Hotel in Asmara, Eritrea
Allascala Hotel
Pleasant mid-range hotel offering good value accommodation with clean rooms, helpful staff, restaurant serving local and Italian food, and convenient location for exploring Asmara's attractions.
Allascala Hotel is a mid-range property located on Sematat Avenue in central Asmara, the Eritrean capital. Sematat Avenue runs parallel to the historic Harnet Avenue and feeds into the same zone of colonial-era Modernist architecture that earned Asmara its UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2017. The neighbourhood is walkable and well-connected, with the city's main commercial streets, cafes, administrative offices, and the Asmara post office all within easy reach. Asmara International Airport lies roughly 6–7 km to the southeast.
The hotel occupies a mid-century building and has been maintained to a functional standard, offering clean rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and basic furnishings. Room categories include standard singles, doubles, and larger options for families or colleagues travelling together. Airport transfer can be arranged by the front desk, and on-site parking is available for guests arriving by private vehicle. A laundry service is offered, which is useful for longer-stay travellers.
The in-house restaurant is one of the property's stronger features, serving a combination of Eritrean and Italian-influenced dishes reflecting the country's colonial culinary history. Pasta, meat dishes, injera with stewed lentils or lamb, and salads are available at reasonable prices. Breakfast is included in some rate categories and typically consists of bread, eggs, juice, and tea or coffee. The restaurant draws a modest number of non-guests as well.
Service is described by visitors as helpful and courteous, and English-speaking staff can assist with common needs such as currency guidance, travel permit inquiries, and local orientation. The property appeals to NGO staff, researchers, and independent travellers who want a quiet central location without paying the premium of Asmara's top-tier options. Rates ranging from approximately 48 to 92 US dollars per night make it one of the better-value mid-range choices in the capital.
Amenities
- restaurant
- WiFi
- breakfast
- parking
- laundry
- airport transfer
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +291 1 181234
Location
Sematat Avenue, Asmara, Eritrea
15.3378, 38.9285 — View on map
Highlights
- Central Sematat Avenue location in Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage Modernist district
- Restaurant serving Italian-Eritrean fusion cuisine with breakfast included in select room rates
- Airport transfer service and on-site parking for guests arriving by private vehicle
- Laundry service available, practical for travellers on extended stays in Eritrea
- Helpful English-speaking staff able to assist with travel permits and local logistics
Tips
- Confirm whether breakfast is included in the quoted rate before paying, as some tariffs exclude it.
- Request an upper-floor room for quieter nights; Sematat Avenue can have early-morning traffic noise.
- Airport transfers should be booked at least one day in advance to ensure availability.
- The surrounding streets have several good cafes serving Eritrean-style macchiato — exploring on foot in the morning is rewarding.
- Bring nakfa cash for all incidental expenses; the hotel may accept USD but this is not guaranteed for extras.
- Italian restaurants and espresso bars that echo Asmara's colonial heritage are within a five-minute walk.
FAQ
Does Allascala Hotel offer airport transfers?
Yes, the hotel arranges airport transfers on request. These should be booked in advance through the front desk. The journey from Asmara International Airport to the hotel takes roughly 15–20 minutes by car depending on traffic.
What is the difference between Allascala Hotel and Albergo Italia nearby?
Both are mid-range options in central Asmara within walking distance of each other. Albergo Italia is older with stronger colonial-era heritage character, while Allascala Hotel is generally considered slightly more modern in facilities. Both serve Eritrean and Italian-influenced food and are comparably priced.
Is WiFi available throughout the property?
WiFi is available at the hotel, though internet speeds in Eritrea are among the slowest in Africa due to limited infrastructure. Guests requiring reliable connectivity for video calls or large file transfers should expect significant limitations regardless of which hotel they choose in the country.
How do guests pay at Allascala Hotel?
Cash payment in Eritrean nakfa is standard. Some hotels in Asmara accept US dollars or euros at the official exchange rate, but card payments are virtually non-existent in Eritrea. Visitors should exchange currency at official government exchange bureaux upon arrival.
Accessibility
The hotel is a multi-storey building. Specific information on lift access is not publicly documented, and travellers with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the property directly to confirm room availability on accessible floors and bathroom configuration before booking.
When to visit
Asmara's highland elevation keeps the climate comfortable year-round. The dry season from October through February is generally preferred for travel in Eritrea, with pleasant daytime temperatures around 22–24 °C and cool evenings.