Centrally located in Addis Ababa’s central district, close to major landmarks, De Leopol Hotel is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in its class when it comes to providing world-class facilities at affordable prices. Recently refurbished, De Leopol Hotel offers a perfect combination of comfort and luxury in a typically urban setting. Artistically designed with plush, modern interiors, the hotel offers a wide choice of spacious rooms and suites as well as a plethora of dining options – making it one of Addis Ababa’s most popular hotels.

As soon as you enter the hotel lobby, you’re impressed by the sparkling interiors with a golden, white and black theme that is carried through the entire property. The spacious lobby on either side of the main reception area is artistically decorated and decked with creative artworks, paintings and a beautifully crafted staircase that leads upto the upper deck. The sheer magnificence and of the glitzy lobby area was enough to know that the hotel management had an eye for detail – a premonition that was proved correct as I went on further to explore the hotel during my two-night stay at the property.

The hotel has a total of 130 luxurious rooms and suites that offer world-class facilities by combining comfort with convenience. Rooms and suites are generously sized, aesthetically designed and have all the comforts one could dream of. The bathroom facilities are excellent, with a separate jacuzzi, a walk-in shower and luxurious toiletries to further add to the overall feeling of well-being when you stay at the hotel. All rooms come with standard amenities like a working desk, water kettle for making tea, a spacious closet, slippers, and more.

The hotel’s in-house facilities are one of the best on offer in the city, with a beautifully designed spa, a well-equipped gym for those who want to work out, a swimming pool, an outdoor bar, and a hair and beauty salon with a dedicated massage parlour – to name a few.

Amenities

Swimming Pool
Outdoor Restaurant / Bar
Parking Space
Spa
All-Day Dining
Massage Parlour
Business Centre
Fitness Centre / Gym
Banquet Hall
Saloon

Breakfast buffet at the dining hall located on the ground floor is a gracious and sumptuous affair. There is a good selection of bread, cereals and food and bits of local flavours. Coffee, as expected in Ethiopia, was fresh and delicious. Those with a sweet tooth may be tempted by the selection of cakes and pastries.

When it comes to dining options, besides the spacious dining hall, the hotel has the Lobby Bar, where you can enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; the Duke Gazebo, an outdoor bar-cum-café; and a buzzing Coffee Shop that serves some of the most amazing coffee preparations you can have.

During my visit, I was upgraded to a beautiful ‘premier suite’, which has an outdoor balcony that was perfect for watching the outdoor activity in the hotel parking and swimming pool area. The suite featured a comfortable kingsize bed, a separate sitting room, and a spacious bathroom equipped with double vanity, jacuzzi and a separate rain shower. The use of polished wood finishes and latticed screens, as well as leather and brass, created a warm, elegant and refined atmosphere.

The swimming pool located across the hotel’s parking area is set in tropical settings with plenty of trees and plants that give the whole place a soothing and calm ambience with lots of shaded areas for you to unwind and relax in.

Ethiopian hospitality is on full display at Hotel De Leopol – the ever-helpful staff – all fluent in English – always went out of their way to help and assist. All staff member – from security guards to waiters to the concierge – were always smiling and co-operative.

How To Get There

Located just three kilometres from Bole International Airport, Hotel De Leopol offers shuttle pick up and drop off service from and to the Bole International Airport on request. Nearby landmarks include UNECA (1 km), the National Palace (2 Kms), the African Union headquarters (5 kms) and the Red Terror Martyrs Museum and Meskel Square (1 km).

Best time to visit

January to March, also known as the high season, is the best time to visit Addis Ababa. The weather is warm, sunny and the rainfall is at its lowest. It is also the best time to explore the wildlife in Ethiopia like ibex, wolves, and giraffes.

However, for travellers from the Middle East, the months of May to October are best to get away from the simmering summer heat and enjoy the cool, rainy season in Addis Ababa.

Recommended Hotel in Addis Ababa

All in all, , if you’re looking for a centrally located, upmarket hotel in Addis Ababa that offers world-class facilities, friendly service, and a quiet atmosphere, you cannot go wrong with Hotel De Leopol. This property is surely recommended for visitors to Addis Ababa – not only because of its central location, excellent accommodation options, varied dining options but also because of its affordable room rates. From start to finish, I really enjoyed my stay at the property. Undoubtedly, I can recommend Hotel De Leopol to anyone visiting Addis Ababa.