About Ghion

Ghion is the Ethiopian name for the Gihon, the river said to flow out of Eden.

Since 1951 its namesake has kept a garden of its own: palms, lawns and a pool in the middle of Addis Ababa, where emperors, diplomats and families have all come to rest.

“The name of the second river is Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.” Genesis 2:13
A path through the gardens
The year the doors opened
1951
Years of Ethiopian hospitality
75
Bars, from the poolside to Tikule
4
From Bole International Airport
15 min

Seventy-five years of welcome

A short history of the house by Meskel Square. Scroll on and walk through it.

  1. 1951

    A prince’s house

    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.

  2. 1960

    An enterprise is born

    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.

  3. 1960s

    Along the historic route

    1960s:Along the historic route

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

  4. 1970s

    Diplomats and dignitaries

    1970s:Diplomats and dignitaries

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

  5. Today

    Heritage, renewed

    Today:Heritage, renewed

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

The house today

The same gardens, the same stone steps, and the same warm Ethiopian welcome, now with online booking and payment through Chapa or bank transfer.

Book a room
Stone steps under the trees
Stone steps under the old trees, on the way to breakfast.
The fountain court
The fountain court, where weddings and galas gather.