Hotel in Northeast Asmara, Eritrea
Medeber Guest House
Very budget-friendly guesthouse near the famous Medebar Market. Basic accommodation, shared facilities, and authentic local neighborhood atmosphere perfect for shoestring travelers.
Medeber Guest House is a budget accommodation option in the Medebar district of northeastern Asmara, situated close to one of the Eritrean capital's most remarkable and least-touristed attractions — the Medebar Market. This extraordinary open-air market is famous throughout East Africa as a hub of recycling and artisan metalwork, where skilled craftspeople transform oil drums, tyres, tin cans, and scrap metal into household goods, tools, lamps, shoes, and functional objects of all kinds. The market operates across a large open area and provides a vivid window into Asmara's informal economy and resourceful urban culture.
The guest house offers very basic rooms at rates ranging from approximately 8 to 25 US dollars per night, placing it at the most affordable end of Asmara's lodging spectrum. Rooms are simple, with minimal furnishings and little in the way of decorative detail. Bathrooms are shared between guests rather than en-suite, and facilities are functional rather than comfortable. Air conditioning is not available in most rooms; ceiling fans or open windows serve for ventilation in the warm season. The neighbourhood itself is authentically residential, with small local eateries, tea stalls, and shops within a short walking distance.
For budget travellers, backpackers, and visitors whose primary interest is immersion in everyday Eritrean life rather than hotel amenities, Medebar Guest House offers a genuinely local experience at a price point unavailable elsewhere in the city. The distance from Harnet Avenue and the central colonial district is approximately 1.5–2 km, manageable on foot or by minibus. The guest house appeals to a narrow audience — those who prioritise cost and authentic neighbourhood character over comfort and services — and is less suitable for travellers expecting even modest hotel standards.
Amenities
- very basic rooms
- shared bathrooms
- near market
- local atmosphere
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +291 1 189999
Location
Medebar District, Northeast Asmara
15.3445, 38.9415 — View on map
Highlights
- Lowest price bracket in Asmara at $8–25 per night, suited to shoestring and long-stay travellers
- Walking distance from Medebar Market, one of East Africa's most distinctive recycling and metalwork bazaars
- Authentic residential neighbourhood atmosphere away from tourist-oriented accommodation
- Proximity to local tea stalls and small eateries serving affordable Eritrean staple meals
Tips
- Visit Medebar Market in the morning when craftspeople are most active — the sight of artisans turning scrap into finished goods is remarkable.
- Shared bathrooms are the norm; bringing personal bathroom slippers and a small lock for valuables is advisable.
- Minibuses connecting the Medebar district to central Asmara run frequently and cost very little in nakfa.
- The guest house is best suited to solo travellers comfortable with basic conditions; couples or families may prefer mid-range options on Harnet or Sematat Avenue.
- Carry a small flashlight for evening use; the district has patchier street lighting than central Asmara.
FAQ
What is the Medebar Market and is it worth visiting?
The Medebar Market is a sprawling open-air recycling and artisan market where craftspeople repurpose scrap metal, tyres, and discarded materials into household goods and tools. It is considered one of the most distinctive markets in East Africa and a genuine highlight for visitors interested in Asmara's informal economy and craft culture. Entry is free and the market is most active on weekday mornings.
How do guests reach the city centre from Medebar Guest House?
Minibuses connect the Medebar district to central Asmara regularly throughout the day. The fare is minimal in Eritrean nakfa. The walk to Harnet Avenue takes approximately 25–30 minutes through residential streets.
Are there any restaurants or food options near the guest house?
The Medebar district has a number of small local eateries and tea stalls serving Eritrean staples including ful medames, shiro, and flatbread at very low prices. There is no restaurant within the guest house itself.
Accessibility
The guest house is a basic residential-style building without documented accessibility provisions. Shared bathroom facilities and the absence of a lift or formal disabled access make the property unsuitable for guests with mobility impairments. Travellers with accessibility requirements should consider mid-range hotels in central Asmara.
When to visit
The guest house operates year-round. Asmara's climate is mild at elevation throughout the year, and the Medebar Market is active on weekday mornings regardless of season. The dry months of October to February are the most comfortable for exploring the city.