Many years ago, the Ghion Hotel of Addis Ababa off...

Many years ago, the Ghion Hotel of Addis Ababa offered the traveling dignitaries of the Soviet Bloc luxury in Ethiopia.

Spacious entry and lobby. Excellent first impression with the polished wood, immaculate floors, comfortable lounge area.

The staff are excellent -- they are fortunate to have salaries. Most speak some English and they are very helpful to foreigners

However, the rooms? Only the landscaping and gardens remain beautiful.

In the rooms, ragged rugs, wires across the floor, leaking toilets, broken windows, no screens -- and there are mosquitoes in Addis. After malaria in Kenya, I dread the buzz of mosquitos.

The hotel needs work. With extensive renovation, the Ghion can make international 3 star rating.

To see a video of the bungalow where I stayed, Google:

Ghion Hotel Bungalows -- Soviet-era 4 star luxury in decay