Bole International Hotel in AA--A Great Deal

I feel compelled to report on the Bole Internation Hotel! My husband and I ( "senions") were just in Ethiopia. On our last night in AA before flying to Dubai, we did not have a reservation because we did not think we would have a problem. BUT as it turned out, there was a huge meeting of African nations in town then. We contacted every hotel on LP's list of "upscale" hotels (including Hilton and Sheraton) with no success. Then we started contacting the mid-priced group. The Bole International had a room for $45 US cash including tax and breakfast. We took it but were not expecting much. It is very close to the airport and we were flying in from Lillabela with mid-morning departure the next day--so the location was great. The hotel was attractive (with lots of pink geraniums in the front of the entrance). There was a small bar/cafe next door where we had the most delicious "chips" (french fries) I have ever tasted. Our room was fine--reminded me of the small hotel rooms in Europe 40 years ago. We had a tv and the hottest water in all of Ethiopia for a shower. Breakfast was a total suprise. We had stayed in the Ghion hotels and the Simien Lodge but no where else in Ethiopia did we have butter with our toast. And the coffee was freshly made and delicious. Scrambled eggs with chilis, tomatoes, and onions was also good. My only complaint is that the front desk people were not friendly (not a smile in the place) or helpful. We never did get that 2nd towel for the bathroom but we made do with one.

Hope this is helpful for someone!
Jane