Zen Living
Reviews:
I loved staying at Zen Apartments and recommend it to others staying short-term in Addis Ababa! I immediately made friends with people from all over the world, with whom I had delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (many compliments to the chef!), as well as movie nights and game nights. I also went on adventures around the city and in other parts of the country with other Zenners. The staff were all so kind and helpful, whether I needed an extra load of laundry done, recommendations for things to do, the best coffee to try, or help figuring out the TV... The place felt very safe and created the perfect environment to build a community. I couldn't recommend Zen Apartments more!
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“Zen is an Oasis, a place where the old and the new seamlessly blend with unmatched personalized service and peace in family setting a very rare quality in Addis. And no picture do justice to this place”
Our Vision
The owners of the Mid Century inspired apartments had a vision to create a space that would honor the legacy of their grandparents, who had acquired the property in the 1950s. When the time came to demolish the 60-year-old house where they had grown up, they decided to salvage the old stones, bricks, and wood to use in the construction of the new building.
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The owners also wanted to incorporate some of the family's memorabilia into the design of the apartments. In the lobby and the restaurant, guests can find old furniture, photographs, and other objects that tell the story of the family's history.
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The result is a space that is both modern and nostalgic, a place where guests can feel the warmth and hospitality of the family that built it.
Community & Family
At Zen, your journey begins with a warm welcome and quickly blossoms into a vibrant community. From airport pickup to morning breakfast, you'll meet fellow "Zeners" who often become lifelong friends – some even finding love! Our community makes life livelier: share tips, plan trips, organize dinners, or enjoy fun game and movie nights.
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But it’s more than just fun; you’ll connect with locals, immerse yourself in authentic Ethiopian traditions—from rich coffee ceremonies to unique culinary experiences. And don't forget our happy hours, perfect for unwinding and networking! All this, while being part of a place that positively impacts the lives and families of many employees.
Come for the home, stay for the family!
Environment
Residents and guests alike can enjoy the lush green garden, where they can work or relax in the shade of the indigenous trees. The sound of birdsong fills the air, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting.
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From the outset, the owners decided to work with young, dynamic professionals who were given the freedom to be creative. The elegant interior design of the Mid-Century Modern style was made possible thanks to the collaboration with local designers who also helped to supervise the execution of the well-crafted finishing.​​
Furnished Apartments
Each of the fully furnished apartments at Zen Apartments has a distinct minimalist interior design that blends seamlessly with modern styles. The use of eco-friendly building materials, such as reclaimed exposed bricks and repurposed wood parquet from demolished old houses, is evident throughout.
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These materials were reworked on-site or sourced from small carpentry shops in the neighborhood, where most of the custom-designed furniture is also handmade. Zen Apartments also collaborates with local furniture and design houses to bring unique pieces and lighting features into the rooms.​​