Taitu Hotel


Itegue Taitu Hotel is the oldest hotel in Ethiopia, located in the historic Piazza district of Addis Ababa. Built in 1905, it was founded by Empress Taitu Betul, wife of Emperor Menelik II, to accommodate foreign guests with a place to rest and dine.

History

The hotel was part of Menelik II’s modernization efforts following Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. It became a hub for diplomats, journalists, and travelers, including British author Evelyn Waugh, who fictionalized it as the "Liberty Hotel" in his satirical novel Scoop. A major fire in January 2015 damaged the building, but it has since been restored close to its original form.
On 11 January 2015, a major fire broke out which caused significant damage on the hotel properties.

Amenities and features

The hotel offers a mix of budget-friendly rooms with air conditioning, desks, and internet access. Additionally, it features on-site restaurant and lounge with live jazz music nightly, laundry service, left luggage storage, and multilingual staff. Located within walking distance of landmarks like Menelik II Square, St. George’s Cathedral, and National Museum of Ethiopia.