Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Solo Te Hotel Addis Ababa
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because here we go! This is my unfiltered, slightly manic, and wholly subjective review of the Solo Te Hotel in Addis Ababa. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, because well, that’s me. And hey, I’m writing this partly to save you some time, but also, honestly, mostly because I need to talk about my stay. Like, really need to.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? More Like… Unbelievable Experience Awaits (With A Few Quirks) – Solo Te Hotel, Addis Ababa.
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Right, first things first: “Unbelievable Luxury” is a bold claim. I came in with expectations sky-high thanks to reading online, and honestly? The Solo Te Hotel delivered, and didn't, all at the same time. It’s like a beautifully dressed person with a slightly wonky shoelace. Which, you know, is kind of charming, in a way.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like Most Things In Life.
Okay, okay, first things first. Let's address the elephant in the room I always have to consider. Being prepared for the worst and hoping for the best, I checked the website for mentions of accessibility. I’ll be frank: the info was sparse, but I've found that's quite typical in Ethiopia. The elevator was a definite thank god. I'd strongly suggest reaching out before you book if you have specific mobility needs. They seem to be trying, but further detail is crucial for true comfort and safety. They are friendly enough, though.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges & Wheelchair Accessible: I'm still trying to figure this out. There are restaurants and lounges onsite, but navigating them can be a bit of a dance. Better to check the hotel directly before booking.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi… In the 21st Century, You’d Think This Would Be Easy, Right?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! Usually, this is the part where I get to grumble about paying extra (like the one hotel in Paris that charged $20 a day -- I still haven’t forgiven them). But the Solo Te? Free Wi-Fi. Alright, alright, I’m listening.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas. So… the Wi-Fi in the rooms was acceptable, but like… sometimes it vanished. It was a bit like that friend who always shows up late to everything. You appreciate them when they are there, but… ugh. Public areas were similar: spotty. They do have LAN connections if you're into that whole hardwired thing. Honestly, for a supposed “luxury” hotel, the internet situation could use a serious upgrade. I rely on it a lot because I am a workaholic, but I also need to post all my pictures. #firstworldproblems amiright?
Things to do, ways to relax, aka “Spa Day or Bust”
Alright, let's cut to the chase: I was dying for a spa day. I'd been pounding the pavement, dodging traffic, and eating injera for days! I needed to melt.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Spa called to me from the moment I arrived. The pool and view were particularly tempting (Addis Ababa's skyline is amazing, even when shrouded in a bit of haze). The steam room was heavenly. Pure, blissful, sweaty, and absolutely worth the price of admission. I spent a good hour in there, contemplating the meaning of life… or maybe just when I was going to order another glass of that amazing ginger tea. And the massage? Ooooh, the massage. I'm not easily impressed, but this one… this one was divine. The masseuse found knots I didn't even know I had. Pure bliss. The fitness center was, well, a fitness center. I used the treadmills one day, and it did the job. The pool? Cool, beautiful and inviting. I didn't get a body wrap, though, because I’m fundamentally lazy.
Cleanliness and safety, a must in these times.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. The hotel was very clearly taking hygiene seriously. I felt safe, which is a massively important factor. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Everything looked and smelled clean. I appreciated the individually wrapped food options during these times, for sure! I actually loved that they had the option to be a little "hands-off" with the room -- I certainly didn't want them in there every day.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: The Food Coma Cometh?
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Okay, let's talk food, my second favorite topic after spas! The breakfast buffet was… extensive. Almost overwhelming. Everything you could possibly want – Ethiopian classics, Western options, pastries that called to me, even if I didn't need them. The a la carte options in the restaurants were good. Really good. Asian cuisine was pretty solid. I’m a sucker for happy hour, and the cocktails at the poolside bar were perfect after a long day of exploring. The room service menu was extensive, which was great for those late-night snack attacks… and late-night writing sessions. Oh, and yes, there was a serious dessert situation. My waistline is still recovering.
Services and conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The concierge was super helpful! The doorman always greeted me with a smile. The daily housekeeping was efficient and thorough. The elevator was a lifesaver (see accessibility above). They had pretty much every service you could ask for. The convenience store was… convenient. And I loved the terrace for a quiet evening drink.
For the kids: Baby… what?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't have any kids with me, so I didn’t see or inquire about the kids' facilities.
Access, getting around security (the nitty-gritty):
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Felt very secure, with security everywhere. Check-in/out was quick and painless. Soundproof rooms are a godsend in any city, and Addis is loud! (But in a good way, mostly). Non-smoking rooms are always a must. Overall, I felt incredibly safe at the hotel.
Available in all rooms: The Home Away From Home (Almost).
**Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Pelangi Sidemen Villa Awaits in Bali
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your glossy-brochure, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is REAL life, Addis style, from the depths of the Solo Te Hotel. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
Addis Ababa: Solo Te Hotel, My Soul (and Stomach) at Stake (and Mostly Okay)
Day 1: Arrival, Addis Ababa's Chaotic Embrace (And Jet Lag's Grasp)
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Bole International Airport: Ugh, that flight. Felt like I spent the last 12 hours crammed in a sardine can. Ethiopia, here I am! Oh, wait… where am I? The airport, bless its heart, is a glorious whirlwind. Baggage claim is a free-for-all, but everyone's surprisingly polite (or maybe I'm just too jet-lagged to notice the chaos). Found my luggage, miraculously.
- Anecdote: Almost walked out with someone else's bag. Mine was the exact same olive green. I swear, I saw a little girl give me the death stare as I fumbled with her suitcase. Thankfully, my conscience, and the owner, kicked in.
- 7:30 AM (ish) - Taxi to Solo Te Hotel: Negotiating prices. The driver quotes me a ridiculous sum. I try to barter but probably low-ball. I'm so exhausted I'm sure I'm getting ripped off. But hey, the sun is up, the air feels different, and these roads… well they’re an adventure.
- 8:30 AM - Check-in at Solo Te Hotel: "Welcome!" they said. And they meant it. The staff are genuinely friendly. Solo Te is…let's call it "charming." The lobby is dimly lit, the furniture has seen better days, but it has a certain…character. It smells faintly of cleaning products and…something else… maybe incense? Who knows, I like it.
- 9:00 AM - Room Debrief: Room is…okay. The bed looks comfy enough. The bathroom… less so. There's a distinct lack of hot water and the showerhead looks like it was handcrafted in the 1950s. But hey, at least it's a roof over my head. Collapse on the bed. Jet lag hits me like a ton of bricks.
- 11:00 AM - Sleep Attack: Wake up, stare at the ceiling… then, pass out again.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch: Finding Food, Finding My Feet: Venture out, hunger winning. Find a small local restaurant nearby. The food is… spicy! I ordered something that looked innocuous, a kind of lentil stew, but the spice level is…wow. Tears streaming, I get through it, thinking I am an Ethiopian! The Injera bread is spongy and delicious.
- Quirky Observation: The constant calls of "Taxi!" are a soundtrack to the city. It’s like being in a human swarm of buzzing bees.
- 4:00 PM - Exploring the Streets: Wander around the neighborhood. The air is thick with dust and the smell of roasting coffee. The streets are a hive of activity - people selling everything from shoes to hand-carved crosses. The energy gets me going. I feel like I actually am in Ethiopia!
- 6:00 PM - Hotel Wind-Down: Back to the hotel for a shower (cold water, yay!). Reflect on the day. Am I loving it? Actually, yes.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Order from the hotel restaurant. I am way too tired to go out again. Overcharge on room service, but hey, I'm tired.
Day 2: Holy Sites, Hidden History (and Coffee, Glorious Coffee)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: The hotel breakfast is simple, but the coffee is GOD-TIER. Dark, rich, and strong enough to raise the dead. It's like a religious experience. I need to find more.
- 9:00 AM - Holy Trinity Cathedral: Take a taxi (negotiating, of course) to the Cathedral. It's a beautiful building. The stained-glass windows are incredible. Even I, a generally agnostic person, feel a sense of awe.
- Emotional Reaction: The peacefulness of the Cathedral is a balm for my chaotic soul. The architecture, the history, the faces of worshipers… it's profound.
- 11:00 AM - Mercato Market: The biggest open-air market in Africa. Holy. Moses. This is sensory overload in the best possible way. Stalls overflowing with spices, fabrics, electronics… everything you could possibly imagine (and things you can't imagine).
- Messier Structure and Rambles: I got lost. Repeatedly. Almost got trampled by a donkey cart. The noise! The crowds! I bargained (badly) for some spices. I swear they're ripping me off, but I don't care. It's all part of the experience. I don't even know what to buy, but still, I have to buy something!
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at Mercato: Found a tiny, crowded local eatery. Ordered "something." Turns out it was delicious, even though I couldn’t tell you what was in it.
- 2:30 PM - National Museum of Ethiopia: Back to the hotel for a siesta. No. Going out again. I can't stay in the hotel anymore! The museum houses the amazing Lucy skeleton. It is amazing, and I start rambling on about human evolution.
- 4:00 PM - St. George's Cathedral: Even more beautiful than the Holy Trinity. The mosaics are amazing. I actually start appreciating religious art. Me!
- 6:00 PM - Coffee Ceremony: Oh, the coffee. The heavenly, life-giving, Ethiopian coffee. Found a cafe and watched the ceremony. The aroma…the ritual…the taste… it's pure magic. I need this to be a daily thing.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I. LOVE. COFFEE! From the roasting of the green beans over a charcoal brazier to the pouring of the perfectly brewed coffee, the whole process is beautiful. The smells, the sounds, the feel of the cafe… I can't get enough. I order three more cups. I could stay all night.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner: Trying a new restaurant. More spicy food. More enjoyment.
Day 3: Farewell Addis (For Now?) (and a Slightly Sad Heart)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: More coffee!!! And a final hotel breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - Souvenir Shopping: Last-minute souvenir hunt. Struggle to find gifts for everyone.
- 11:00 AM - Hotel Check-Out: Goodbye, Solo Te! You were weird. You were charming. You were… an experience.
- 12:00 PM - Taxi to Airport: The ride back to the airport is filled with a bittersweet mix of relief and sadness.
- 2:00 PM - Flight: Goodbye Addis. I’ll be back.
Important Notes:
- Transportation: Taxis are your friend. Negotiate everything.
- Food: Be adventurous! Try everything (but maybe bring some antacids).
- Coffee: Drink all the coffee. Seriously.
- Pace Yourself: Addis is intense. Don't try to do everything. Rest. Drink water. Breathe.
- Embrace the Chaos: That's part of the charm.
- Imperfect Days: Not every day is perfect. Some days you get lost, overpay, or face a cold shower. That's okay. Those are the stories you'll remember.
This is just a framework. Go with the flow. Get lost. Have fun. Ethiopia will get under your skin. And you'll be forever changed. Now go enjoy!
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Solo Te Hotel Addis Ababa - Let's Get Real. (Or, Well, Try...)
Okay, so... is this place *really* as luxurious as they say? I'm talking, like, *ridiculously* luxurious?
What about the rooms? Are they worth the price?
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it edible?
And the staff? Are they helpful and friendly?
What about the location? Is it safe and easy to get around?
Okay, so overall: Would you recommend it?
