Getfam Hotel

OK, it's not the Taj Mahal, but Getfam's value lies in its solid four-star status and elegant (in a mid-90s corporate way) appeal. There's glamour in the gleaming marble, and the bright lighting, the good local and international menu at the on-site Getfam Restaurant and Bar (despite the room's rather cavernous size). There's glamour too in the enormous indoor pool, and the Jacuzzi, with its steam room and sauna area tiled with mosaics like a Turkish bath.

The rooms, meticulously clean, are finished in crisp whites, buttery creams and rich wood, with plenty of natural lighting from windows overlooking the city streets. Standard and Twin rooms have king-sized beds and large twin beds, respectively, a few chairs set beside the window, and a spacious bathroom with high-pressure shower. Junior Suites incorporate an open-plan sitting room; Suites have a separate large lounge area; and the palatial Presidential Suites feature a separate lounge, with chandelier, and a large patio.

Sprawling Addis may lack instant appeal, but dig a little deeper and you'll uncover a huge spectrum of colour. Wander the market to uncover goods of all kinds: spices and textiles, livestock, and handmade gems. St George's and the Holy Trinity cathedrals are impressive monuments, each with a complex history. If you're just passing through, do at least carve out an hour or two to enjoy a traditional sit-on-the-floor, eat-with-your-hands meal. The local fare is some of the continent's best.