Must-see hotels in Eritrea

  • Albergo Italia

    Asmara

    A lovely boutique-ish hotel housed in an Italian villa constructed in 1899, with cushy rooms decorated with period furniture and communal areas awash with…

  • Grand Hotel Dahlak

    Eritrea

    This faded-beauty anchor of Taulud Island's waterfront is the top choice in town, with a colonial-era vibe, but at Western prices. Usually referred to…

  • Africa Pension Hotel

    Asmara

    A good place to bunk down if you're after style without breaking the bank. This mellow pension from the early 1900s is set in a converted villa and…

  • Khartoum Hotel

    Asmara

    One block south of Harnet Ave, the Khartoum offers super-clean rooms, and the shared bathrooms are probably the cleanest-smelling bathrooms this side of…

  • Pensione Pisa

    Asmara

    This simple but welcoming pension is housed on the 3rd floor of an apartment just opposite the Catholic cathedral. The uncluttered rooms are kept in good…

  • Central Hotel

    Eritrea

    With air-con and 24-hour hot water, this is probably the most luxurious option south of Dekemhare. The friendly staff and full-service bar-restaurant…

  • Red Sea Hotel

    Eritrea

    This Italian-designed hotel is well arranged and has 50 tidy rooms with big bathrooms, air-con, satellite TV, balcony and sea views. Facilities include an…

  • Costina Hotel

    Eritrea

    This upmarket hotel near the centre claims to offer all modern comforts, though wi-fi isn’t included and the hot water wasn’t working when we visited. On…

  • Crystal Hotel

    Asmara

    This professionally run outfit is kept in top nick, featuring a fine selection of cheerful rooms with all the creature comforts (including hard-to-find wi…

  • Hotel Asmara Palace

    Asmara

    On the airport road about halfway into town, this upscale hotel is both the city's nicest and most expensive, with facilities to match. Discounts are…

  • Eritrea Hotel

    Eritrea

    The rooms are small but clean, the bar is lively, and the ladies that run the place are some of the most charismatic around. It's located just off the…

  • Concord Pension

    Asmara

    Tucked back slightly from the road, this discreet pension is a serene oasis in the heart of town. It's cosy, with a plant-filled courtyard and sweet-as…

  • Luna Hotel

    Eritrea

    While the unexceptional rooms don't set hearts aflutter, the Luna is a serviceable option if the bottom line counts. There's a good restaurant on the…

  • Sunshine Hotel

    Asmara

    A reliable middle-of-the-road option, with smallish rooms and a greenery-filled garden at the back. Wi-fi is available, but sluggish at times.

  • Asmara Central Hotel

    Asmara

    Right in the heart of town, the friendly staff and modern rooms make this a comfortable launching point from which to explore Asmara.

  • Top Five Hotel

    Asmara

    A great-value option not far from the centre, with well-scrubbed rooms and a quality on-site bar and restaurant.

  • Gurgussum Beach Hotel

    Eritrea

    On the mainland, 12km from Massawa on a moderate stretch of beach, this sprawling venue is the closest thing Massawa has to a resort, though 'resort' is a…

  • Central Hotel

    Eritrea

    Soothingly positioned by the shore, the well-managed Central Hotel won't be the highlight of your trip, but it offers three kinds of well-kept rooms with…

  • Garden Hotel

    Eritrea

    This worn-down but clean hotel isn't winning any awards, but it does the trick for a night. The sign is mostly in Tigrinya, but look for ‘Hotel’ in…

  • Sicilia Pension

    Eritrea

    The pleasant courtyard and simple rooms are welcoming, though the addition of hot water would make the giant bathrooms a little more so. At these prices,…

  • Solomon Pension

    Asmara

    Small and simple rooms at this city-centre pension are set off a quiet interior courtyard. Bargain for discounts on stays of five days or longer.

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