First of all - let me make one thing clear - this property DOES HAVE AN ELEVATOR. Whoever wrote the review that it does not is telling a blatant lie. I was dreading the prospect of carrying heavy suitcases up numerous floors after a 12 hour flight.
Not only does it have an elevator - the staff will not let you take your bags from the taxi. They will bring them up to your apartment like a military operation.
And when I say - "Staff" - I mean that they were more like a family. They live on site, and they will do absolutely anything for you. We took two of their apartments for 17 days, and saying goodbye to them was very sad. And we cannot wait to get back there in a few month's time.
Now you have to remember that this is Ethiopia. If you are not used to Africa, or Ethiopia, you will be in for a shock. No matter where you go - the area will always look worrying. However, knowing Addis Ababa now like I do - please believe me when I say that the area is very safe.
And don't go looking for a local supermarket - when you take a taxi 5 minutes up the road, you will only pay twice as much as you would have if you just used the numerous little store on the side of the street.
There are quite a few good - food poisoning avoiding - restaurants just a few minutes walking distance from the apartment. There are a few nice bars as well if that is your thing. And if you watch your pockets - just go out and walk around. Love the area. Or a taxi drive to anywhere is only 10 minutes.