Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa is a dependable upscale base in the Kazanchis business district of Kirkos, a central part of the capital that sits between the museums to the north and the busy Bole road corridor to the south. The hotel is built around the facilities that long-haul and business travellers want: a spa, a gym, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, two bars, a terrace and a coffee shop, plus a concierge, a hair salon and laundry service. Guests rate it very highly overall, and cleanliness and staff and service stand out in the scores, while location is a little lower because Kazanchis is a working district rather than a sightseeing quarter. For a first visit it is a calm, comfortable place to recover from a long flight and plan the next day.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the Kazanchis Business District of Kirkos, around a 20 minute drive from Bole International Airport in normal traffic. Meskel Square is about a mile away, and a station on the city’s light rail is within a short walk, although most visitors will use a hotel-arranged car or a ride-hail app for sightseeing. Traffic is heavy at peak hours, so allow generous time for museum visits and airport runs. A round-trip airport shuttle is offered for a charge.
The rooms
The room types run from standard, executive and superior rooms of about 323 square feet, with twin beds or a queen bed, to one-bedroom suites of about 646 square feet and a presidential suite of about 925 square feet. Executive rooms and suites come with lounge access, which can be useful for a quiet breakfast or an evening drink. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms.
Who it suits
Business travellers who want a recognisable brand, couples who prefer a quiet, well-run hotel and first-time visitors who want a central base with easy access to the main sights. The spa and gym are a plus after a day of walking at altitude. Families can find room options, though the hotel is not built around a pool, so it is better suited to adults and older children.
Good to know
A pool is not listed among the amenities, so choose another hotel if swimming matters. The buffet breakfast carries a surcharge on some rates, so compare prices with and without it. Self and valet parking are free. Check-in starts at 3pm and check-out is at noon, with early check-in and late check-out available for a fee, subject to availability. Ask the front desk to recommend a trusted driver for day tours, and confirm shuttle times before you travel so that an early or late arrival does not catch you out.
Why stay here
- ✓Spa
- ✓Gym
- ✓Restaurant serving three meals
- ✓Two bars and a terrace
- ✓Free self and valet parking
- ✓Free in-room Wi-Fi
- ✓Coffee shop
- ✓Concierge and laundry service
Good questions
Does Radisson Blu Addis Ababa have a pool?+
A pool is not listed among the amenities. The hotel has a spa, a gym, two bars and a restaurant.
How far is the hotel from the airport?+
Bole International Airport is about a 20-minute drive in normal traffic. A round-trip shuttle is available for a charge.
Is parking free?+
Yes, free self and valet parking are listed.
