With its unique elliptical shape and terracotta colouring the eight storey Rock Hotel was Aden's tallest building at least until the 1970's. It was so named as it was actually built around a lump of living rock, which presented considerable difficulties during building. Construction commenced in 1954 and it was completed in February 1956.
The benefit of the design resulted in most rooms having fine views over the harbour. Each floor had a balcony, as did the roof, where a bar was located.
The benefit of the design resulted in most rooms having fine views over the harbour. Each floor had a balcony, as did the roof, where a bar was located.
Rock Hotel under construction in 1954
The hotel was refurbished and modernised in 1964 and a new Grill & Cocktail Bar were opened where there were nightly dinner dances.
Of the 50 rooms, 14 were single and they were all air-conditioned apart from 5 single and 3 double rooms which were kept for those who did not want air-conditioning. 18 of the rooms had private showers, 4 had shared showers, and there was a wash basin in every room.
View west towards Little Aden
