The Albergo Italia is a clean and elegant little hotel in the centre of Asmara. Unfortunately however there is now no guarantee that reservations will be honoured.

A group of 10 of us were booked in for a week in autumn 2008. Unfortunately when we returned to the hotel on the third night, we were told we would have to move out after dinner to the lower standard Savanna Hotel. The manager told us he had no choice as he had been informed by government officials that our rooms were required by a visiting Chinese delegation.

The recent closure of the InterContinental Hotel has left Asmara rather short of quality hotel accommodation. It is likely therefore that future tourists will be shifted out at short notice to make room for government guests.

The Savanna is a comfortable enough hotel but is less conveniently situated and has no air conditioning.

Neither the Albergo Italia nor the Savanna are suitable for disabled people as there are no lifts. The marble stairs at the Albergo are also rather slippery.

The room was lovely and quite the best I had when I was on holiday in Eritrea March 2007. Beautiful furniture and decoration. Friendly staff. The hotel is within walking distance to all the atractions. The main street is a two minuit walk. I would also recommend the resaurant "Casa degli Italiani" just up the street. The best food in my opion, and sometimes you may even buy foreing wine!