Accommodation
Hotel accommodation is an important component of tourism, and Ethiopia has hotels of varying standards across its different regions. Our expectations of Ethiopian hotel standards have to be reconciled with the present economic standard of the country as a whole.
By Region
Where You'll Stay
The Capital
The capital of Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) has hotels ranging from two stars up to five stars. The Sheraton Addis is one good example of a high-standard luxury collection hotel — the first of its kind on the continent of Africa. There are also a Hilton Hotel, InterContinental Hotel and Radisson Blu business hotel, all of which can be categorized as five-star hotels.
The North
In this part of the country you find hotels of varying standards, from tourist class up to cheap hotels. In some parts of the north, like the Semien Mountains area, if you intend to trek you should prepare to camp — many tourists find camping there a very exciting experience, and good-quality camping equipment is available.
The South
Tourist-standard hotels are fewer in this region — you will do more camping, especially as you go further into the Omo Valley. Most hotels are two stars or less, and in some (limited to some rooms) you may need to use a common shower, though this only happens in the very high season. Camping sites and lodges are a mix of standard and basic.
Orientation
From experience we have learned that there are three categories of tourists that come to Ethiopia. The first are those who measure Ethiopian hotels absolutely by European standards — having forgotten the country's present economic realities, they are usually disappointed.
The second group are tourists who have traveled widely and come with accurate expectations — they usually rate Ethiopian hotels as relatively good.
The third group think Ethiopia is almost a desert with very few low-standard hotels, if any at all. They come with great fears and unnecessary preparation, and are usually pleasantly surprised by the standard they find.
For anyone content with moderate comfort, finding accommodation in Ethiopia is not a concern. Genuine tourist-class hotels are restricted to major tourist towns, but even by African standards, accommodation at all levels is not expensive. Ethiopian hotels can be roughly separated into four categories, with categorization somewhat relative to each city.
Hotel Standards
Categories of Accommodation
European Standard Hotels
These hotels generally fulfill a good European hotel standard, but are very few in number and limited to the capital city. For example, the Sheraton Addis, located in the capital, is rated number one in Africa.
Tourist Class Hotels
Hotels in this category are partially government-owned, alongside a good number of privately-owned hotels. They exist for tourists and are generally used by tour companies in Ethiopia and Europe for their clients — comfortable rooms, hot showers, satellite TV, and restaurants serving western food. If you're simply looking for the best available accommodation, this category fits well.
There are two government chain hotels and a private chain hotel in this category, distributed evenly across Ethiopia's tourist routes to avoid redundancy. The Ras hotel chain controls the southeastern part of Ethiopia, with properties in Debre Zeit, Nazareth, Dire Dawa, Harar, Awash National Park (a lodge), Asela and Goba.
In the South, the Wabi Shebele government chain hotel (currently privately owned) and the Bekele Molla privately-owned chain dominate. Wabi Shebele has branches in Langano, Awassa, Wendo Genet and Goba; Bekele Molla has branches in Debre Zeit, Modjo, Nazareth, Ziway, Shashemene, Moyale, Langano, Arba Minch and Robe. In the West, Ethiopia hotel chains dominate, with branches in Ambo, Nekemte, Gambella, Jimma and Woliso.
Medium Range Hotels
If your priority is keeping down accommodation costs while maintaining a reasonable level of comfort, these mostly privately-owned hotels are clean and comfortable, with hot showers, TV in most rooms, and good restaurants with English-speaking staff.
Cheap Hotels
Use these hotels only if you are on a limited budget. They generally have clean rooms with cold and sometimes hot showers. Regional variations are inevitable — some hotels in some towns can be grouped under medium-range hotels, and in other towns under the cheap hotel category, so do not expect a clear demarcation.