Hotel sector is one of the main components of the tourism industry. Despite the fact thatrnhotels play a significant role in development, they also bring negative impacts on thernenvironment by consuming natural resources and driving out wastes. To minimize thernnegative impacts, hotels need to implement environmental management practices. In therncontext of Ethiopia, studies are rarely conducted to examine the nexus between the hotelrnsector and the environment.rnThis research aimed to explore the operational environmental sustainability practices ofrnAddis Ababa hotels. The study also analyzed the motivators and barriers of environmentalrnpractices within hotels. A mixed research design is applied to the study. Quantitative datarnwere gathered from hotel managers through a self-administered questionnaire, andrnqualitative data were collected through the semi-structured interview from hotel stakeholders.rnQuantitative and qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematicrnanalysis, respectively. The environmental practices indicators were examined under therngroups of water-saving, energy-saving, green purchase, waste management, and creation ofrnclean air. Within these groups, the installation of energy-efficient bulbs and key card/sensorrnfor light; using energy-efficient appliances; regular maintenances of water and electricrnfacilities; the installation of dual toilet and other low flow water technologies; placing of dustrnbins; sorting and disposing of solid wastes; buying of local products and employing smokefree policy were implemented at certain extent. However, fundamental environmentalrnpractices indicators like alternative energy program; liquid waste treatment; water re-use;rntowel & linen re-use; rainwater harvesting system; composting of eco-wastes; recycling ofrnmaterials; having a garden; eco-friendly purchase; and green building were still rarelyrnpracticed. Factors like the saving of hotel operational costs, hotel market competitiveness,rnand the contribution of modern technologies played a role in motivating hotel environmentalrnpractices. However, the lack of hotel owners' support, lack of formal environmental policy inrnhotels, lack of government support, absence of government regulation, and lack of sufficientrnphysical infrastructure were the critical barriers to environmental practices. Therefore,rnenvironmental practices in the Addis Ababa hotels are still at the infant stage. The achievedrnpractices were derived by benefit vests in hotel businesses rather than a commitment to thernenvironment. Finally, recommendations were provided for hotel managers and owners,rngovernment, and other concerned bodies to guide the hotel's environmental practices.