I've already talked about some of the major hotels where people can stay when they are in Addis, including the Hilton, the Sheraton, the Yilma, and the Ghion. Another option to consider is one of several guest houses in Addis. Many people have said they felt a lot of support staying at a guest house instead of a hotel, and enjoyed getting to know others who were also adopting.

Your adoption agency may have a guest house as part of the service they offer their families. Adoption Advocates International and Children's Home Society both offer a guest house for their families. Other agencies may do so as well. Prices tend to be very reasonable. Check with your agency for details.

If your child is from Kidane Mehret Orphanage, you may want to consider staying at the very comfortable guest house they have on the third floor of the orphanage. There are private rooms with bathrooms and a large comfy shared living room and kitchen. There is no set fee for staying here, but a donation is expected. Space is limited.

Another guesthouse available to adoptive families adopting through any of the agencies is the Addiskidan Baptist Guest House. It is $16 a night per person to stay in the main house or $13 per night to stay in one of the smaller rooms behind the house. There are 4 or 5 rooms in the main house, plus a few more rooms out back. Breakfast is available and costs $2.50 per person. Children 2-12 are half price and babies are free.

The guest house provides bedding and towels. A fully stocked kitchen is available. You can cook for yourself or pay a nominal fee to have someone to cook meals for you. The guest house is in a gated compound that is guarded day and night. (This is a customary security measure in Addis.)

There is a small yard where children can play and a front porch where you can sit. Click here for photos of this guest house. To arrange to stay at this guesthouse or to ask questions, you may email Ray, the director of the guesthouse at addiskidan@ethionet.et or telephone directly from the USA by dialing 011-251-11-37-27-637.