Homeland Hotel

The staff were very friendly, which was a plus, but the service really needs to be looked at. This place is a long way outside the city, and even though we had VIP rooms, the interior design was horrible. The lighting was so low and dim that working at night was hard. The pool was only half full, and they told us it wasn't going to be filled, so we might as well swim in it anyway.

The staff and GM were amazing once I finally got help. They drove me to a clinic in their own vehicle, lent me local currency for the medical expenses, stayed with me there, helped arrange a doctor's visit and blood test, bought antibiotics, and escorted me back to my room. But they never gave me the doctor's report, which must have shown food poisoning. This started on the night of December 23rd, 2017, when I suddenly became acutely ill during my stay. I'd eaten a hamburger at the hotel restaurant that evening, and it had led to severe food poisoning. I was on the 3rd floor, the hotel had no lift, and the room intercom wasn't working. After several calls, it took something like 2 hours before I got assistance.

The only things I liked were the late night local Ethiopian food at the restaurant and the welcoming staff. Breakfast was horrible. The bathroom floors weren't clean, the showers didn't work properly, and the water pressure was very low. The pool water wasn't clean and had no treatment. Don't expect to sleep past 7 am either, the staff scream and shout in the corridors, and they won't stop even if you talk to them.

For as little as 1500 Birr, you get friendly staff, good food, well kept rooms, and a clean pool and gym. It's a very well run hotel and amazing value for money. The rooms even have a mini workstation if you need to get work done. I've found my go to spot in Bahirdar. I'm taking off one star because the plumbing and furniture need improvement.