Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa is undeniably impressive in terms of its facilities and overall ambiance. As one of the largest hotels in Africa, it boasts modern architecture, spacious rooms, and a prime location just minutes from Bole International Airport. The hotel offers a luxurious experience with well-appointed amenities, a variety of dining options, and a sleek, contemporary design that caters to both business and leisure travelers A.
However, while the infrastructure is top-notch, the customer service experience leaves room for improvement. During our stay, we encountered a few staff members who lacked the professionalism and courtesy expected at a hotel of this caliber. Upon check-in, my friend and I were assigned a shared room that was only stocked with one towel. Despite multiple calls for assistance, we were passed from one number to another with no resolution. Eventually, we had to make do with what was available—an unfortunate and unhygienic compromise that could have been easily avoided with better coordination.
Another disappointing moment came as we were preparing to leave. After breakfast, we took a few photos near the lift area to capture memories of our trip. A staff member abruptly informed us that photography in the hallway was not allowed, citing hotel policy. When asked where this policy was stated—either in the booking confirmation or on-site signage—he offered no explanation and simply walked away. The lack of clarity and communication was frustrating, especially for guests in transit who are simply trying to enjoy their brief stay.
In summary, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel has the potential to offer a world-class experience, and in many ways, it does. But for it to truly live up to its reputation, the management must invest in consistent staff training and clearer communication with guests. With a few adjustments, this hotel could easily become a standout not just for its grandeur, but for its...
Read moreI recently stayed at The Skylight Hotel during a very busy time, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and kindly assisted by Tebibu, who went above and beyond to ensure I had a great room and felt completely at home. His attentiveness and professionalism truly set the tone for my entire stay.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the summit being held, I’m so glad I chose to stay here for the Ethiopian New Year celebration as it was an experience that I’ll never forget. The festive atmosphere combined with the hotel’s elegant ambiance made it incredibly special.
The staff throughout the hotel were exceptionally kind and helpful, always ready with a smile and eager to assist. One of the standout features for me was the breakfast – genuinely one of the best I’ve ever experienced at any hotel! There were endless options catering to all preferences, and everything was fresh and delicious.
I also had the chance to visit the spa facilities, which were perfect for unwinding. While a swimming cap is required for pool use, I chose to relax on the comfortable deck beds, soaking in the calm environment. I also enjoyed a massage by Fasika, who was absolutely fantastic. She paid close attention to the areas I requested and delivered one of the best massages I’ve ever had – truly skilled and professional.
Overall, my stay at The Skylight Hotel was nothing short of amazing. It exceeded my expectations in every way, and I’m already looking forward to returning. Thank you to everyone, especially Tebebu for making my stay...
Read moreI recently had a 12-hour layover in Addis Ababa (evening till next morning) and was checked into the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel by the airline. The process was very smooth: the airline arranged an automatic visa for the duration of the stay, and my checked luggage remained at the airport — so it’s worth keeping a change of clothes or essentials in your hand luggage. The hotel provided all basic amenities as well.
Check-in at the hotel was quick and efficient, and the staff were friendly, polite, and attentive throughout. My stay included one meal, with the option to choose between two hotel restaurants. I went for the buffet and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety — a mix of local Ethiopian dishes (including stews) and international options such as pasta. Breakfast the next morning was decent; not the kind where they prepare omelettes to order, but still perfectly fine with enough choices to start the day.
The room itself felt like a solid 4–5 star standard: modern bathroom (tub and a separate shower), comfortable bed, quiet and clean. In the morning, the hotel provided a wake-up call, and the shuttle to the airport ran every 15 minutes, making the return very easy and stress-free.
Overall, a very pleasant transit experience. The hotel is comfortable, well-organized, and the staff are helpful. I’m actually looking forward to my next layover in...
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