Search hotels in Lalibela

I was surprised by how beautiful the mountain scenery around Lalibela is. I was also surprised by how challenging it is to access some stone churches in Lalibela. There is a lot of climbing up and down on old, bumpy uneven rocky stairs with no railings.. The grounds around the churches are also rocky and uneven. Accessing one church (Bete Emanuel) required walking through a tunnel, which could be problematic for those with impaired mobility or claustrophobia. However, the local guides (GETTS Tour Company) were extremely kind, very sweet and helpful and offered a lot of support (literally). Getting to some of the monasteries around Lalibela required significant climbing and a high level of physical fitness. The guide adjusted our itinerary and skipped some monasteries due to the limited ambulation abilities in our group. We had 2 days in Lalibela. We could have spent more time there. The Lalibela area is prettier than Gondar or Axum. Don't miss the Ben Abeba restaurant in Lalibela with spectacular 360 degree view of the mountains and valley. Food is good there, too.

We stayed a Red Rock for 2 nights. Considering there is not much choice in the area, the hotel provides the perfect location amongst the 3 rock hewn church sites. Rooms are reasonable for the price and the mountain view we had was worth it but we had no water for the entire duration of our stay and had to ask staff to switch on the pump which failed to work and had to resort to using bucket water provided. The hotel manager helped us arrange a guide and change currency for a fair price. Staff were helpful and did go out of the there way to open the restaurant on our first night when all other places in the area were closed. We were also invited for bbq to share with staff which was a a nice gesture. Would recommend staying here for a couple of nights if you can oversee some of the issues whilst visiting the churches but no longer.

Fascinating place. The churches are wonderful. If you get a chance, take a trip outside the town too and see some of the other churches. Make sure you get the right guide and try and deal with them yourself, most of the hotels rip you off I found. I cancelled one hotel (panaoramic view), and dealt with a guide myself and found alternative accommodation. They were actually ripping me off by quite a few 100 dollars I found.

Stayed 3 nights. Lalibela has all the rock hewn churches, which we spent two days wondering around at our leisure, and without a guide. We just walked around the town every day, with the kids walking with you and talking with you. Ate at Ben Ababa restaurant a couple of times. Be aware a lot of roadworks at the moments so it can be dusty ... probably another 12 months or so.

It is difficult to describe Lalibela. On one hand is a poor city, with bumpy streets. On the other, is the home of lovely people, unforgettavel architecture and breathtaking views. I was trully happy on the days I stayed there.

Lalibela is a poor city (so, if you like fancy things, that's not for you), but the atmosphere is fantastic. The rock chuches are simply wonderful! People is very friendly and the city is as safe as can be.