When planning a trip to a new city like Addis Ababa, one of the biggest questions is where to stay. To help you decide, we’re sharing our detailed experience from two different hotels in Addis Ababa: Social House and Sabon Hotel. We stayed at both to get a comprehensive view, and here’s what we found.
Hotel 1: Sabon Hotel
Reception of Sabon Hotel in Addis Ababa
Outdoor seating Reception, Sabon Hotel, Addis Ababa
Our first stop in Addis Ababa was Sabon Hotel. The first thing we noticed was how incredibly spacious and clean our room was – easily accommodating everyone with ample space. The extra bed we requested for our child was already in the room upon arrival. The complimentary airport shuttle was a huge convenience. The hotel’s location is also a major plus as it’s conveniently located right on the main road, Namibia Street, close to numerous restaurants and cafes, and has two ATMs right outside. The staff here was also consistently friendly and helpful.
Hall area to the room
Superior Standard Room, Sabon Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
While Sabon has an on-site restaurant, we didn’t get a chance to try it. However, just next door is an excellent restaurant that serves delicious Ethiopian cuisine.
The Restaurant of Sabon Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
On the downside, the Wi-Fi was unreliable and very slow, often not working properly. We were grateful to have local SIM cards. A more significant issue was a persistent leak from the shower that made the bathroom floor wet and slippery. We also found the bed to be quite soft, causing us to sink in, which made it a bit uncomfortable.
The bathroom of Sabon Hotel, Addis Ababa
Hotel 2: Social House
After our stay at Sabon, we moved to Social House, staying first in a King Room and then upgrading to a larger Junior Suite. The standout feature here is the unbeatable value for money. The quality of the property and the services you receive feel exceptional for the price. This hotel is also a bit hidden from the main road, which makes it feel like a more private find compared to Sabon’s prime location.
Kings room, Social House in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Left: View from the balcony of the King Room. Right: Bathroom of King Room
The staff at Social House is truly fantastic—friendly, efficient, and quick to resolve any issues. We loved the delicious food from the on-site restaurant, and our son really enjoyed the drawing sessions on Saturdays.
Breakfast menu in Social House
Food offered at Social House Addis Ababa
Spaghetti Bolognese from the restaurant, Social House Addis Ababa
Left: Painting session every Saturdays. Right: Fried rice.
However, our experience had some bumps. The King Room was quiet, but we were surprised by the significant noise level in the Junior Suite. We were woken up by loud music at 4 a.m. several mornings and even by construction noise at 2 a.m. one night. We also faced a few maintenance issues, including inconsistent internet, a power outage, and some broken fixtures. The bathroom felt quite narrow, and there was no lift, which made moving luggage to the top floor a challenge.
Living Room Junior Suite, Social House Addis Ababa
Kitchen at Junior Suite, Social House Addis Ababa
Junior Suite with Terrace, Social House Addis Ababa. Left: Terrace, Right: Bed.
The Verdict: Which Hotel Should You Choose?
After staying at both, our decision comes down to what you prioritize.
- Choose Sabon Hotel if: You prioritize a prime, accessible location right on a main road with easy access to amenities and external dining. The sheer size of the rooms and the airport shuttle are big draws.
- Choose Social House if: You are looking for the absolute best value, a delicious on-site restaurant, and a quieter King Room (be aware of potential noise in the Junior Suite). The family-friendly activities are a wonderful bonus.
Both hotels have great and friendly staff, but both have some maintenance and connectivity issues. Ultimately, Sabon offers fantastic spaciousness and a prime location, while Social House delivers exceptional value and a slightly more tucked-away feel.