Escape to Paradise: Mazeki Boutique Hotel, Addis Ababa
Escape to Paradise: Mazeki Boutique Hotel - Addis Ababa: My (Slightly Chaotic) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because reviewing Mazeki Boutique Hotel in Addis wasn’t just about ticking off boxes. It was… an experience. Let’s dive in, and try to hold onto the reins of structure as long as possible. Consider this a travelogue and a review rolled into one, with all the messy, beautiful imperfections that come with it.
(SEO & Metadata: Mazeki Boutique Hotel Addis Ababa Review, Addis Ababa Hotels, Ethiopia Travel, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurants, Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Airport Transfer, Luxury Hotel Addis, Best Hotels Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Hospitality, Non-Smoking Hotel, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool)
The Arrival: Altitude and Anticipation (and a Bit of a Fumble)
First things first: getting to Mazeki. The airport transfer? Smooth as BUTTER. Thank god, because Addis Ababa's altitude had me feeling like I'd run a marathon just walking to baggage claim. They even had a little welcome sign with my name on it – the small touches do make a difference. The hotel itself? Sleek, modern, a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle just outside.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Now, I’m not a mobility expert, but I did try to pay attention. Wheelchair accessible areas? Mostly good. The lobby and some restaurants seemed easy to navigate, though I didn’t have a chance to fully test it. Elevator? Check! Facilities for disabled guests? Listed as ‘available’, but I didn't explore those specific rooms. I did notice wide hallways and well-lit areas, which is a definite plus. More specifics on the implemented disabled services would be great to see next time.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly!)
My room? Oh, my room. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the afternoon heat! Speaking of, is there anything better than collapsing onto a bed with blackout curtains after a day of exploring? (Answer: NO.) The Free Wi-Fi (and the promise of it in ALL rooms!) was a godsend. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN? Both worked perfectly. The bed? Extra long. Praise be! The complimentary tea and the mini-bar were also appreciated.
The "Almost Perfect" Imperfection: I even loved the little things – the slippers, bathrobes, and hair dryer - very thoughtful. But… and this is a tiny nitpick… the shower didn't have quite the water pressure I’m used to. And the window that opens? Needed a bit of muscle! Still, those are minor blips. Room was kept super clean, thanks to daily housekeeping.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Finally!)
Let’s be honest, after the last few years, cleanliness is paramount. And Mazeki? They seemed to get it. I definitely saw hand sanitizer everywhere, the staff was wearing masks, and there was a definite feeling of vigilance. The team said that they were using anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. The rooms sanitized between stays, a huge relief. The staff trained in safety protocol, meaning a safe travel environment. Safe dining setup and Individually-wrapped food options—all good signs. First aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call – nice to know, even if you don’t need them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: An Ethiopian Feast (Mostly!)
Okay, this is where things really got interesting. Restaurants? Plural! Breakfast [buffet]? YES! I’m a breakfast fiend, and the buffet did not disappoint. From the Asian breakfast to the Western options, there was something for everyone. The coffee shop was my daily ritual. The restaurants offered International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant. A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant.
The "Oh, That's Good" Moment: The poolside bar was a dream. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set over the city? Pure bliss. And the snacks? The snack bar came in clutch during those impromptu hunger pangs.
The "Almost, But Not Quite" Moment: The room service [24-hour] saved me one night when jet lag hit hard. The food was… okay. Not amazing, but definitely edible.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa, Sauna, and Sighs of Contentment… (and a slight rant)
Ah, the heart of the hotel: relaxation time! There was a fitness center, and a gym/fitness center, which I, uh, looked at… mostly. Actually, my visit was about not using it. But the pool with a view? Absolutely stunning. The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom combo? Yes, please!
The Spa Experience: Now, here’s where the stream-of-consciousness really kicks in. I'd booked a massage. Or, the "relax, you deserve it" version of things. They also have a Body scrub and Body wrap, which could be good, I just did not try it. The therapist? A total pro. The massage itself? Heavenly. BUT… here's the tiny rant. They played that generic spa music… you know, the stuff that sounds like whale song meets elevator music. Seriously, I’d have paid extra for some Ethiopian Jazz. C’mon, Mazeki! Embrace the vibe! It’s Addis, not a generic hotel, right? Rant over (for now).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and Not-So-Little Things)
This is where Mazeki really shines. Concierge service? Excellent – always helpful and always smiling. The Currency exchange was useful. Daily housekeeping made everything clean. Laundry service and dry cleaning were efficient. The elevator was crucial. The luggage storage was a lifesaver on check-out day. The Air conditioning in public area was cool! But the most amazing service was the Airport transfer.
The "I'm So Glad They Thought of That" Moment: The Cashless payment service, especially in COVID times! Plus, the Safe deposit boxes and Safety/security feature made me feel safe.
For the Kids: Families Welcome! (I Think!)
I didn't have any kids with me, but the presence of Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal is a big plus, they are really covering all the bases.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing
Airport transfer? As I said, smooth as silk. There is a Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking, Bicycle parking too. Which is a plus for anyone wanting to explore the city by car.
The Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Absolutely. Mazeki Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice for a stay in Addis. It's got the style, the amenities, and the service to make your trip comfortable and memorable. It’s not perfect – no place is – but the pros far outweigh the cons. I’d definitely recommend it, and I’d definitely consider escaping back there myself. Just maybe bring my own soundtrack to the spa next time.
180° Samui: Koh Samui's BEST Kept Secret Revealed!
Mazeki Mayhem: My Addis Ababa Adventure (A Work in Progress, Naturally)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy, perfectly-edited travel blog. This is the REAL DEAL. My trip to Addis Ababa, based out of the charming (and slightly chaotic) Mazeki Boutique Hotel. Prepare for opinions, detours, and possibly a minor existential crisis or two. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Blues (And a Seriously Good Shiro)
- 1:00 AM: Arrived at Bole International Airport. The air? Thick with a kind of anticipation, a mixture of dust and something… exotic. Immigration? Took forever, mostly because I was secretly judging everyone's passport photos. Mine looked particularly unfortunate.
- 2:30 AM: Finally through! Grabbed a pre-booked transfer to Mazeki Boutique Hotel. The drive? Labyrinthine. Streetlights were optional. The driver, bless his soul, was humming along to some traditional Ethiopian music, completely unfazed by my jet-lagged delirium.
- 3:00 AM: Mazeki! Instantly felt a sigh of relief – so quaint and colorful. My room? Adorable. The bed? Promising. The altitude? Kicking my butt. I could barely breathe after climbing the single flight of stairs.
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling like a deflated balloon. This altitude thing is no joke. Wandered down to the breakfast room which was… interesting. Not the typical sterile hotel setting, this was the real deal, breakfast food was pretty much on point.
- 11:00 AM: Decided to be brave and venture out, despite the pounding in my head. The hotel staff recommended a local coffee shop. Found it! The coffee was strong, bitter, and completely woke me up. The owner? A tiny, kind lady with the most infectious laugh, she couldn't speak much English but somehow we connected over a shared understanding of the need for caffeine.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch! Found a little place near the hotel. Ordered Shiro. Oh. My. God. The BEST Shiro I’ve ever had. (And I'm now an expert because I've had a lot since.) This was the real-deal authentic shiro, thick, spicy, creamy, and served with Injera. I almost cried with happiness. Seriously, consider this day a success just for that meal. I even went back for seconds which, in hindsight, may have been a little ambitious considering the altitude and my general state of being. Don't judge me!
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel to curl up and recover. Spent the evening reading and attempting to avoid the urge to nap. I mostly failed.
Day 2: Stumbling Through History (And More Shiro)
- 8:00 AM: Rise and grind -- or at least, attempt to grind. Altitude is still a thing. Breakfast was a repeat of yesterday, which, honestly, I was pretty happy about.
- 10:00 AM: Headed to the National Museum of Ethiopia. Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming. I was expecting something more modern and then… Lucy. The discovery of the fossilized remains made me consider the enormity of time and feel a little bit insignificant. But Lucy herself was pretty cool to see. Fascinating piece of history. I will say that finding the exhibits in English wasn't exactly easy, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
- 1:00 PM: Lunch round two with Shiro. I swear I'm not obsessed. Okay, maybe I am. Found another little hole-in-the-wall. This time, it wasn't quite as mind-blowing. Still good, though!
- 3:00 PM: Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum. Heartbreaking and somber. A difficult but essential visit. The stories. The photos. The sheer brutality… It was a heavy experience, to say the least. I was grateful for the quiet walk back to the hotel after.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Again, a place recommended by the hotel – a traditional restaurant with live music. The music was amazing, the dancers were incredible, the food… well, let's just say I stuck with the familiar for safety's sake. (Shiro, naturally.) Feeling incredibly full and slightly overwhelmed by the sheer spectacle of it all.
- 8:00 PM: Crawled back to the hotel. Early night tonight. Jet Lag is relentless.
Day 3: The Holy Trinity & Coffee Ceremony Chaos (Maybe, Just Maybe, I’m Adjusting?)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up and the altitude seemed just a little bit better! Hooray! Breakfast was, again, a pleasant repeat of yesterdays breakfast.
- 11:00 AM: Holy Trinity Cathedral. Stunning. The architecture is breathtaking, and the atmosphere is one of quiet reverence. I lit a candle, which probably wasn’t allowed, but I felt the need.
- 1:00 PM: Found a little cafe, hoping for coffee after a long walk. They weren't busy, and were slow. Finally got my coffee and it just didn't hit the spot. The altitude still has a grip on me, I think.
- 2:00 PM: Coffee Ceremony at a local family's home. This was arranged by the hotel. The experience! The ritual! The roasting of the beans, the incense, the tiny cups of coffee… it was all utterly captivating. I actually felt like I was starting to understand a little bit about Ethiopian culture. Finally.
- 5:00 PM: Wandered back, bought some local souvenirs from a vendor on the walk back. My brain is completely scrambled.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Trying to be adventurous. Ordered the Gomen (collard greens). It was okay, not as heart-stopping as the Shiro, but I give myself points for trying!
- 8:00 PM: Early night, again. I feel pretty good now, considering. This altitude thing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Day 4: Markets, Misadventures, and a Farewell Feast (Maybe I Don’t Want to Leave)
- 10:00 AM: I feel GREAT ! Slept like a log. Breakfast was amazing this morning, even if the fruit wasn't the freshest.
- 11:00 AM: A Market day! Went to Merkato, the biggest open-air market in Africa. Talk about sensory overload! The colors, the smells, the noise, the sheer volume of people… it was a truly incredible experience. Lost my bearings several times. Almost bought a goat. Did some serious bartering and got a few lovely, but heavy, gifts for the people at home.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch near the market a simple restaurant. Some amazing Injera. Today, I felt somewhat local, and I loved it.
- 4:00 PM: Relax at the hotel, tried to catch up on some emails. I found the WIFI less than reliable but, then again, it's a boutique hotel.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at an amazing restaurant recommended by the hotel. This time the meal was amazing. Lots of different dishes served, different types of bread, I even tried the Kitfo. Everything was delicious.
- 9:00 PM: One last stroll around the neighborhood. The hotel staff were still awake, chatting. They shared stories. I said my goodbyes. Such friendly people. I will miss this place.
- 10:00 PM: Packed. Feeling bittersweet. This was probably the best travel trip I've ever done, even if some things were slightly imperfect.
- 11:00 PM: One last attempt to drink some bottled water. Exhausted and ready to be home.
Day 5: Departure & Debrief
- 5:00 AM: Wake up feeling horrible. Not jet lag this time, maybe food poisoning from something?
- 6:00 AM: Quick breakfast, barely eat anything.
- 7:00 AM: Transfer to the airport.
- 8:00 AM: Flight!
- 12:00 PM: Lands at home.
Final Thoughts:
Addis Ababa: A city that will stay with me forever. The Shiro, the history, the people, the altitude – it was all a whirlwind of experiences. Mazeki Boutique Hotel? Perfect base for some beautiful chaos. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm packing a spare lung and a dedicated Shiro-locator app.
Okay, that's it for now. If you’re still reading, congratulations! You've survived the ride. And trust me, this is just the beginning. My Ethiopia story is far from over. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm going to find some more coffee… or, you know, maybe some more shiro.
Escape to Tagaytay: Stunning 3BR Townhouse - Daily Rentals Available!
Escape to Paradise: Mazeki Boutique Hotel - Addis Ababa. Or Was It? Let's Be Honest... FAQ!
So, Mazeki Boutique Hotel… Is it actually Paradise, or just a really nice hotel in Addis? Because, let’s be real… paradise is a high bar.
Okay, deep breath. Paradise? Nah, not *exactly*. But listen, after a few days of Addis traffic, the dust, and the glorious chaos, Mazeki? It felt *pretty darn close*. Think of it like… finding a hidden oasis. Seriously, stepping into that courtyard felt like shedding a whole layer of anxiety. The greenery! The *silence*! (Well, mostly. More on that later…). It’s not *the* Garden of Eden, but it’s a darn good escape hatch from the city. And after battling the Shegole market... paradise sounds *amazing*.
What’s the deal with the rooms? Pictures always look so perfect. Are they actually… livable?
Right, the rooms. The pictures are mostly accurate, which is a shocker in the hotel game, am I right? They're stylish, that's for sure. Beautiful wooden floors, comfy beds with those fluffy duvets that swallow you whole. But... and there's always a but, isn't there? My first one, a "superior" room, was a tiny tad bit… *compact*. Seriously, navigating around the bed felt like an Olympic sport. I'm not a particularly bulky person, mind you, but I had to do a little shuffle-dance to get to the window. AND the shower? Good water pressure, but the drainage was questionable. One very humid morning, I almost lost my flip-flops to a small, ankle-deep flood. But, hey, at least the toiletries were nice! And the second room, where I ended up on the third night (because, well, details to come!), was AMAZING. Spacious, airier, and the view? *Chef's kiss*. So, it’s a mixed bag. Ask for an upgrade… nicely. And maybe bring some extra towels, just in case.
The restaurant! People rave about the food. Should I actually believe them? And what's the breakfast situation like?
Okay, the restaurant. Believe the hype… mostly. The menu's got some serious gems. I had this *incredible* lamb tagine one night that I'm still dreaming about. Seriously, the spices! The tender meat! I practically licked the plate clean (don’t judge!). The cocktails are also pretty damn good. But then... there was the slightly *less* successful order: The pasta. It arrived a little undercooked which isn’t so bad. But when it arrived cold...well let's just say they had a good laugh at the mess. It’s not consistently perfect, but the good stuff is *really* good.
Breakfast? Ah, breakfast. The Ethiopian breakfast is absolutely worth it, get the full spread. Injera, the spongy flatbread, with all the fixings and spices. Be warned though, it’s a *lot* of food. (And the coffee is strong, so pace yourself, you don’t want to be buzzing until 3 pm). There were all sorts of continental options too, but honestly, go local. You're in Ethiopia, embrace the flavors! Oh, and the fresh juice? Worth every single birr!
Okay, the staff. Are they as charming and helpful as they seem? Because, you know, sometimes that's... for appearances, right?
The staff? This is where Mazeki *truly* shines. They're not just helpful, they are genuinely *lovely*. And I mean, genuinely, genuinely, lovely. There was this one woman at reception, I think her name was Selam. She was a complete ANGEL. I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 am, and she was there, cheerful and efficient, sorting it out in minutes. No eye-rolling, no attitude, just pure helpfulness. She even knew I’d forgotten my phone charger and went out of her way to help me find one. Seriously, she should be running the *entire* hotel. (Seriously, if you read this, Selam, you’re a star!). Everyone seemed genuinely invested in making sure you had a good experience. That level of service? Rare and precious. So yes, the charm is real.
The location. Is it convenient for exploring Addis? Or am I going to spend half my trip stuck in traffic?
The location… it depends. It's in a quieter part of town, which is lovely for escaping the noise. You don't feel like you're quite *in* the thick of it, which is a bonus if you're the sort of person who needs a little serenity. But… Addis traffic is legendary. Getting *anywhere* can take a while. Plan on extra time for your journeys, especially during peak hours. The hotel can arrange taxis, which is worth the extra dosh for convenience. There are some restaurants and cafes within walking distance but, don't expect a vibrant nightlife right on your doorstep. It's a trade-off: peace and quiet versus the endless traffic. I had one taxi driver *weep* as he tried to get through the traffic, it was that bad, actually. So just... be prepared.
I've heard rumors about the hotel's... "unique" soundproofing. How loud is it, really? Because I need my sleep!
Okay, let's talk about the soundproofing. Or rather, the *lack* of soundproofing. This, my friends, is where things get… interesting. It’s not "loud" in the sense of a party next door. But you *will* hear everything. I'm talking the distant hum of traffic (which sounds like a continuous drone), the occasional barking dog, and, the piece de resistance… the resident peacocks. Yes, peacocks. Apparently, they have a penchant for screeching their heads off at 4 AM. They are… *enthusiastic*. The first night? I was up in a heartbeat. It was like a prehistoric bird was trying to break into my room. The second night? I considered asking reception if they could arrange a… relocation. (They couldn’t). The third night? Ah, the third night. After a minor issue with my original room (see above, about the flood), I was moved to a *much* quieter room. But even then, the faintest noise, like a leaf falling outside the window, was heard. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Consider it a non-negotiable part of your packing list. And maybe a spare pair, just in case.
Is there a spa or pool? Because after a day of sightseeing, I need a serious chill sesh.
No pool. Nope. Nada. (Insert sad emoji here). There is also no spa. This *was* one of my biggest bummers, especially after a few days of jostling in the markets and choking on the Addis air. A massage would have been *amazing*. But alas. YouHotel Blog Guru
