Mek’ele is one of Ethiopia's largest cities and the capital of Tigray, one of the northernmost of nine regions. Founded in the 13th century, it is now developing rapidly and has a new international airport. Tourists can visit the 120 rock-hewn churches in the area, or hike the rugged nearby mountains of Gheralta. The city offers several hotels, including luxury accommodations and lower-priced but still comfortable lodgings.
The Axum Hotel is a luxury, high-rise hotel located in the heart of Mek’ele. It is owned by a hotel of the same name in Addis Abba, Ethiopia's capital. The Axum has a cavernous central atrium and 60 large, carpeted rooms and suites, all with bath and shower, satellite TV and telephone. It offers full banquet and conference facilities for up to 500 people, along with audio/visual equipment. Guests can take advantage of the gymnasium, sauna and steam bath, a restaurant offering international cuisine, a 24-hour bar and an Internet cafe and sundry shop. In the city center, visitors will be able to stroll along the wide, tree-lined avenues and try the restaurants specializing in traditional food.
The Hilltop Hotel, in the northern suburbs right outside of town, provides large, bungalow-style lodgings in a garden setting, at rates that are significantly lower rates than those of the Axum. Rooms at the Hilltop have queen-sized beds, refrigerators, phones and satellite TV. Diners can enjoy the view of the city from the terrace bar and restaurant. One of the city's many parks, Enda Raesi Park, is nearby, and has a tropical garden with exotic flowers and trees.
Yordanos is a new hotel owned by the same people who own two popular restaurants in town called Yordanos Blue and Yordanos Bright. It's located in the central business district, close to banks and government buildings. The hotel's 19 rooms have desks and large beds that are sprinkled with rose petals in preparation for guests’ arrival. The bathrooms are modern; suites also have Jacuzzis. Breakfast is included in the room rate and Internet service is also available. The hotel restaurant has a fixed-price menu for breakfast and dinner and serves both Ethiopian and European dishes.
This 19th-century stone castle and prominent local landmark is now a hotel overlooking Mek’ele’s town center. Restored in the 1960s, it has lacks the modern feel and some of the conveniences of its competitors but offers unique character in a garden setting. The hotel’s 23 rooms all have TVs and showers, and some feature high ceilings, arched windows and commanding views of the city. The Yordanos Bright restaurant is next door, and serves pizza as well as local cuisine.
