TAITU

An institution in Addis. The oldest hotel in the country, formerly an imperial residence built in 1907, the Taitu retains a certain baroque charm with its wooden structure, revolving door, wooden floors and terrace, even if the whole is very worn. The 75 rooms are very uneven, those located in the historic central building remain the most spacious and charming, from another time, with retro furniture in its original state, straight from a 1970s film. The shared bathrooms are medieval. So those with private bathrooms are the best, but here again, the outside balcony doesn't look very solid, you don't venture too far, everything is relatively decrepit, when you see the showers wrecked with cold water, without a safe or a way to properly close the room from the outside (on the first floor), you don't see yourself leaving your valuables there. Moreover, the fire destroyed part of the attic in 2015, even if the building has been superficially rehabilitated; what a pity for a jewel of such architecture! The correct rooms are in the modern wing without much charm, and it is often full. It is the favourite address for backpackers who want to enjoy the atmosphere of Piazza's lively (but poorly frequented) district at night. Friendly welcome. A graceful garden and a good restaurant with traditional cuisine that serves a vegetarian buffet at an unbeatable price for lunch. Free Wifi at the restaurant.