I stayed at the Hilton for one night this October. Check-in was a breeze, and my room was spacious and clean. One elevator was out of service, so the remaining one took a long time to come and would often be crowded with guests. The hotel had lots of shops and even an area where they did a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet breakfast was nice as well. I would definitely return.

Stayed here for 25 hours in late August on a flight layover. Upon arrival, our rooms weren't ready (As I was soon to discover, rooms are often rented on the half-day, due to flight patterns out of ADD.) The night manager was very professional, sent us to the bar and offered to comp us (oops, didn't happen).

Fourth floor room was perfectly acceptable; a bit worn, but comfortable and clean. Nice balcony overlooking the rear of the complex. Speaking of the complex, I utilized little, but while strolling, saw most of it, and thought it as nice as any I've seen on the continent. The small grocery store is a very convenient touch.

The laundry service was an absolute marvel: they did a better job than any I've used in the U.S. The staff is arguably the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. I'm sure part of it is an Ethiopian cultural trait (not to take away from Hilton's training program). Regardless, I have never received more punctual, polite, efficient service from concierge/desk/room service/laundry. I'm admittedly a low-maintenance customer, but I'm equally difficult to impress. I was definitely impressed.

Upon leaving at 2210 hrs. for the airport, I was informed I'd be billed a half-day instead of full charge(I was technically past the "deadline"); made up for not comping the bar tab.

Sheraton has a bank that will give you birr from your credit card; Hilton, you need this feature!

Overall, a positive experience for someone who's spent a bit of time in hotels around the world.

During our recent holiday to Ethiopia we stayed in both international class hotels in Addis in-between trips around the country - in the Sheraton for two nights on arrival, in the Hilton for three nights in a club room and again for one night in a standard room.

Having compared the two, I can say without a doubt say that the Hilton wins hands down. The service, though still slow, is friendlier and more pleasant. Though the Hilton is much older the rooms are under-going refurbishment and are in fact just as good as the Sheraton's. The public areas date from 1969, which actually gives them a bit of retro chic appeal and one of the bars looks like the lair of a Bond villan!

The Hilton also has much better facilities. That's because it seems to work almost as a social club for expats and rich Ethiopians who hang around the bars, the pool and gym (there is a membership scheme for residents) and the outdoor restaurant. Really, for a lot of people, the hotel seems to operate as an oasis in the middle of Addis and there's a lot of bustle and atmosphere around the lobby.

As a result of Addis residents using it so much, there are also basic clothes shops, a duty free shop, a supermarket selling imported Italian groceries, a pastry and coffee shop, a newsagent and a clinic (something we made good use of when my wife caugt a bug). The outdoor restaurant by the pool is pleasant and also includes a smoothie / juice bar.

The pool, though jammed packed with expat kids on public holidays and weekends, is thermally heated, and has a large garden around it where you can sit.

The hotel is also cheaper than the Sheraton. If you book in advance you can get a club room with fantastic views over the city (make sure your room is in the front, the back overlooks a shanty town) for less money than a standard Sheraton room.

The only slight problem was that the standard room we had on our second stay had a door to a neighbouring room, meaning the sound proofing was awful. I think this was because we were in a corner room. If you check in and find only a door separates you and your neighbour I'd strongly suggest you go to reception and ask for another room.

Overall though, I'd highly recommend the Hilton for your stay in Addis. From our experience, it is easily the best and most pleasant place to stay in Addis Ababa.

The Hilton in Addis Ababa will provide you with good basic accommodations that are typical of western hotels.

Because of the various stores and shops in the hotel compound, you won't have to venture outside of it for too many things if you're not inclined to do so. There's a small grocery store in the hotel compound where you can pick up snacks, wine, beverages and sundries. A small bakery/ coffee shop is located just beyond the grocery store. You can get your morning coffee and a pastry there if you don't feel up to walking down to LeNotre. A small florist shop is located in the lobby. The hotel has a barber shop and beauty salon in the compound which provides a full range of services, including mainicures, pedicures, brow shaping, and scalp treatments.

There's a cheap taxi stand just beyond the hotel gate where you can negotiate to hire taxis (Ladas) hourly. If that's too adventurous for you, the hotel has government-owned taxis (mostly old Mercedes) that will take you around town for fixed rates.

Natural hot springs supply the pool water and the pool appears to be cleaned on a somewhat regular basis. A fitness center is located near the pool.

The business center is located off of the hotel lobby. It is equipped with about 5 PCs, so there may be a queue at times. However, the wait usually isn't very long and internet access usually functions.

If you don't feel like traveling to the jewelry district, some jewelry stores have kiosks in the lobby. Lalibela Jewelry will allow you to order custom pieces at their shop in Piassa and deliver them to the hotel shop for your convenience.

I think the Kaffa House (in the lobby) should be avoided, but the pizzaria located in the rear of the Kaffa House makes decent pizzas (which you can also get in room service).

There's typically a bunch of little boys eager to shine your shoes just outside of the hotel gate. You'll only encounter them if you exit the hotel compound on foot rather than by taxi.

You can easily walk to the African Union and UNICEF offices from this location.

The hotel is a popular venue for wedding receptions and you may have to wait a few minutes for a processional to clear the walkway to exit the hotel. However, passersby are allowed (and, at times, encouraged) to join in the dancing as the wedding couple comes into the hotel.

The hotel won't provide you with bells and whistles, but if you want a nice, clean place to stay with reliable telephone, television and internet access, this is the place for you.