Sapphire Addis Hotel

The towering facade of Sapphire Addis gleams imposingly on a corner plot overlooking the city. The ground-floor coffee shop serves only the best brews and a selection of sweet treats. Two restaurants, The Emerald and The Pearl Mediterranean, serve refined European and traditional fare (the ninth-floor Pearl has the edge on the views). The Morganite Bar shakes up some fancy cocktails; there's a small but well-equipped gym; the spa has professional therapists, a Jacuzzi and a sauna.

The 130 rooms are divided into six categories, from standard double rooms to more luxurious twin and double rooms, suites and apartments with kitchen facilities. All the rooms include continental breakfast, wi-fi and en-suite bathrooms with showers and bathtubs. As a standard, amenities are contemporary and of a high calibre. The higher-end suites are very spacious, with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and Jacuzzi bathtubs. The plush Angle Side Suite occupies a corner room and has a large living area.

A little luxury goes a long way, especially if you're adventuring around the country. A note: Don't expect super-fast service; life in Ethiopia is laid-back.