Zan-Seyoum Hotel

Why We Recommend Zan-Seyoum

When Antonin visited Lalibela, he stayed with Yohannes Abebe at Zan-Seyoum Hotel. What started as a booking became a friendship. Yohannes isn't just a hotel owner. He's someone who introduced Antonin to the school director, helped distribute notebooks to children, and opened doors that turned a trip into a mission.

That's what Zan-Seyoum is. Not a hotel where you're a room number. A place where the owner learns your name on day one, helps you navigate the town, arranges guides, and makes you feel like family. Guests on Booking.com gave it 9.7 out of 10. The most common word in reviews? "Yohannes."

"I haven't experienced such an abundant amount of care and attention anywhere before."
— Travis M, TripAdvisor

Meet Yohannes

Yohannes Abebe is the owner and soul of Zan-Seyoum. His family has deep roots in Lalibela's tourism — his father is one of the most senior guides to the rock-hewn churches. Yohannes carries that same dedication into every detail of the hotel.

He installs SIM cards for guests so they have internet. He arranges personalized visits to the churches with the best local guides. He remembers your name, your preferences, your story. When the conflict gutted Lalibela's tourism, Yohannes kept the hotel running, kept his staff employed, and kept welcoming the travelers who still came.

Antonin's friendship with Yohannes is the foundation of this project. When you stay at Zan-Seyoum, your money goes directly to someone who reinvests it in the community.

"The cleanest hotel I have been to in Ethiopia. The people there are so kind, always smiling, always checking if you're okay — not because they have to, but because they care."
— Guest review, Booking.com

What Guests Say