Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The Sheraton Addis opened in February 1998 and is part of Marriott's Luxury Collection. It is a five-star hotel with 295 rooms and suites on Taitu Street, and for travellers it offers a self-contained base with almost everything on site, from a choice of restaurants and bars to pools and a spa.

Dining is a major strength. The hotel counts eleven restaurant and lounge options: Stagioni for Italian food with an antipasto bar; Shaheen for northern Indian cooking from an open kitchen and tandoor; Jade for pan-Asian dishes; JW Steak House; Summerfields, a buffet restaurant with garden views that also serves Ethiopian specialities; the Fountain Court lobby lounge for juices and high tea beside the musical fountain; Breezes by the pool for rotisserie chicken and wood-fired pizzas; and Temptations for pastries. Stanley's Cocktail Bar, with Ethiopian-themed decor, has live bands on special nights and stays open late, and Baywatch is the island bar between the pools. Not every outlet is open at all times; the Office Bar is listed by the hotel as currently closed, so check what is operating during your stay.

The outdoor pools are one of the hotel's signatures, with a main pool and a separate children's pool, and underwater music playing in the water. The Aqva Club spa offers a menu of massages and treatments. Families will appreciate the children's pool and the range of dining options, and business travellers have plenty of places to hold informal meetings.

The hotel is about 20 minutes by car from Bole International Airport, roughly seven kilometres away, so allow extra time at peak traffic hours. Booking direct through Marriott earns loyalty points. Addis Ababa hosts many international conferences, so reserve early if your dates coincide with a major event. Smart casual dress is expected at Stagioni.

The Sheraton suits travellers who want a fully serviced base with space and a choice of restaurants without leaving the property, including first-time visitors and those on official business. Even if you stay elsewhere, a meal at Stagioni or a drink in the gardens is a good way to see the hotel. For sightseeing, ask the concierge to arrange a driver or a tour, as distances between the main sights are best covered by car.