Hilton Addis Ababa

If you’re keen to pay for being insulted repeatedly and unprofessionalism to the highest level, and constantly being told “sorry” with absolutely nothing done to rectify a situation, then I can absolutely recommend staying at the Hilton.

The reception staff was beyond rude, especially Rahel and Tolani. As a long stay guest, we were not informed they were renovating/painting, even when we asked them repeatedly to notify us. As a strong smell of paint wafted into our room, making us feel unwell, we kindly asked to change rooms. It took over 4 hours - nothing was done to make us feel comfortable, Rahel was completely disrespectful, preferred to have a coffee meeting rather than taking care of loyal guests, and was afraid to join the table. They proceeded to give us a dirty room which also lacked furniture and without a working TV. When we called to ask for maintenance, she hung up without a word and no one ever came to the room despite contacting reception several times. These two ladies are rude, unprofessional, entitled, and self-absorbed.
The hotel does not value guests; these two ladies should not be working in hospitality.

The water is turned off at least once a week, the telephones also do not work consistently, air conditioning of any sort is sporadic, housekeeping does not know how to clean rooms, and they will knock on your door even when you have the “DND” sign. Multiple times.

Housekeeping is disastrous, bed sheets will often be dirty, floors will not be properly cleaned or vacuumed, mirrors are left dirty, there is no attention to detail or consistency.

Do not expect to go to Hilton Addis Ababa and have a relaxing or productive stay. Expect a loud hallway with doors slamming and hotel staff that makes guest feels neither welcome nor respected. When we told the operation Manager Mr. Can Ali, nothing was done, he did not take anything into consideration and never addressed the situation. Highly unprofessional and lacking as a manager.

Incredibly honorable mention for the few individuals or departments that shone through the disappointment and should be given all praise and are reason enough to consider staying at the hotel:

Mr. Lars Windfuhr:

Goes above and beyond as a manager for guests. He takes time to listen to all concerns and is incredibly attentive over all guests. He is a wonderful manager and will make you feel valued. He is consistent and attentive.

Meseret & Sitota(front desk):

If you are lucky enough to be checked in by one of these wonderful front desk employees, your stay will be off to a very good start. They are ever so kind, polite and attentive. They are exemplary for the hospitality one would expect from Ethiopia. It is a shame they were not chosen as reception managers, I believe the hotel would be much better for it.

Security staff:

The security staff Hilton is absolutely fantastic. They are polite, professional and friendly and will make you feel welcome as the first people you meet when entering the hotel. Really wonderful experience and the kindest security in Addis Ababa.

Concierge Staff:

Concierge staff is impeccable. They were so kind to be attentive to guests needs, are always smiling and go the extra mile, even sending flowers when guests are feeling ill, checking for medication and doing the job reception should be doing. Absolutely amazing.

I have been going to the Hilton for 50 years, first as a child resident in Addis during the 1970s, and more recently on business. I always stay at the Hilton if I can. This is partly out of loyalty, but also because there is nowhere quite like it. It is the original Grand Old Lady of Addis. It has a personality all of its own, from its unique spacious modernist architecture incorporating Ethiopian cultural touches like the Lalibela cross shaped thermal fed swimming pool, to its lush greenery. Its airy gardens and leafy gazebo restaurant are an oasis in a city that is increasingly dominated by high rise concrete and glass. It’s the perfect place for business meetings, or if you just want some respite from the noise and intensity of Addis. The food is much improved on recent visits. The staff are all unfailingly courteous and genuinely warm, there are no ‘plastic smiles’, they are lovely people and some of them have spent their whole working lives there, which must tell you something. A particular shout out goes to the lovely Betlehem and Ngussie in the restaurant who took great care of me as I recovered from my travel bug. The rooms are a bit tired, and there is the occasional plumbing issue, but the linens are spotless and the beds are comfortable. One small gripe: your room access card gets wiped if anywhere near your phone, resulting in frequent trips back to reception to get it remagnetised, but that is a minor irritant. All in all, I will happily continue to return to the Hilton in Addis, a legend and an Addis landmark.

Al staff was helpful starting from security at gate until I reached reception at lobby, very nice food and restaurants.
Rahel Endale is a perfect guest relation manager, she made my stay so enjoyable and memorable, Ethiopian hospitality 👍👍

The service at the Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa was exceptional. The staff demonstrated professionalism, a welcoming demeanor, and attentiveness throughout my visit. The Gazebo area, in particular, stood out for its excellent service and serene ambiance. This experience truly provided memorable hospitality. Commendations are extended to the Turkish gentleman, Bereket, Tariku, and the entire team.

Very nice property. Extremely friendly staff. The property may be showing signs of aging and it may be time for a renovation, nevertheless, it is still a beautiful property definitely by Ethiopia standard it is top notch. The rooms are very comfortable, the bedding is also comfortable. The pool area is beautiful, however, the pool was undertaking some renovations so did not get to swim.
Very nice Gym with all kinds of equipment for a serious workout. The only issue is that they close at 10 PM.
Definitely recommend this property and would stay here again without a doubt

I have been a returning guest at this amazing hotel since 1990. I come here both for family vacations and once a year for my exhibition on Branding & Communication in Ethiopia.

The hotel is truly unique in Addis Ababa due to its holistic and well-thought-out architecture and design, inspired by the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is conveniently located for meeting friends and business partners. The whole place reflects the history of this ancient nation.

Upon entering the hotel, you are welcomed by the scent of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The lobby is grand and inviting. The rooms in the main building have been recently and beautifully refurbished. The breakfast and restaurant are excellent. The Gazebo by the pool is an open-air restaurant where you can enjoy meals and drinks. On Sundays, they offer a buffet accompanied by great music.

Behind the main building, near the parking lot, you will find a little jewel: Hilton’s Pastry Shop. It is a cozy spot to enjoy coffee and cake or to buy something to bring to friends and family. The shop is run by a wonderful manager!

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the top management—a team with long experience and a genuine interest in and love for the country, its culture, and its people.

The first two pictures, a panorama of Addis Ababa, were taken from my room on the 12th floor. The third image shows me in the hotel’s compound, wearing a sweatshirt of the famous Walias Band, who were the hotel’s in-house band in the 1970s.

This Thursday we (delegates of Tsehay bank) have a plan to pay a visit for congratulating Dashen bank's 30th anniversary for that we've placed 6kg cake from Hilton just by telling them to make it special the result was astonishing and beyond our banks expectation. For this we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Chef Dushantha (Pastry Chef, Hilton Hotel) and gust relation manger (Rahel Endale) for the outstanding service and exceptional craftsmanship demonstrated in preparing the 6kg chocolate cake for Dashen Bank’s 30th Anniversary celebration in addition who has make our desire in to reality.

The cake was not only visually elegant but also rich, perfectly balanced, and truly memorable in taste. Chef Dushantha’s professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence were evident from order placement to final delivery.

Hilton team, Thank you for adding a special and unforgettable touch to such a milestone occasion. Your work was highly appreciated by all our team and organizers alike.

Hotel stary, wymaga renowacji. Bardzo duży wybór na śniadaniach. Dobre menu w restauracji. Duży pokój, generalnie wygodnie, ale wszystko bardzo stare. W restauracji personel bardzo miły. Gorzej w lobby. Bardzo długo czekaliśmy na nasz pokój, mimo że byliśmy już po godzinie check in. Usytuowany w bezpiecznej dzielnicy, blisko pałacu Haile Selassie.

Kahvaltı kötü

We have been organizing workshops at Hilton Hotel over the last year and a half, including more than five large events. The hotel is truly classic, with an excellent location and convenient parking space.

The food selection is diverse and very well prepared. What really stands out is the staff’s professionalism and energy. The team is highly attentive and responsive throughout the events.

We especially appreciated the outstanding support from Hana, Dawit and Fisiha. Daniel, the Sales Director, was a key person in making everything run smoothly from planning to execution.

Thank you to the entire Hilton team for the excellent service and consistent support.

Excellent stay. Perfect room, very professional cleaners, friendly reception, and great staff overall. The location is slightly away from the main tourist centre, but they allowed early check-in and cancelled an extra night due to a flight change without hesitation. Extremely grateful for the flexibility and service.

amazing stay amazing hotel
best staff in town , thanks a lot to Lars ,Rahel but also all other made my stay cery special and enjoyable
I will come back and Hilton Addis Ababa is the best in Addis Ababa

My stay in Hilton Addis Ababa was amazing .
I was here already several Times the Team members are just very good and ensure everything is well arranged
Well done to Lars Windfuhr and Rahel.

location , Dealing with staff , cleaning

First time at the Hilton, we had a wedding to attend, I really got to say they have a really great service, everything was perfect.
I'd like to thank Rebka a waitress with amazing service and hospitality. I'd also like to thank the manager for making sure everything went smoothly.