Review: The Ethiopian Skylight Hotel beside Addis Ababa Airport

Ethiopian Airlines offer all passengers free hotel accommodation if they have more than eight hours between flights. People are accommodated at the Skylight Hotel, which is a very short drive from Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport.

This is not to be confused with the Skylight In-Terminal Hotel, which is also an option for passengers. That did not appeal to me, as I much prefer being out of the airport where possible, plus the facilities are far more extensive off airport.

The curious case of the missing hotel voucher

The airline’s website says that vouchers for the accommodation will be provided at check-in. At Cairo Airport, I asked but they said to ask in Addis Ababa. That meant visiting the Ethiopian Customer Service desk, which is on the left hand side part way down the long arrivals corridor before you get to the immigration lines. When there, I was quickly seen and given the option of the hotel in terminal but declined.

The agent printed off my voucher and I proceeded through Cloud Nine immigration and to collect my baggage. I’d asked for it to be short checked to ADD so I could have it with me for the 16 hours in transit. From there, I went over to the desk near the exit and was out and onto the mini-bus in short order. It must be said that my voucher then arrived a few times via e-mail. For the return trip, it was e-mailed to me the day of departure, so I had it, but hadn’t been able to print it. Another visit to the customer service desk got that sorted.

You’re business class, go over there

My voucher on the outbound inexplicably said I was in economy class. On arrival at the hotel (which is about three minutes drive from the airport), the driver noticed the priority tags on my hold luggage. I was sent over to the new wing of the hotel, which is where Cloud Nine passengers are accommodated.

First you go through a quick security screen, then it’s to check-in. I pointed out I was in business class by showing them my boarding passes. In short order I had a room key, Wi-Fi instructions and code, and three vouchers for meals – one each for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Skylight Hotel rooms E416 and D311

Since I stayed over twice, I was able to compare two different rooms. I’m pleased to report they are virtually identical in all respects, which is what you’d expect from most hotels.

The rooms are quite nicely appointed, with extremely comfortable beds, black out curtains, tea and coffee making facilities, robes, slippers and even a mini-bar. That mini-bar is however devoid of items, so it’s basically an empty fridge and some space where things could be, if you use your imagination.

For some reason my Wi-Fi code did not work, so I had to go back down to reception. They ended up giving me some override code, which still worked in my laptop when I came back the second time.

Happily the Wi-Fi is very quick and as useful as my own home Internet. Very handy when you’re busy doing bits and pieces online, like writing this article!

Bathrooms and Amenities

There is a window taking up most of the wall between the bathroom and bedroom areas. This does have a blind that can be put down, but since I was on my own it stayed up the whole time. The rain shower is really lovely to use after a long flight. Nothing much is more refreshing, in all honesty.

Since I didn’t short check my bag on the return journey, I really (really!) appreciated the fact there was a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and shaving cream. I was expecting the disposable razor to shred the skin right off my face, but it actually did a fair enough job with no cuts. Phew!

Ethiopian Ta’em Cultural Restaurant

There are two restaurant options for Cloud Nine passengers for the complimentary meals, both in the older building. I decided to try the Ethiopian Ta’em Cultural Restaurant. First I went to the Runway Restaurant to get directions and the lady there sent me pretty much across the lobby.

Once there, the lady wouldn’t let me in and was trying to redirect me back to the other restaurant. The first lady came over and pointed out I was business class and therefore allowed in. Good stuff! I sampled all the various items, having two plates of food in total, plus a coke. The voucher says you are entitled to “Mesob (fasting or non-fasting) and one soft drink or one 330ml bottle of water” and they are open for lunch between 12:30pm to 4pm and Dinner 6:30pm to 11pm.

The Runway Restaurant

At the Runway Restaurant, which I visited on my return journey, you are entitled to the buffet and one soft drink or 330ml bottle of water. They are open for breakfast from 5am to 10am, lunch 12:30pm to 3pm, and dinner 6:30pm to 11:45pm. Since the drinks situation is meagre, I also purchased a 600ml bottle of water for 125 Ethiopian Birr – which came to around €0.82.

The food was delicious, of course. I missed the whole salad bar thing and went straight for the hot items. Afterwards, you can choose from a large array of cakes and there is also an ice cream station, which was popular with kids. The staff are quite friendly, one even complimenting me on my smile.

Overall Thoughts

The Skylight Hotel is very good. It is the perfect place to stay on a long layover in Addis Ababa. On this trip, I elected not to take any additional tours. That worked out well, as I was absolutely shattered tired both times I was passing through. The 16 hours I had both ways would have been perfect for both half day and full day tours.

There are far more amenities available at this hotel than I’ve used. For example, there are tons more restaurants, a spa, a swimming pool and more. You can see everything on the hotel website here. One other thing I liked was that I received a wake up call to ensure I didn’t miss getting back to the airport in time. Sometimes, it’s the little things… (though I am sure they also wanted me out!)

Have you stayed at the Skylight Hotel? What do you think of it? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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