[Rapids]

My husband and I stayed at the CITY GUESTHOUSE (no internet site) on Bole road about 5 minutes from the airport in Apr '09.

Our room consisted of a good sized bedroom with a double bed (that was so uncomfortable I had to ask for an extra blanket for cushioning underneath us so I wouldn't feel the springs) and a good sized wardrobe, safe, desk, table and 2 chairs, mini fridge, satellite tv, phone, NO air conditioning. There was a separate bathroom with a shower/tub, toilet and sink.

The common area consisted of a large room with couches and satellite tv, a dining table, a computer and desk with dial-up internet access and a kitchen.

Staff spoke English and were very pleasant and polite.

There are a few restaurants withing walking distance, we highly recommend the Elfign just past the chinese restaurant down the street for a tasty traditional dining experience. 2 of us ate for 136 birr ($13)!!!!!

The room was about $75/day, taxes included.

Next time we go we will try another guest house. This one is near a very large orthodox church and the chanting at the wee hours of the morning kept us up. (not to mention sleeping on a box spring).