Even if Ethiopia is not the most friendliest destination for gay tourism, tourist don’t feel the threat if they act normally and most of the hotels chains in the capital are gay friendly hotels Addis Ababa.
Traveling as a gay individual today is much easier than it used to be. Ethiopia is one of plenty of places around the world where being gay isn’t comfortable for locals or for tourists. But that doesn’t mean traveling as a gay individual is always dangerous. It’s frequently just a matter of having to know where and when one can disclose one’s sexuality through words or actions.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Ethiopia face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the country, with reports of high level of discrimination and abuses against LGBT people. Homosexuality has been held sexual crime under religious law until the Derg regime overthrew monarchy system of Haile Selassie in 1974, the end of Solomonic dynasty. Opinion polls largely indicate opposition to homosexuality due to religious affiliation and political viewpoint. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church bans LGBT people and becoming the only opposing religion the government activities and negligence in line with LGBT rights thriving the country’s population.
In contemporary times, homosexuality acts and the acceptance rate are growing in areas of urban cities, notably in Addis Ababa, where gay scenes are emerging in several entertainment venues and nightclubs.
Top attractions to visit in Addis Ababa
Best Day Trips in Addis Ababa
See all Day Trips in Addis Ababa on Viator.
1. Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Addis Ababa
Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa offers accommodation in Addis Ababa. The hotel has a terrace, spa centre, bar and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Rooms include a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa features free WiFi throughout the property.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Addis Ababa is ideally located in an exclusive business area at the heart of Kazanchis Business District. The hotel is designed to make your stay an inspirational pleasure, creating a memorable sense of arrival with its unique and iconic architectural design along with its holistic hospitality that is in line with the needs of the modern Traveler. The hotel is adjacent to the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC-AA), within 1 kilometer radius of the National Palace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a number of government offices.
The hotel is just 6 km away from Bole International Airport and is an ideal base for visits to major Corporate and Government offices, the Ethiopian Ethnological Museum, the Addis Ababa Museum, as well as historical buildings such as St. George’s Cathedral and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Excellent, I hope I will book Radisson hotel next time I visit Addis and even recommend my friends.
I like both food, service and location of the hotel. It is located central not far from foreign department, the palace and big hotels like Sheraton and Hilton.
Great size rooms and facilities such as bars restaurants and location. As always the Radisson breakfast was superb and a vast selection of food beautifully displayed.
This establishment offers all modern conveniences one would expect from any business hotel in a modern city and this place certainly does not fail. Once you step inside past security, you would find a very warm lobby with a decor that is a bit like an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Having walked nonstop during our trip (Danakil, Erta Ale, Simien Mountains, Gondar, churches around Lalibela), a sojourn at a modern business hotel was probably what we needed the most before heading home.
Wifi worked well during the stay and there was no power outage.
The mattress was a little bit soft and the decor of the bedroom itself feels a little stiff and cold but again this is to be expected with a brand-name hotel in any city anyway.
Had dinner in the restaurant. Instead of going for the buffet (it was Sunday night), for two people, we ordered a stewed beef, a coq-au-vin (didn’t look like or taste like coq-au-vin but nevertheless extremely delicious and satisfying), a combo of three side dishes (rice, spinach and ratatouille), plus a bottle of water. The whole bill including city tax and tips came to ETB895.
After dinner, had a lovely massage in the hotel to let the sore muscles rest.
The next morning, after the very lovely buffet breakfast (there were things like smoked salmon, strawberries….. essentially you don’t expect these items in Ethiopia…. there was so much food and so few guests that morning I almost wonder if it would go to waste), one of us had a haircut, again at the spa. 🙂
There is an on-site bank to exchange currency. It is open from 7am to 11pm every day, except for half an hour during lunch and half an hour during dinner.
There is also a Tomoca Coffee on-site at the hotel. Certainly looks more posh than other Tomoca Coffee outlets. 🙂
Great place to stay if you want the modern conveniences, and certainly looks less fortified than the other hotel which I think is the favorite place amongst diplomats.
How much does a room costs at Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa ?
Prices start 221 $/night for Standard Room. The One-Bedroom Suite with Lounge Access
is 361$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This suite has a balcony, tea/coffee maker and minibar.
Where to book online – Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa – Gay Friendly Hotels Addis Ababa – you can find the best hotels deals in Addis Ababa during Addis Ababa Photo Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Addis Ababa on Booking.com or Hotels.com or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Sheraton Addis 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Addis Ababa
Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers accommodation in Addis Ababa. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool or relax at the spa and wellness centre. Free parking is available on site and there is free WiFi in the public areas.
The rooms at Sheraton Addis feature flat-screen TVs with cable channels. The rooms are equipped with a desk, a minibar and a DVD player.
Sheraton Addis guests can enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the 11 restaurants or bar/lounge outlets available on site, offering an array of cuisines.
The hotel offers a children’s playground and a gift shop, and guests can enjoy activities such as karaoke or an evening at Gaslight Night Club.
Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Addis Ababa, offering a romantic environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Tiglachin Memorial (0.5 mi) and Meyazia 27 Square Monument (0.9 mi), guests of Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel can easily experience some of Addis Ababa’s most well known attractions. The rooms offer a flat screen TV and a minibar, and getting online is possible, as free internet access is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease.
Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel features a concierge and room service. In addition, as a valued Sheraton Addis Hotel guest, you can enjoy a pool and free breakfast that are available on-site. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. If you like wine bars, Sheraton Addis Ababa is conveniently located near Variety Restaurant and Lounge. Looking for something to do in Addis Ababa? Holy Trinity Cathedral (0.9 mi), Meskel Square (0.7 mi), and Menelik II Square (1.2 mi) are some popular attractions that are within walking distance of Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Enjoy your stay in Addis Ababa.
The gardens are perfectly manicured and bursting with flowers, and there’s even a jogging path for the sporty-minded. The rooms are what you would expect from this type of international, five-star establishment… very comfortable and rather classic in style.
Probably the most posh and expensive hotel in the city. We only ate in the all-day restaurant, which makes a very good club sandwich and offers a terrific, included buffet breakfast. Prices are very high, compared to eating in a restaurant in the city. There is a large and nice swimming pool, with the water at a warm temperature.
Excellent hotel with fine service. Breakfast is plentiful, varied and good. Rooms are large and clean. TV and wifi are very good. Grounds are beautiful with fountains and gardens. Pool and pool area is a delight. If you put your ears under water in the pool, you hear music. The hotel is pricey, particularly if you want to buy bottled water which requires a room service charge.
The hotel is beautiful, the check-in staff incredibly helpful and professional. The room was very comfortable and I enjoyed the room service. I wish I had had more time to enjoy the pool (it was far too cold in December for me although I did see some brave souls frolicking in the no-doubt chilly water) and the gym (I came down with acute altitude sickness — be prepared for this if not used to the altitude), but the hotel made me want to return some time for a holiday.
This is a beautiful hotel and resort in the middle of a busy, dusty, crowded city. It’s a try oasis. I only stayed for a day as I was in transit, but the staff were all gracious and accommodating. The pool area is great, spa is excellent, and restaurants superb. They will arrange taxis and other things for you and go to great lengths to accommodate you.
How much does a room costs at Sheraton Addis ?
Prices start 459 $/night for Executive King, Larger Guest room, 1 King. The Junior Suite, Junior Suite, 1 King is 959$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This suite has a seating area, CD player and DVD player.
Where to book online – Sheraton Addis – Gay Friendly Hotels Addis Ababa – you can find the best hotels deals in Addis Ababa during Addis Ababa Photo Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Addis Ababa on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Best Western Plus Addis Ababa 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Addis Ababa
Best Western Plus Addis Ababa is situated in Addis Ababa and provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and city views. This property also provides guests with a restaurant.
All units feature a desk, private bathroom with free toiletries and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
The wellness area at the accommodation is comprised of a sauna and a fitness centre.
See why so many travelers make Best Western Plus Addis Ababa their hotel of choice when visiting Addis Ababa. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a trendy setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. While staying at Best Western Plus Bole, visitors can check out Medhane Alem Cathedral (0.3 mi) and Meskel Square (1.9 mi), some of Addis Ababa’s top attractions. The hotel features a 24 hour front desk, room service, and baggage storage, and you can stay connected during your stay as Best Western Plus Bole offers guests free wifi. Plus, Best Western Plus Bole offers a sauna and free breakfast, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the Italian restaurants, including Abucci Restaurant, MK’s, and Dok Restaurant, all of which are a short distance from Best Western Plus Bole. At Best Western Plus Bole, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Addis Ababa.
To start, the staff at Best Western Plus live up to the reputation this hotel chain had been known for in the US for many, many years. They were extremely accommodating, helpful, friendly and gracious. Especially impressive are Yared in reservations and Asmarew in the lobby bar/cafe. The housekeepers and front-desk staff were also great, often going beyond the normal call of duty. The rooms have outstanding beds and facilities like strong WiFi connections and clear, reliable satellite TV with a good selection of international channels.
Although there are many bars and restaurants right outside the hotel’s front doors in this bustling neighborhood, the food and drink inside the hotel are really good. Buffet breakfast was especially tasty, and the menu changed on a daily basis. Much appreciated! When I return to Addis in the future, I will definitely stay at Best Western Plus again.
The location of the hotel is amazing, just minutes away from the airport, and next to many shopping centers and restaurants. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. the rooms are clean and quite. And the shower has strong cold and hot water. The free wifi covers the entire hotel area, and the signal is strong.
The breakfast was excellent with many options to choose from, I only wished there were more juices and drinks options with it.
The bed was comfortable, the room clean and updated, great shower.
If you are looking for a clean, comfortable, easy to get to place to overnight – this is it.
How much does a room costs at Best Western Plus Addis Ababa ?
Prices start 100 $/night for Double Room. The Junior King Suite is 190$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
Where to book online – Best Western Plus Addis Ababa – Gay Friendly Hotels Addis Ababa – you can find the best hotels deals in Addis Ababa during Addis Ababa Photo Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Addis Ababa on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
