Hiwot Abebe
As a thriving metropolis with a vast number of international travellers, the hospitality industry in Addis Ababa has been transformed in recent years. From the beautiful gardens of Sheraton to the elegant interiors of Hyatt Regency, Addis has a selection of excellent hotels on offer, including a premium range of destination venues for those looking to travel in style, whether for business or pleasure. Here are five of the city’s best luxury hotels.
A lobby that looks as good as the rooms: Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa combines traditional elements of Ethiopian design with ultra-modern structures to create a distinct aesthetic style. The meticulous attention to detail and immaculate design are both evident in the choice of paintings and sculptures by Ethiopia’s master artists that fill its many great halls. This vibrant hotel offers excellent Asian cuisine at The Oriental, and one can follow up with drinks at Cascara Coffee and Cocktails, a fashionable bar that hosts live music and DJs, while serving coffee-incorporating cocktails for those who like their drinks with an extra kick.
Poolside life at Sheraton Addis / Credit: Marriott International/Matthias Hamel • Fotografie
A sprawling, lush garden, shimmering swimming pool and stellar amenities all help this grand venue to stand out. The Sheraton offers luxurious villas with private pools and separate entrances, and some suites are equipped with classy amenities like a kitchen, office and Jacuzzi for when you really want to soak up the atmosphere. Dining in the Sheraton is just as high-end as everything else, which means two gourmet restaurants to choose from, serving Italian (Stagioni) and Indian (Shaheen) cuisine – and don’t forget to stop by one of the retro, stylish bars for a top-notch cocktail.
Stylish scenes at Skylight Hotel
Conveniently located close to Bole International Airport, Skylight Hotel offers beautiful suites and a relaxing atmosphere. Asian Bay serves a wide variety of Asian cuisine (including dishes influenced by Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian specialities), while ADD Restaurant serves yet-more international flavours and Ethiopian favourites. If you’re looking for expertly mixed cocktails in a slick setting, Connexions Lounge is the place to head, and the Blu Jazz Bar is a wonderful option when you’re after live music. Skylight is also a great place for business travellers thanks to its extensive conference facilities.
Truly a room with a view: Grand Palace Suites and Hotel
What does a blend of ancient Ethiopian aesthetics and Italian finishing look like? Step into the aptly named Grand Palace to find out. The opulent design touches give things a grandiose feel, as you’ll discover in the ‘British Victorian’-themed lobby and the elegant suites. If you feel you need to smarten up to match all this fancy décor, there’s an on-site salon with talented stylists offering a range of beauty treatments, plus a spa for when you feel the need to be pampered.
Capital Hotel is located in the heart of the city and close to Bole International Airport, making it super-convenient for those wanting to minimise travelling times – which is surely everybody. As well as serving a wide selection of Ethiopian dishes, the venue’s Capital Cultural Restaurant hosts musical performances, which are a real treat for anyone unfamiliar with Ethiopian traditional dances. If you want to take your stay to the next level – quite literally – the spacious suites offer private balconies and a Jacuzzi. But if you need to indulge even further, visit the hotel’s pastry shop and take your pick from a whole world of elaborate cakes, desserts and baked goods, all guaranteed to delight anyone with a sweet tooth. When evening comes, take a trip to the Gallery Bar, where cocktails and live piano music await to round-off the night.
