From far, there is little extra-ordinary about the building that houses Louvre Hotel, not far from the British Embassy. Even the road that leads into the hotel that has become a fixture for Ethiopia’s diplomatic core is as rough as the many non-paved roads of the capital.
Founded by a French man and an Ethiopian woman, there is much to admire and love about the inside of this boutique hotel when you enter, putting little doubt why it has become one of the hottest places among expats and the Diaspora community.
“I come here as often as I can and bring in guests”, a European diplomat said on a Tuesday evening as the place was getting crowded just past 7 PM.
“Not only do I get to enjoy food at reasonable price, but I get serviced in a very professional and personable way and I also get to meet people with similar professional background”.
Not far from him, an executive of Awash Wine sat alone waiting for his colleagues, who like him are staying inside Louvre, instead of renting a place elsewhere.
Like him, many had taken refuge in the hotel when they arrived temporarily, but many have made a permanent stay once they discover the convenience and safety that is not always guaranteed elsewhere and which the hotel seems to provide.
“There is something wonderful, home-like about Louvre and many of the staff of Awash now stay here, meet here to conduct our meetings and host our holiday receptions here. We work with the staff and management for our unique needs and we are always content with what is offered and executed at the end”, the executive told The Reporter. In recent months, Awash began to target the middle class, far from its strategy of serving the working class with cheap wines that are often used as the basic ingredient and garnish in cocktails.
Downstairs, there is a collection of wines from all over the world, including that of Ethiopia that has in recent years caught up with the wine culture of France. The owner seems to be personally proud of it and likes to give a tour to those who ask him.
From the super expensive wines of the world to that of Awash and Castel Wines, the owner is determined to offer wines with a perfect room temperature that is not always offered elsewhere.
The hotel also has a backyard, inside its 500 SQM space that has been used ably without compromising an open space. This area is used to host big receptions, as well as serve as a party area for occasions, such as a Zouk music night that has become popular. When the hotel held it last week after suspending it because of the COVID pandemic, it became so busy that many lined up to enter the premises.
“I lived in France with Africans who introduced me to the wonderful music of Africa, including Zouk. We danced to it, partied and met many friends through it. Every sound of it reminds me of my time in France and the wonderful time we had and brings great memories and I was heartened when Louvre started such a night of music and great food”, Yonathan Teklu said as he sipped a glass of wine.
“There are few cities in the world where you have a more lively nightlife than Addis. But we needed diversity, far from the azmari bêtes and the grocery stores and the restaurants that transition to nightclubs in the wee hours. Louvre gives us that option and I am grateful”, he added.
From the arts that don its walls – of Ethiopia and France – to the immaculate furniture that complement both Ethiopia and Europe, it is no wonder Louvre Hotel is a hidden gem that is now the choice of many.
