Highlights
- Incredible valley views.
- Traditional and international cuisine.
- Ethiopian experiences.
- Onsite tour guides.
- Great service and staff.
Background
The Panoramic View Hotel is a relatively new hotel with some of the best views in Lalibela, a town some call the “8th Wonder of the World”. The hotel sits on Lalibela Mountain and only a 10 minute walk from the famous rock-hewn churches which draw tourists from all over the globe. The Panoramic View Hotel offers several services including customizable tours which visit all the popular sites as well as some off the beaten path.
Experience
The Panoramic View Hotel is a 25 minute drive from the Lalibela airport begins in the lowlands and winds around the Lasta Mountains. Guests get to fully enjoy the fantastic scenery in the comfort of the hotel’s new bus service which runs daily.
All 35 rooms of the Panoramic View Hotel have their own private balcony and gorgeous views over the Ethiopian highlands. Room sizes range from Single Rooms to the Triple Room or Suite. The room rate includes a full breakfast served every morning.
I stayed in a Twin Room with two beds, quaint work space and plenty of room to spread out. The bathroom had a large shower, toilet, and sink. Everything was clean and bright with a homey feel. During sunset the room reflects the beautiful colors of the sky. The private balcony is definitely the selling point with a small seating area and views you can just get lost in. Wireless internet is included with a strong signal in the lobby.
The Bar & Restaurant at the Panoramic View Hotel serves both international and traditional Ethiopian dishes. The menu changes with the season to include local ingredients which are thoughtfully prepared by the expert chefs. Everything was always delicious. I particularly enjoyed the traditional injer, a crepe-like sourdough flatbread, served with multiple servings of wat which is perfect for sharing with friends. There’s also plenty of options for vegetarians or what the menu calls ‘fasting food’. The hotel also offers a complimentary Ethiopian coffee ceremony which is a must-have experience for any visitor. Don’t miss it! They also serve Ethiopia’s famous honey-wine called ‘tej’ which is delightfully sweet and perfect for winding down the evening.
Guests also have the opportunity to tie on an apron and do a little cooking themselves. Cooking Instruction can be arranged with the hotel and hosted by the amazing staff so guests can take a little Ethiopia home with them.
True to the name, there is an additional rooftop terrace that has views over the other side of the mountain.
The hotel provides guests with excellent customized Lalibela tours for both groups and individuals. Every tour is led by official guides who know Lalibela inside and out. They also tailor to fit every guest’s schedule and points of interest. We did a tour in the afternoon and completed the visit early next morning before our flight! Though you can easily spend three days to fully experience the ancient city. Tours also include all meals, transportation to and from the sights, and English speaking guides.
Everyone at the Panoramic View Hotel was both friendly and professional. The restaurant staff were always pleasant and served with a smile. The multi-lingual tour guides and organizers were outstanding and very helpful especially for travelers with a tight schedule.
The new Panoramic View Hotel provides an ideal stay in the heart of Lalibela. Sitting on the mountain ridge, the hotel is a short walk away from the churches and has some of the best views of the valley. With a complete Ethiopian experience encompassing traditional ceremonies, cuisine, and tej the staff will make sure your stay is one to remember. The guides will make sure your Lalibela visit is one you’ll never forget. I highly recommend experiencing Ethiopia and Lalibela through the Panoramic View Hotel.
Contact
Panoramic View Hotel
Address: Lalibela, Ethiopia
Telephone: +251-333-360270
Website: http://www.panoramicviewhotel.com/
Email: info@panoramicviewhotel.com