Taitu Hotel

The Taitu Hotel holds a special place in Ethiopian history as the country's first hotel. It was founded in 1905 by Empress Taitu Betul, wife of Emperor Menelik II, in the early years of the new capital. More than a century later it still trades in Piazza, the old commercial heart of Addis Ababa, and staying here is a way to sleep inside the story of the city.

The building has had a difficult recent history. A major fire on 11 January 2015 caused significant damage to the main hotel buildings, and the hotel has since been restored close to its original form. Even if you stay elsewhere, it is worth coming in for a coffee or a meal to see the building where the city's hotel trade began.

Accommodation is aimed at budget travellers, with around 30 en-suite rooms. The nicer rooms are in the main building, up an elegant staircase from the restaurant, while cheaper rooms are in an adjacent block. Rooms are simple, with air-conditioning, desks and internet access, and services include laundry and left-luggage storage, which is handy if you are heading off on a trip outside the city and want to leave bags behind. Staff speak English and Italian. There is free parking for more than 50 vehicles, unusual in this crowded part of the city.

The bar is known for live jazz and piano performances in the evenings, giving it an atmosphere quite different from the international hotels. The wood-panelled restaurant is the heart of the hotel, with an a la carte menu of salads, pasta, pizza, burgers and Ethiopian dishes, and an affordable buffet lunch every day that includes a vegan option. A small library adds to the old-fashioned feel.

The location is a strong point for sightseeing. St George's Cathedral, Menelik II Square and the National Museum are within walking distance, the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum is close by in Piazza, the original Tomoca coffee shop is nearby, and Merkato is a short ride west. The trade-off is fewer facilities and less polish than the big hotels near Bole and the airport. It suits backpackers, history lovers and anyone happy to swap a pool for character and a central base in the old city. The hotel's own website could not be checked, so confirm current room types and rates directly.