooftop bar right next door. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the airport. Staff are attentive, and the rooms are good value compared with other places in Addis. Check what’s on offer before booking breakfast.

I booked three nights at first because the reviews were mixed, but ended up staying eleven. Kerubel and the whole staff were so kind and accommodating. Check-in late at night was easy, and the next morning Kerubel gave me helpful advice about Addis, where to get a SIM card and staying safe. He was personable and even offered breakfast though I was about 30 minutes past the end of it. I had a larger room with a desk, two chairs, a small table, a fridge and plenty of wardrobe shelves. The shower pressure was strong and the hot water stayed consistent. I ate at the hotel several times while working in my room, and the food was always really good and reasonably priced. A few things to know: arrange and confirm an airport pickup directly with someone. I booked last minute, called on the 6th and got no answer, then messaged through Expedia about a 12:15 a.m. pickup on the 8th. When I landed, I was told the shuttle needed to be arranged in advance and no one could collect me. I took a taxi, expecting the 150-200 Birr mentioned in another review, but was charged 400 Birr, so confirm the fare before getting in. There’s no lift, though someone carried my bags to the third floor when I arrived and brought them down when I left. Machinery runs at the shop next door from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’m sensitive to noise, but with the window shut it wasn’t too bad. There’s no air conditioning or heat; the room stayed comfortable around 75 degrees in the day, and the bedding kept me warm when nights dropped into the 50s. The power cuts mentioned in other reviews affect the city, wherever you stay, and they didn’t last long.

There are places to eat and shop nearby, and the hotel restaurant is a good, reasonably priced option if you don’t want to go far. The staff are incredibly helpful, and the rooms are clean and modern. Beds are comfy too.