Luxury Unveiled: Addis Ababa's Best Kept Secret? (Best Western Plus Pearl)
Best Western Plus Pearl: Addis Ababa's Secret – Or Is It Now? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. I've been to the Best Western Plus Pearl in Addis Ababa, and I haven't quite figured out if it's a well-kept secret or just… you know, a Best Western. Let's dive in, because frankly, this place deserves a deep dive. And I'm going to be brutally honest. Prepare yourself.
First Impressions & Getting There (and Rambling a Bit)
First off, accessibility. Excellent. The elevators are plentiful, spacious, and actually work. I mean, crucial, right? I'm not navigating a city by foot, especially when it comes to a hotel. They even had ramps and everything. Check! Huge win for anyone with mobility concerns. So, well done Best Western. (This is the good side).
Getting there wasn’t a total nightmare. The airport transfer was easy and smooth, bless their cotton socks. They actually offered a taxi service too, which is always a win. Plus free parking. I like free. Always a good start.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and a Few Tiny Grumbles)
The rooms? Okay, here's the deal. They're comfortable. They have everything. Seriously. Air conditioning that actually works? Check. Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms, and it’s good Wi-Fi – big cheers for that!). A mini-bar (I grabbed a Coke Zero, of course). A safe box (I'm paranoid. Always). And even a scale. I have a love-hate relationship with scales. I avoided it.
The bed was comfy – a very important detail, like REALLY comfy. Blackout curtains? Yes! Hallelujah! I need sleep. The décor itself? Functional. Clean. Think…beige. (I’m not saying it's inspiring interior design, but hey, it's a hotel. They were also very soundproof which is great.
The "Almost Perfect" Room Imperfections
Minor quibbles? Well, the shower was a bit… enthusiastic. Meaning water sprayed everywhere. I mean, I was on the receiving end of a full-blown waterfall experience. Luckily, they had plenty of towels. Also, the TV’s channel selection could do with a little boost for someone like me. Also, I just kept thinking… this is so practical. But where is the spark?
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Disappointments)
Alright, the food situation. The buffet breakfast? Standard hotel fare. Eggs, some unidentifiable sausages (maybe, chicken? I'm a vegetarian - so I am not sure), fruit. It was…fine. Acceptable. I also tried the Asian cuisine in the restaurant, which was a good experience. They also offered an a la carte menu.
The Restaurant: The Good, the Bad, and the Unremarkable
The restaurant had a few redeeming qualities. Salad, soup, and desserts. The bar area was pretty decent and offered a bit of respite. The coffee shop didn't blow me away, but the coffee was decent enough. The service? Spotty. Very, very spotty. You'd get fantastic service one moment, then… silence, for a long time.
The poolside bar was nice. The happy hour was the saving grace. I won't lie, I enjoyed a cold drink there while I watched the sunset.
The Spa: My One True Love The spa. Oh, the spa. I'm not a big spa person. I mean, usually, I don't know where to start. But I am now a convert. I got a massage. It was heavenly. Truly heavenly. The masseuse was amazing. The pressure was perfect. My shoulders, which usually carry the weight of the world (and my keyboard), actually melted. There was a sauna, a steam room, and the pool with a view was lovely. The whole experience was a highlight, and I could genuinely have stayed there all day. I'm going to focus on this one for the rest of the review.
Other Facilities and Services (and More Rambling)
The gym/fitness center was there, which is good for those who like to punish themselves on holiday. I'm not one of those people. There were meeting/banquet facilities (seemed very… business-y). They offered laundry service and dry cleaning (essential for someone like me who can’t seem to avoid spilling something on their clothes). They also offered a daily housekeeping – which was really good.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Safe" Option
They took cleanliness and safety very seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol… the whole shebang. I felt safe, which is a big deal, especially now.
The Verdict: Is This Addis Ababa's Best Kept Secret?
Look, the Best Western Plus Pearl is… solid. It's not the flashiest place, it’s not overly quirky, but it gets a lot of things right. It's accessible, comfortable, and safe. The staff, while sometimes a bit inconsistent, are generally trying their best. And the spa… that spa. That’s what elevates this place.
So, is it a secret? Maybe not. But it’s a reliable, comfortable base for exploring Addis Ababa. And if you need some serious pampering – the spa is worth the price of admission alone.
Book Now! (My Slightly Dramatic Sales Pitch)
Tired of the same old boring hotel experiences? Craving a little luxury without the exorbitant price tag? Then book your stay at Best Western Plus Pearl in Addis Ababa - where comfort meets serenity, and the spa is a portal to pure bliss! Here's what you get: - Unparalleled Accessibility: Enjoy stress-free travel with easy navigation. - Delicious Dining: Dine at the restaurants. - Ultimate Relaxation: Pamper yourself with a heavenly massage - Unbeatable Value: Enjoy a comfortable and safe experience without breaking the bank. Don't wait! Unlock your escape to luxury at the Best Western Plus Pearl. Book your stay today and discover the secret! (Or, you know, just have a really nice time.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Alber, Germany - Your Dream Getaway!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of Addis Ababa, and specifically, the Best Western Plus Pearl Addis. Prepare for some serious realness.
Day 1: Arrival & Addis Adobe-ness (aka The Jet Lag's Warm Embrace)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Addis! After a truly epic flight (think: screaming baby, questionable airline food, and the guy next to me who "definitely" didn't shower before boarding), I stumble off the plane. My brain feels like scrambled eggs. Immigration? A blur of smiling faces and stamps. Side note: Seriously, Ethiopian immigration folks are the friendliest people I've encountered. It's a good start.
- 11:30 AM: Taxi to the Best Western. The city whips past: a riot of color, dust, and vibrant energy. And traffic! Let's just say driving is a contact sport here. Our driver, bless his heart, honks like a euphoric goose.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in at the Pearl. Ooh, the lobby is actually pretty swanky! And air-conditioned! Salvation. The room? Comfortable enough. I flop onto the bed and immediately contemplate a nap that could last until next Tuesday.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The menu boasts…well, everything. I opted for the "Ethiopian Combo" because, duh. The injera (the spongy bread) is…an acquired taste. The stew? Spicy! My stomach is already staging a minor revolt. Rambling thought: Is jet lag like being hangry, but amplified by a thousand?
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: "Nap Protocol" (aka, crash course in deep sleep). Okay, so maybe I didn't actually sleep that long, but I definitely managed a solid hour. The world felt a little less…fuzzy afterward.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: A tentative city stroll. Okay, "stroll" might be a strong word. More like a shuffle. Found my way down the street and got some fresh air and observations on the city. The smell of roasting coffee, the chatter in Amharic, the vendors selling everything from fruit to flip-flops… it’s sensory overload in the best way. Quirky observation: Why are Ethiopian women SO stylish? The way they drape their scarfs is an art form.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner back at the hotel. Feeling slightly less like a zombie, I attempted some conversation with the waiter. He seemed amused by my attempts. Feeling: Proud of myself for remembering to order a bottle of water and remembering to tip!
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempt to watch some Ethiopian TV. It's all Amharic, but the visuals are fascinating. Then, crash. Lights out. Goodnight, Addis. This city is a chaotic beauty.
Day 2: Gold, Coffee, and Holy Adventures
- 7:00 AM: Wake-up. Actually feeling human! The jet lag is retreating, thank the gods.
- 8:00 AM: Hotel breakfast. Okay, the breakfast buffet is okay. Scrambled eggs, toast, some questionable fruit. But there's amazing Ethiopian coffee! Deep, rich, and perfect. Emotional Reaction: YES. Coffee is the blood of my existence.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A visit to the National Museum. The history here is rich. It’s hard not to feel chills walking past Lucy, the fossil skeleton of an important ancestor to humans. Incredible. Absolutely incredible. The whole history is fascinating, if a little overwhelming. Imperfection: I wish I knew more about the different periods of History, I want to absorb and learn more!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. Decided to be bold - and ask for the "spicy" stuff. This time, it was the Doro Wat chicken stew and it was everything. The injera has also grown on me. Rambling Thought: Maybe I'm actually starting to love this food!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Coffee Ceremony! This is the experience. The whole elaborate thing… the roasting, the brewing, the intense aroma… it's all pure magic. I felt so welcomed being part of this traditional experience. The coffee itself? OMG. The best I've ever had. Doubling Down: I have to do this again before I leave.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Churches. holy buildings and a history of religious devotion. The stained glass windows are stunning. Emotional Reaction: I felt calm, peaceful, and safe.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. After a long afternoon of exploring, I was starving and tired. I chose a random place, not really paying attention. The food turned out to be AMAZING!*
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel, and a long deep sleep.
Day 3: Leaving (with a touch of sadness)
- 7:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. I'm actually going to miss this place.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out. Farewell to my cozy room.
- 8:30 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Pressure to buy gifts for all the people and not sure what to buy.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. One last bumpy ride through the city.
- 11:00 AM: Flight check-in.
- 12:00 PM: Take off. Good-bye, Addis.
Postscript:
So did I get everything right? Heck no. Did I experience the real Addis Ababa? Absolutely. This city is a feast for the senses, a test of your patience, and a balm for your soul. It's messy, it's challenging, and it's utterly captivating. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Bring on the injera, the coffee, and the glorious chaos. Until next time, Addis!
Escape to Luxury: Stadt Ludenscheid Hotel Awaits!
So, is this place REALLY a "best kept secret" or is that just hotel PR fluff? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Best kept secret" is a *bold* claim, isn't it? Honestly? It depends. If you're expecting the Ritz, you're gonna be disappointed. BUT, if you're looking for a genuinely comfortable, well-appointed, and surprisingly stylish hotel in Addis, for a price that won't make your wallet weep? Maybe, just *maybe*, it *is* a secret worth keeping. I mean, the lobby? Chic. My room? Seriously comfortable. The breakfast buffet? Okay, more on that later… I'll be honest though, I felt like I discovered this place by accident wandering in, after a particularly rough day haggling at the Merkato. And that's how I feel like a secret it is!
Let's talk rooms! What's the deal? Clean? Cozy? Overpriced designer hellholes?
Okay, room rundown: My room? *Glorious*. Seriously. Big bed, proper pillows (a MUST for a good night's sleep, I swear), a flat-screen TV that actually *worked*, and a bathroom that was sparkling clean. Honestly, after the dust and chaos of Addis, that bathroom was a sanctuary. It's not the Four Seasons, but it's a damned good, solid room. I do remember one time, my water heater had a slight hiccup - like, lukewarm water for a while. I called reception, and within minutes, someone was at my door fixing it, which I was *really* happy with!
The breakfast buffet – the most important meal of the day for any seasoned traveler. Tell me everything!
Ah, the breakfast buffet. This is where things get… interesting. Okay, the coffee? Good. Reliable. Always a win. The fruit? Fresh and plentiful with a good variety, though sometimes the mangoes were a *bit* unripe (but hey, I'm not perfect either). The pastries? Hit or miss. Some days, flaky perfection. Other days, slightly… dense. Here's the thing, you can't go to Addis without trying the injera. They *always* have injera. And honestly, their injera was some of the better injera I had at the buffet, and it was always fresh! But like I said, it was not the best breakfast, but it wasn't bad either. I'd give it a 7/10, I'd get food at the buffet every morning.
Okay, enough about food. What about the location? Convenient? Sketchy? Right in the middle of the action?
Location, location, location! The Pearl is… well, it's *okay*. Addis Ababa is a city where you can't just walk around everywhere. It has a great location, like a hub. It's not *right* in the throbbing heart of the city, which is actually a *good* thing in my book. It's far enough from the noise and chaos (trust me, you’ll want the peace), but close enough to get to things like restaurants and shopping easily enough by taxi (which are readily available). And honestly? The peace and quiet was worth every birr.
Did you run into any *problems*? What was the customer service like?
Okay, here's the honest truth: customer service can be a bit… inconsistent. Which is to say, sometimes it’s utterly fantastic, and other times… well, let's say there's room for improvement. But, when they're good, they're *really* good. Like, genuinely helpful and friendly. Remember my lukewarm water situation? The guy who came to fix it was so polite and professional, I almost wanted to hug him (but obviously didn't, because that's weird). On the other hand, I did have a bit of a kerfuffle with the Wi-Fi one day, and it took a while to resolve it. But look, nobody's perfect, and overall, I felt reasonably well looked after. It’s Addis Ababa. Things run slightly slow!
Let's get real: The "Luxury" part. Is it actually…?
Okay, "luxury." Here's the deal. It's not. Not compared to, say, a five-star hotel in Dubai. But for Addis? For the *price*? Yes. It's luxurious *enough*. It's stylish, comfortable, and clean. Honestly, the lobby alone is more stylish than most hotels I've seen in the city. The little touches– the nice toiletries, the comfortable bedding, the general upkeep – are what elevate it. It's "luxury" in a slightly more understated, practical way. It’s an upgrade from most places, for sure, and that matters in a city like Addis.
Give me the bottom line! Would you go back? Sell me on it!
Look, I'm a pretty honest traveler. I don’t sugarcoat things. So, would I go back to the Pearl? Absolutely. I'd go back *tomorrow*. It's a solid, reliable choice. It's comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and offers a good level of service for the price. It's not perfect, but I didn’t expect perfection, it's Ethiopia! If you want a good, clean, stylish, and comfortable place to stay in Addis, without the overly inflated price tag and the pretension? This might just be *your* best kept secret. And honestly, I'm kinda glad it's not completely overrun by tourists because I don't want it to change.
What were the best aspects of your stay? Did you have a favorite memory?
Okay, this is going to sound incredibly silly, but here it is. One evening, after a truly horrendous day of meetings that felt like they lasted a decade, I got back to my room. I was exhausted, stressed, and on the verge of a full-blown meltdown. And I saw my room, all clean and tidy, the bed looking impossibly inviting. I just… sunk onto that bed. And I kid you not, it felt like I was being swallowed up in cloud. Seriously, those pillows! They were soft, they were fluffy, they were perfect. I had a hot shower, put on the TV (which *worked*!), and just… relaxed. That feeling of quiet, of comfort, of just being able to *breathe* after a chaotic day? That, my friends, is a memory I'll treasure. That's why I loved this place. It was a sanctuary, a small bubble of calm in a city that can be wonderfully overwhelming. And sometimes, that's all a weary traveler needs.
