Radisson Blu Addis Ababa

The Radisson's telltale white facade and blue signage strike a respectable, and familiar, first impression. Enter through a well-lit lobby, a modern space with a spiral staircase and chic chandeliers. For brasserie-style meals and fine dining, the Verres en Vers restaurant is a winner (it also has two private rooms for celebrations and intimate gatherings). The Signature Bar provides excellent cocktails and bites, and the Tomoca Coffee Shop serves the country's finest brews. The gym and spa are both well-equipped.

The 212 rooms range from standard two-person to Presidential Suites. All are sleek and tranquil in design, with satellite television, high-speed wi-fi, sound-proofing, and roomy bathrooms with showers and baths, and great toiletries. Superior Rooms are a step up from the Standard – situated on a higher floor with more space. Executive Rooms are larger still; one-bedroom suites have a comfortable living area off the bedroom; and family suites can sleep four. Size aside, all are clean and very comfortable.

If you're visiting Addis for more than a few days, it's worth checking out a few key points of interest, namely the Imperial Palace, Meskel Square and Holy Trinity Cathedral. The Radisson Blu offers a city tour that hits some of these highlights, plus the Merkato, an enormous open-air food and craft market that's rumoured to be Africa's biggest. Beyond the city limits are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Axum's obelisks, the palace at Gondar, and other historic destinations.