The Seven Olives is at the top of the hill on the main road in Lalibela. It is surrounded by established trees and there is plenty of bird life to enjoy. Hot water works intermittently at best. The food is nothing special and the drinks were expensive from memory, compared with everywhere else in Lalibela. The waiter was friendly enough... More

I used to always stay at the Seven Olives when I visited Lalibela. However now the hotel is under new "management," or rather mismanagement. Most of the professional well trained staff have either been fired or quit. The last time I stayed there, in December, I was unable to get the room I wanted because an entire wing of the... More

Staying in Lalibela during Ethiopian Xmas you will get a crappy room at up to five times the normal price. I am staying at 7 olives with couple of friends, I had to send money 3 months in advance to assure the booking and the rooms (both single and double) 60 dollars. My room, number 18, stinks of dirty feet... More

Loved the outdoor terrace for breakfast, with lots of trees overlooking the area's mountains and valleys. The indoor restaurant was also very good and the food outstanding. I had the vegetarian injera plate and it was one of the best I had in Ethiopia. The rooms left a lot to be desired. My bed was small and lumpy. The bathroom... More

We booked two nights in the Seven Olives to treat ourselves on our African trip and were severely disappointed. The bed was good, but the bathroom was not worth the $42 price tag. The toilet wouldn't flush, the sink would block easily and the shower was disgusting. We cancelled the second night and moved to the Blulal across the street... More

My girlfriend and I spent a week in early November traveling through northern Ethiopia. After a wonderful 4-day trek in the Simien Mountains (highly recommend, by the way!), we headed to Lalibela to see the famed rock-hewn churches. Needless to say, after roughing it in the northern mountains, all we wanted was a little hospitality. Unfortunately, Seven Olives did NOT... More

The Seven Olives Hotel is the perfect place to stay while visiting Lalibela. The location is within walking distance to all three groups of churches. The staff is exceptionally kind and helpful. Our meals in the restaurant were delicious and the beautiful outdoor terrace was my favorite place for relaxing after a full day of exploring. The new Eco Lodge... More

If you manage your expectations, you will have a wonderful time at The Seven Olives. The hotel is the oldest in Lalibela - and yes, the rooms are spartan and a bit tired - but the water is hot and the beds comfortable. You didn't come all this way to lurk in a hotel room, did you? The Seven Olives... More

I thoroughly enjoyed my time both at the Seven Olives Hotel in the heart of Lalibela, right by the churches, and at its eco lodge on a mountain top above Lalibela with its traditional tukul huts and 360 degree views. The mountain is an ideal retreat location to unwind, connect to nature, sit by a fire and star gaze. Those... More