Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa

What People are saying

A nordic design and service urban oasis in Ethiopia, in walking distance to UN complex. 

Guy B on 12/06/2017 22:42

This business hotel, as expected, is a perfect urban oasis in regard of Scandinavian design, services and quality. It has all top functions you may expect if you are on a business trip, plus outstanding room very well equiped with elegant, welcoming and functional furniture. View out of the room's window is a little bit disturbed by the neighbouring construction site...but you are not in such an hotel for the view. The same comment is valid for the immedate surronding of the hotel.
The buffet breakfast is abondant and offers products and dishes, both international and local, of prime quality. The coffee is outstanding, in particular the expressso at the hotel's bar. The staff is very professional and helpful. On top of this, the airport transfer are efficient and reasonbly priced. All in all, an efficient business resting place in a perfect location.

Pleasant stay/Clean room

vlfrance on 09/06/2017 14:26

We did not stay at this hotel by choice, but were sent to it by Ethiopian Airlines on their tab because a late flight out of the U.S. caused us to miss our connection and we had to stay the day/night in Addis Ababa. This is a difficult review to do because the hotel is in a lesser developed country and is considered a more upscale hotel in the city. It's a solid three although objectively and relatively, it could be a four.

The service at the front desk is relatively slow compared to American standards, but the staff is pleasant and accommodating: our first room was in a room where everything was saturated with cigarette smoke and they quickly accommodated us in a non-smoking room. The room was functional and comfortable and clean even if slightly worn at the edges. The bed was comfortable as were the pillows. The amenities are Radisson Blu quality and generous. The public areas in the hotel are nicely decorated and inviting. The bar in the back area was very nice and comfortable as is the seating area near the coffee shop. We ate lunch and dinner in the restaurant and again the service was very good and the food, while buffet, was varied and well-presented. The hotel seems to attract business people foreign and local.

There is an Ethiopian Airlines desk in the hotel and the two different people we spoke with asking for help weren't helpful at all outside of the second telling us there was a larger office, with a supervisor, at the Hilton up the street. Where we did go and were able to take care of booking/rebooking appropriate flights.

I will say the inside of the hotel is a stark difference to the street scene outside which is partly why it's difficult to review the hotel. In total, it was safe (security at the entrance - we also found security at the entrance of the Hilton up the street), clean and served our purpose.

A Personalized Experience from Start to End

Steph H on 09/06/2017 13:06

I stayed at the Radisson for one night after first arriving to Addis Ababa and it set a positive tone for my trip. Despite arriving late and having to wait for a visa upon arrival, the airport shuttle service was still waiting for me and provided efficient transportation to the hotel. I was greeted warmly when I arrived and could not believe that the staff had taken the time to prepare and decorate my room to match my business' brand. It was such a special and personalized touch that made me feel special! The terrace bar was great to enjoy a glass of wine after a long trip and the outdoor heaters made it feel cozy even at night. Their breakfast buffet was incredible and the staff at the bar and restaurant were attentive and warm. I also took advantage of the business centre to get some documents printed and the staff there went above and beyond to make some calls for me to prepare for an upcoming flight. The wifi was quick and seamless, even during a city-wide outage. I would highly recommend this hotel for a stress-free, luxurious stay in Addis.

Disappointing stop over

RupertBear77 on 07/06/2017 00:38

My self and two colleagues were booked into this hotel by our company. We arrived mid evening at the airport after three flights and nearly 40 hours travel. The Airport office was not manned so we phoned the hotel who said they would phone their man in the airport. The phone on the desk rang, we answered, it was the hotel looking for their man. After a short wait the gentleman arrived and took us to the hotel bus. Only a short drive through the city, 15 minutes, and we were at the hotel. Through the security screening, one of my colleagues was stopped, he was carrying security equipment we use. The item was taken of him, to be held by hotel security till we left. Not sure why the same items we not taken off myself or my other colleague. Into reception and a really friendly welcome, the staff all speaking excellent English. Check in very fast and into the restaurant, 15 minutes before it closes at 22.15. Buffet available, not a great choice but we are hungry and tired. Food disappointing but not the end of the world. Into our rooms all ready for our first nights sleep in two days. We have Business rooms so big bed, slippers, dressing gowns, safe, tv,bath and large shower. There was a mini fridge, not well stocked but complimentry. Five tea bags and one coffee sachet. Straight into the shower, first shower in a long time, shower door won't shut so a big puddle on the floor. Straight to bed and sleep. A good nights sleep, up late, looked out the window onto a large building site. Could not here any noise so not a problem. My room on the ninth floor was next to the lifts, but again no noise. We spent two nights eating in the business lounge and the restaurant, very disappointing food, best item was an open sandwich from room service. In the two nights there my room was not serviced once. On the last day back to the airport on the shuttle bus. We use Radisson Blu hotels around the world, and this is the worst. I have stayed in two other hotels in Addis Ababa and they are both better. The reception and bar staff were very good and made us feel very welcome, not sure the other staff shared their attitude. I would describe this hotel as disappointing, other Radisson Blu Hotels are much better.

Noisy visit

Graham J on 06/06/2017 18:33

The hotel has two sides: street-facing (where the locals make all sorts of noise through the night); and the 'quiet' side (which overlooks a construction site with workers able to peer into the rooms - meaning you keep the curtains closed). As the public spaces are limited in the hotel, there is almost nowhere you can go to escape this. Pity, because the hotel is really quite well managed. We had two problems that could have been communicated better to residents: government shut down the internet for almost a week - completely; and required a cashpoint receipt for any local currency used to settle the bill.