If you are flying through Addis Ababa, you have likely seen the gleaming facade of the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel. Owned by Ethiopian Airlines and positioned as Africa’s largest and most luxurious hotel, it serves as the premier hub for transit passengers, diplomats, and luxury travelers.
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In 2026, it remains the gold standard for airport accommodation in East Africa. Here is everything you need to know about the location, amenities, and the often-confusing transit rules.
Location and Accessibility
A common point of confusion for travelers is whether the hotel is actually inside the airport.
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Ethiopian Skylight Hotel (Main): Located just 0.3 miles (about a 5-minute drive) outside of Bole International Airport (ADD). It is a massive, 5-star property that requires you to clear immigration.
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Skylight In-Terminal Hotel: This is a separate, smaller facility located inside Terminal 2 (Departures area). It is designed strictly for transit passengers who do not wish to clear customs or obtain a visa.
The Free Airport Shuttle
The main hotel provides a free 24-hour round-trip shuttle service.
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Pickup Point: Once you exit Terminal 2, head to the designated hotel shuttle parking area. Look for the green and white Ethiopian Skylight buses. They depart approximately every 15–20 minutes.
The “Free” Layover Rule (STPC)
Many travelers search for the “Stopover Paid by Carrier” (STPC) rules.
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Eligibility: If your layover is between 8 and 24 hours and there are no shorter connections available, Ethiopian Airlines typically provides a voucher for a free stay at the Skylight Hotel.
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What’s Included: The voucher usually covers your room, a transit visa (if applicable), and three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
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How to get it: Ask for your voucher at your departure airport’s check-in desk or visit the Transit Desk upon arrival in Addis Ababa.
Amenities and Facilities
The hotel is designed to be a “city within a city,” meaning you never actually have to leave the property to experience Ethiopia.
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Dining: The hotel boasts 6+ restaurants, including the largest Chinese restaurant in Africa and the Runway Restaurant, which offers buffet and a-la-carte options.
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Pool & Wellness: There is a large outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, a high-end fitness center, and a full-service spa.
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Business: Wi-Fi is complimentary and remarkably high-speed (reviews often cite 500+ Mbps), making it perfect for international business calls.
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Event Space: Its Grand Ballroom can hold up to 2,000 guests, frequently hosting AU summits and lavish weddings.
Check-In and Room Rates
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Check-In/Out: Standard check-in is at 12:00 PM, and check-out is between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
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Nightly Rates: For independent bookings, expect to pay between $140 and $220 USD per night, depending on the season and room type (Standard, Deluxe, or Suite).
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Day Use: The hotel offers specialized “Day Rates” for travelers who only need a room for 6–8 hours to shower and rest between flights.
Important: Do You Need a Visa?
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For the Main Hotel: Yes. You must pass through immigration. However, if you are on an Ethiopian Airlines transit voucher, the transit visa is included for free.
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For the In-Terminal Hotel: No visa is required as you stay within the secure departures zone.
Personal Experience: A 10/10 Stay with One Caveat
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Skylight Hotel. It is incredibly safe, modern, and spotlessly clean. My favorite part was the view from the balcony; watching the planes take off against the backdrop of the Addis Ababa mountains was truly breathtaking. The rooms are also impressively soundproofed—you can see the runway, but you can’t hear the engines.
Everything about the hotel is top-tier, but if I had one critique, it would be the dinner variety. While the food is high quality, if you are staying for more than one night, the buffet options can feel a bit repetitive. However, the quality of the service and the luxury of the rooms more than make up for it.