Hilton Addis Ababa

This international hotel has a host of spaces in which to relax, eat, or take care of business. Work up a sweat in the gym, sauna or steam room, on the squash, tennis, or basketball courts. Cool off beside the gorgeous sapphire cross-shaped swimming pool. There's a barber shop, beauty salon, clothing store and babysitting services on the grounds. With six restaurants and bars you can eat your way around the menus. The property is a resort in itself.

Standard rooms at Hilton offer mountain, park, garden or city views from private balconies, and have queen-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms. Suites face the interior courtyard; they have a spacious living room, dining area and two bathrooms. Apartments are designed for longer stays, with a private entrance, fully equipped kitchen, living and dining rooms. For serious business travellers, the executive suites include access to private check-in and the executive lounge, and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, king-sized beds and spacious bathrooms.

Ethiopia is known for its beautiful people, communal cuisine, complex religious background, and as the birthplace of coffee. In exploring Addis, you'll encounter all of these dimensions. Don't miss the colourful Mercato, one of the largest outdoor markets in Africa, to see spices and street food, camel traders, and merchants of every kind. Step back into history at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built to commemorate the end of Italian occupation. Tours to other attractions can be arranged.