Best hotels in Ethiopia

Axum is one of those places that stops you in your tracks — ancient obelisks, the supposed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, and a sense of history so dense you can almost feel it. The Atranos is the city's most ambitious hotel by some margin: a six-storey property that took 13 years to build and wears its ambition proudly. Rooms come with their own jacuzzi, there's a pool, spa, gym, and multiple restaurants serving everything from injera to Italian pasta. It's not polished five-star by international standards, but for Axum it's genuinely impressive — and the best base you'll find for exploring one of Africa's most extraordinary ancient cities.

One of, if not the top hotel in Axum, Atranos Fantasy Hotel & Spa is highly praised for its central location, offering spacious, carefully furnished rooms that blend charm with comfort. Known for its tasty, freshly cooked food and helpful, courteous staff, it is a recommended, pleasant choice for a memorable stay in the historic city.

The Grand Palace is an upscale hotel that uses contemporary designs to artfully combine Victorian elegance with ancient Ethiopian accents and Italian flare. Conveniently located near several popular attractions, the hotel offers unparalleled experiences in the heart of Addis Ababa. The opulence of the hotel looks like it would be fit for a prince or travelling dignitaries. After a royal welcome in the grand foyer, settle into your decadently furnished suite.

Ten hectares of rock and scrub in Ethiopia's Tigray region, shaded by four centuries-old ficus trees and facing the jagged Gheralta massif: this is where an Italian family, Enrica and Silvio Rizzotti, have built five bungalows, a restaurant and a leisure area, using stone walls, timber ceilings and thatched roofs the way Tigrinya farmers always have. Mebratu, who once farmed this same land, still works on the property. Expect a family-run resort with a professional's eye for finish and cleanliness, honest cooking from local produce, and rock-hewn churches, some dating to the 7th century, within close reach.

This great collection of 14 stylish suites – at what is possibly the first hotel with an ounce of character in Harar – is perfect for well-heeled travellers who are after some sophistication. Spacious rooms with pristine bathroom and balcony are awash with calming tones, boldly accented by carpet or laminate floors and lavish furniture.