Taitu Hotel Addis Ababa
Ethiopia's first hotel, offering a historic ambiance, a legendary vegan buffet, and live jazz music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live jazz music
Taitu Hotel Addis Ababa
Best Time
Live jazz music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ethiopia's first hotel, offering a historic ambiance, a legendary vegan buffet, and live jazz music.
"A historical visit to the first hotel in Addis. Highly recommend the buffet. Price is unbelievably low."
🎯 Don't Miss the Buffet!
The vegan buffet is a must-try, offering incredible value and delicious Ethiopian dishes. :food_bowl:
🏨 Room Comfort Varies
Cheapest rooms can be basic. Consider paying a bit more for a better experience. 🛏️
Quick Facts
Rating
3.9 · 207 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ethiopia's First Hotel
Step back in time at the historic Taitu Hotel, built by Empress Taitu in 1898. A true landmark.
The Legendary Vegan Buffet
Hotel Restaurant
Savor an abundant and affordable vegan buffet featuring authentic Ethiopian flavors, including unique dark injera.
Live Jazz Nights
Enjoy soulful live jazz music, adding a vibrant cultural layer to your evening at the hotel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History, Manage Expectations
Vegan Buffet Bliss
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Buffet!
The vegan buffet is a must-try, offering incredible value and delicious Ethiopian dishes. :food_bowl:
🏨 Room Comfort Varies
Cheapest rooms can be basic. Consider paying a bit more for a better experience. 🛏️
📶 Wi-Fi Access Available
Internet access is available for a fee, a useful option during restrictions. :iphone:
☕ Relax on the Terrace
Enjoy a coffee or beer on the terrace for a relaxed atmosphere. ☕
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Buffet!
The vegan buffet is a must-try, offering incredible value and delicious Ethiopian dishes. :food_bowl:
🏨 Room Comfort Varies
Cheapest rooms can be basic. Consider paying a bit more for a better experience. 🛏️
📶 Wi-Fi Access Available
Internet access is available for a fee, a useful option during restrictions. :iphone:
☕ Relax on the Terrace
Enjoy a coffee or beer on the terrace for a relaxed atmosphere. ☕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taitu Hotel is celebrated for its immense historical significance as Ethiopia's first hotel and its exceptionally affordable and delicious vegan buffet. While the ambiance is charming and live jazz adds to the experience, some guests note that the hotel's facilities, particularly the rooms, are dated and could benefit from modernization.
"Fitting to come for lunch to the oldest hotel in Ethiopia still standing (despite being damaged by fire) on Ethiopian New Year’s Day 2015.
Food is exceptional and we had the mixed meat dish - a good way to sample all of the different dishes in one go.
Plenty of food and generous portions - beware when ordering.
The hotel does look very tired but expect it is hard to renovate or maintain such an old hotel easily and to a standard we have all come to expect."
Tigs Chadder
"A historical hotel named after Empress Tahiti, who was the wife of Emperor Menelik, ruler of Ethiopia in the 19th Century! I spent a night in the hotel but the conditions was very poor. That said, the vegan restaurant in the hotel lobby, serves delicious salads snd injera wot. It’s a buffet so you can eat as much as you like, in a leisurely manner. Staff are friendly and professional in the restaurant! Low priced buffet, hood for large groups!"
Mal333
"A historical visit to the first hotel in Addis.
Highly recommend the buffet. Price is unbelievably low. They serve the dark colored injera which is not common.
The food was great. Customer service was great. And staff were so helpful to allow me to charge my phone."
Christina B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taitu Hotel is located in the Piassa area of Addis Ababa. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. It's a central location, making it accessible from various parts of the city.
Yes, Taitu Hotel is a well-known historical landmark in the Arada/Piassa district, making it relatively easy to find. Ask your driver for 'Taitu Hotel'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you don't need tickets to enter the hotel premises or the restaurant. You pay for food and drinks consumed.
The restaurant, particularly the vegan buffet, is popular during lunch hours. It's advisable to check current hours, but typically it's open for lunch and dinner.
There is no entrance fee to visit the hotel. You can explore the historical ambiance and dine at the restaurant.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Taitu Hotel is recognized as the first hotel in Ethiopia, built in 1898 by Empress Taitu Betul, wife of Emperor Menelik II.
Yes, Taitu Hotel offers accommodation. However, reviews suggest that while the historical charm is present, room conditions can vary, with cheaper rooms being more basic.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at Taitu Hotel, though it typically comes with a fee. It can be a reliable option if internet access is restricted elsewhere.
The hotel has a laid-back, historical atmosphere. It's known for its unique ambiance, especially with live jazz music performances.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Taitu Hotel is famous for its vegan buffet, offering a wide array of delicious Ethiopian dishes. They also serve international cuisine at their restaurant and bar.
Absolutely! Reviews consistently praise the vegan buffet for its exceptional taste, generous portions, and unbelievably low price. It's a highlight for many visitors.
While the buffet is the star, the hotel's restaurant and bar likely offer other vegetarian and vegan choices from their international and Ethiopian menus.
This refers to a traditional Ethiopian flatbread made from teff flour. The dark color indicates it's likely made from a specific type of teff or preparation method, and it's a unique offering at Taitu Hotel's buffet.
The price for the vegan buffet is consistently described as 'unbelievably low' and 'cheap,' making it excellent value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the historical architecture and unique ambiance of Taitu Hotel make it a great spot for photography, capturing a piece of Addis Ababa's past.
The hotel's exterior, the restaurant area, and the terrace offer charming backdrops. Capturing the historical details can yield great shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit