FikirandRay Lodge

This is a very basic hotel, with only breakfast, and subject to power outages as with the rest of the town. It sits a bit away from the main part of town, which actually made for a quieter night than what my friends' at a place right in town experienced and my room had a great view of the valley and mountains beyond. Although it doesn't serve any meals except breakfast, it is a very short walk away from a couple of very good restaurants (within other bigger hotels). The staff were very friendly and helpful. I sent an email ahead about airport pick up and a local guide - they didn't respond, but they had a driver at the airport with my name on a sign and a local guide in tow.

Nice location, very comfortable and clean room with a stunning view of the mountains, welcoming service and very good breakfast. Airport pick up service. Works with a young, energetic and friendly guide - I enjoyed the tour of the churches very much.

FikirandRay lodge was a great home base for a 1-night stay in Lalibela. Centered between the churches and the can't-miss restaurant Ben Abeda, I was treated to clean and comfortable rooms and very friendly staff. The first priority when I arrived was making sure I had a schedule to visit everything on my sightseeing list in a limited window of time. My tour guide was Yohannes, and I could recommend a better guide. Originally from the community, he spoke fluent English and had a passion for the history of Lalibela. He constantly made sure I was comfortable, well-fed, and found exceptional spots I never would have known about on my own. If you go, I would ask for him by name.

I stayed in fikirandraylodge for two night And the room was clean the bed was very comfortable I had the best sleep very quiet very nice view from my room with big window the owner was friendly helpful arranging my tour service for Lalibela and monastery with the best English speaking guide I highly recommended this lodge the lodge worth much more than other hotel

Very nice personnel. Interior old style, beds comgortable and very fresh.

When we first arrived...we were brought to another hotel that was not Fikir and Ray. It was a very new unfinished hotel called Halle Hotel. It had no wifi...no cabinetry...unfinished fixtures BUT the view was breathtaking...best in Lalibela. We loved the bathroom with its huge open window that looks into the valleys. The bed was very comfortable and the winds brought fresh mountain air. Sadly that ended when they shifted us to the original Fikir Ray hotel. This had wifi...but bedding wasnt that great...rooms were much smaller and views are nothing to shout about. All-in-all...it was an ok experience but could have been better if the first hotel they put us in was finished.

The staff was exceptional. I was upgraded to a room with a beautiful view. The team was very attentive to my needs. The property is clean and comfortable and located in short walking distance to a great restaurant that overlooks a valley on three sides and serves great food. You cannot ask for more quality and service of a reasonably priced bed and breakfast. I'd definitely come back here to stay when visiting Lalibela.

From what I saw of other hotels in the vicinity this is probably one of the better hotel options in Lalibela. The rooms are clean and modern, the internet is good, the breakfast’s are excellent and the staff are friendly and accommodating. There were one or two disappointments: No dinner available on my second evening because the cook had gone home and no water on my last morning. A large bucket of water with a jug was left outside me room to use for washing and flushing the toilet but as with the restaurant closure no proper explanation was given let alone an apology.

We stayed at Fiker and Ray for 2 nights. Staff were excellent and go above and beyond to help you out if needed. My husband and I were sick from the Simien Mountains and the lady receptionist was so accommodating and brought tea and food up to our room when we were too sick to go out to have dinner. Hot water is touch and go. Our first room had no hot water but we asked to move to another room on the second night and that room had hot water and stunning views. Breakfast was delicious! You can choose from a range of items such as scrambled eggs, omelette, porridge etc. You are also given bread and some spreads, and a really nice smoothie too. Just take note that it takes a while to come out so I would suggest ordering breakfast at least 35 minutes before your tour starts. We also organized our 11 churches tour through the hotel which turned out to be cheaper than what other tour companies were offering. We received guide Fikremariam a friendly young man with excellent English who was passionate about Lalibela and it’s churches. He was lively, energetic, and extremely knowledgable - we learnt so much from him, not just about the churches, but the history, and general information about Ethiopia. As per our request, he took us to eat at a local restaurant in between visiting the churches and then to a nice coffee/tea place as well. The 11 churches tour with him was by far our favourite tour in Ethiopia. I would recommend him to anyone and would rate him 10/10!!

My experience in this lodge was amazing ! The staff were super friendly and helpful and very accommodating to anything I asked for. The rooms are clean and exactly what I needed. It’s situated just few minutes walk from the center of the town and from a great restaurant that is known with its splendid sunset views; Ben Abeba. The food at the hotel itself actually exceeded my expectations. It’s a hidden gem in Lalibela. Once in, they will make you feel like family. I highly recommend it!