For the next portion of my quick trip to Paris and Cairo, I had a long layover at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), as I was arriving from Cairo in the early morning, and was departing for London very late at night. Fortunately Ethiopian Airlines has a great program whereby you can receive a…
Continue reading: Review: Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel Addis Ababa Airport (ADD)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I always recommend that in any circumstances other than a short overnight, it is much more advisable to go to the main Skylight hotel across the street rather than the in-terminal hotel. It is many magnitudes nicer, has plenty more dining options, access to proper facilities like pool, fitness center, etc.. and I am invariably in my room within 30-45 mins of arrival.
Yes I know why you stayed here and it made sense for your objectives, but for the benefit of others in transit please don't make the same mistake for a daytime stop!
This looks so much better compared to what Royal Jordanian offers as a transist hotel be it in Economy or Business. Everything from A-Z looks so much better.
Seems like red tape administration is a hobby in these type of situation as it's the same for the Royal Jordanian transist hotel experience.
Do you also get a free night on a domestic-to-international itinerary in economy class?
I have Lalibela to Juba (South Sudan) on one ticket with a 16 hour overnight layover in ADD.
Nice review Ben. Considering Ethiopian next summer for some Africa travel. I may do a long layover to break up the flying.
I'm flying via ADD in April and am quite looking forward to staying in the main Skylight hotel.
Is the evisa process quite cheap/painless? I've changed planes at ADD a few times, and indeed stayed in the terminal hotel once, but I always thought that it'd be too much trouble to get a visa just to go into town a few hours.
I guess to each their own. For an overnight transit I would just as soon stay in the airport and not have to exit the terminal. I've seen the bus ques in the morning from the main hotel back to Bole. There's some long lines and then the hassle of having to clear security again.
Typically no, unless you are a FULL Y Fare. Check with your carrier. Travelling FULL, non-discounted Coach (rare) sometimes qualifies.
“Check with your carrier” - the carrier is Ethiopian of course, as this is the only carrier that provides accommodation at the Skylight hotel.
Is your response based on actual experience with ET or you’re just speculating…?
Fwiw intl to intl Y on ET qualifies for the hotel regardless of whether it’s “discounted coach” or “full fare Y”…
Long stay over with Ethiopian Airlines does not guarantee a stay at Skylight hotel but you may end up at any other hotel around nearby. I have experienced both, The Skylight and other hotels. Long stay over with Ethiopian Airlines guarantee you with suitable hotel accommodation.
@Throwawayname - the eVisa is simple. Apply online and when its issued just walk to immigration. Price is $60 or so. However, the ET transit stopover package includes a free 24 hour transit visa so you don't need an eVisa when availing the ET package.