Miscellaneous Tips, Eritrea

ASMARA

In Asmara, we spent most of our time in the lovely Africa Pension, a villa set in a pretty garden 5 minutes from Harnet Avenue (the main drag). Rooms are large, bright and clean, with comfortable beds. Bathrooms are shared but clean, and the staff are very friendly and obliging. Be sure to book in advance, as we found it full on one occasion. On that night, we looked at the Bristol Pension, which seemed a bit dingy, and the Sheghay Hotel, which seemed overpriced with small rooms and showers that only supplied water several hours after a request was made, before settling on the Khartoum Hotel, which was very centrally located and quite comfortable, though the atmosphere was less friendly than the Africa Pension. The bathrooms are shared but the showers were the best we found in Eritrea. Other tourists we met were staying at the Concorde Pension which they seemed very satisfied with. If you're looking for upmarket grandeur, the Albergo Italia is nicely located and suitable plush. The Intercontinental has opened again under a new name, but is a few kilometres from town, out near the airport.

MASSAWA
In Massawa we stayed at the Red Sea Hotel. This felt overpriced, had no atmosphere (a bit like a Travelodge), had cold showers only, and was quite a trek from Massawa's restaurants and shops (25 minute walk). On the plus side, it was perfectly pleasant, but somewhere nearer the port would be more convenient. The Dahlak Hotel is still being refurbished but will probably end up being the best option. Nothing seems to happen on Taulud Island, so being in a good position to spend the evening on Massawa Island is a good idea.

KEREN
In Keren we stayed at the Albergo Sicilia which was in a great location set around a courtyard, and had a large selection of rooms of varying prices. We opted for the most expensive (still extremely good value compared to Asmara) with double bed with mosquito net (not very comfortable, but acceptable), chairs and tables, and private bathroom. Though the hot water was very sporadic it was lovely to have a private bathroom. Again, this hotel was clean and though the receptionists did not speak much English, they were friendly. The courtyard could be quite loud at times, so in retrospect taking a room around the far corner of the courtyard might have been nice.

FILFIL
There's a hotel 7km from Filfil itself (Mendip Hotel) but if you can afford the taxi it's probably better as a day trip, or a stop en route between Massawa and Asmara (though Mendip Hotel is a good stop for lunch).

Eritrea Hotels