Stunning Views from Maribela Hotel ©Solange Hando
Located on a ridge in the Ethiopian highlands, this panoramic hotel is delightful, rustic, elegant, easily accessed from the airport and a short drive from the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
The view above is from the outdoor section of the bar-restaurant framed by flowers and plants. Service is friendly, food delicious, continental or Ethiopian, my top favourite the avocado salad.
Coffee Time? ©Solange Hando
Like to try Ethiopian coffee?
This is available all day, free of charge and freshly prepared in a traditional coffee ceremony, reflecting the heart and soul of this ancient country.
Likewise the local honey wine is ready to welcome you whenever you step in.
Bed for one? Wow... ©Solange Hando
Maribela has just 17 rooms on 4 floors -no lift but worth it for the views- ranging from single and double to King, Deluxe and Style Suite, some with double poster beds and traditional furniture.
All are spacious, quiet with picture windows and balcony complete with a day bed so you can relax and enjoy the scenery any time.
Corridor outside my Room ©Solange Hando
Arts and crafts depicting local life are attractive, especially the lampshades, by your bed or your door, and the angel face on your ceiling which turns into the main light.
Sculpted wood and orange shades add warmth to Maribella's unique authentic decor.
Cosy Corner ©Solange Hando
Small but cosy, grounds have quiet corners where you can meet friends, share a drink and chat in the shade or in the sun.
Lush vegetation is all around, trees, flowers and plants and you are sure to see the bird life undisturbed by the guests.
Maribela is a green hotel, staffed by locals and to encourage reforestation, some of the profits in the past 3 years have been donated to plant 2000 trees and drought-resistant flowering plants.
Sunset from my Balcony ©Solange Hando
