ግዮን ሆቴል

Ghion
Hotel

Addis Ababa, since 1951. Where heritage meets modern hospitality.

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“The name of the second river is Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.” Genesis 2:13

A river out of Eden

Ghion is the Ethiopian name for the Gihon — the river said to flow out of Eden and wind through the land of Cush. Since 1951 its namesake has been a garden of its own: palms, lawns and a crystal pool in the very heart of Addis Ababa.

Emperors, diplomats and families have all come to rest here. The house was built as a residence for a prince; the welcome has been open to everyone since.

Opened: 1951
Built for: Prince Sahle Selassie
Address: By Meskel Square and the Stadium
Pool: Olympic size, heated
Bars: Four, from poolside to Tikule
From Bole airport: About 15 minutes

Seventy-five years of welcome

A short history of the house by Meskel Square.

1951

A prince’s house

Built by Emperor Haile Selassie as a residence for his son, Prince Sahle Selassie, the house opens its doors as Ghion Hotel.
1960

An enterprise is born

Ghion Hotels Enterprise is established: the government’s own hospitality house, and one of Ethiopia’s first international-standard hotels.
1960s

Along the historic route

The enterprise runs hotels along the northern tourism circuit, from Bahir Dar onward, opening Ethiopia’s wonders to travellers.
1970s

Diplomats and dignitaries

Its gardens, halls and restaurants become a meeting place for business leaders, diplomats and officials from around the world.
Today

Heritage, renewed

The historic house meets modern hospitality: online booking, refreshed rooms, and the same warm Ethiopian welcome.

Rooms and rates

From the panelled suites of the Imperial Block to family bungalows under the trees. Every stay includes breakfast, the pool, Wi-Fi, parking and the airport shuttle.