This slim and tall 14-room hotel in the city of Malé is best suited for those in transit or business travelers on a budget. It was opened in 2012, and its basic but modern rooms have white bedding, flat-screen TVs, and (small) desk areas with free bottled water and minibars; suites have separate living rooms and kitchens for longer stays. Courteous staff can arrange day-trip excursions and airport transfers -- they will even pick-up and drop-off guests at the international terminal, a ferry ride away. Room service is available throughout the day and free coffee, toast, and eggs are served in the cafe each morning. Overall, this is a clean and safe place those who need to be in the capital. Upper floors are quieter, but guests can try opening windows to hear the sounds of local culture, such as mopeds and the call to prayer. Wi-Fi is free.
This slim and tall 14-room hotel in the city of Malé is best suited for those in transit or business travelers on a budget. It was opened in 2012, and its basic but modern rooms have white bedding, flat-screen TVs, and (small) desk areas with free bottled water and minibars; suites have separate living rooms and kitchens for longer stays. Courteous staff can arrange day-trip excursions and airport transfers -- they will even pick-up and drop-off guests at the international terminal, a ferry ride away. Room service is available throughout the day and free coffee, toast, and eggs are served in the cafe each morning. Overall, this is a clean and safe place those who need to be in the capital. Upper floors are quieter, but guests can try opening windows to hear the sounds of local culture, such as mopeds and the call to prayer. Wi-Fi is free.
Open since 2013, this well-managed resort close to the airport has 140 rooms, either along the shore or overwater on stilts (reached via a lengthy jetty). Thailand-based Centara has two properties in the Maldives, both known for offering luxury accommodations at competitive prices, and this particular one is aimed at young couples (no guests under the age of 12 are allowed). It’s not the prettiest island or best house reef for snorkeling, but its service is exceptional, a rarity at this price point. The buffet serves a wide mix of European and Asian cuisines, while three a la carte restaurants (Thai, Italian, and Middle Eastern) and three bars keep the mainland fun and lively; both half-board and all-inclusive rates are on offer. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, bathrobes, and 24-hour room service, but no umbrellas on the private villa decks -- and it will get hot in the afternoon sun. Luckily there are tons of water-based activities including an outstanding dive center for newbies. Wi-Fi is free.
Open since 2013, this well-managed resort close to the airport has 140 rooms, either along the shore or overwater on stilts (reached via a lengthy jetty). Thailand-based Centara has two properties in the Maldives, both known for offering luxury accommodations at competitive prices, and this particular one is aimed at young couples (no guests under the age of 12 are allowed). It’s not the prettiest island or best house reef for snorkeling, but its service is exceptional, a rarity at this price point. The buffet serves a wide mix of European and Asian cuisines, while three a la carte restaurants (Thai, Italian, and Middle Eastern) and three bars keep the mainland fun and lively; both half-board and all-inclusive rates are on offer. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, bathrobes, and 24-hour room service, but no umbrellas on the private villa decks -- and it will get hot in the afternoon sun. Luckily there are tons of water-based activities including an outstanding dive center for newbies. Wi-Fi is free.
This simple guesthouse 10 minutes from Malé's airport started with just six rooms in 2011 and has since expanded to a second building across the street. Expect construction sights and sounds all around the 'hood -- this newer manmade island is a hub of activity in the midst of a major growth spurt. What the two-pearl property does offer is affordable and clean accommodations for budget travelers (especially backpackers) -- a rare find in the Maldives -- with surprisingly modern rooms outfitted with mini-fridges; some have kitchenettes. There's a pretty beach nearby for swimming but no pool on-site. The 24-hour cafe serves guests and locals (no alcohol), and barbecues can be arranged on the rooftop deck. Free Wi-Fi is unreliable.
This simple guesthouse 10 minutes from Malé's airport started with just six rooms in 2011 and has since expanded to a second building across the street. Expect construction sights and sounds all around the 'hood -- this newer manmade island is a hub of activity in the midst of a major growth spurt. What the two-pearl property does offer is affordable and clean accommodations for budget travelers (especially backpackers) -- a rare find in the Maldives -- with surprisingly modern rooms outfitted with mini-fridges; some have kitchenettes. There's a pretty beach nearby for swimming but no pool on-site. The 24-hour cafe serves guests and locals (no alcohol), and barbecues can be arranged on the rooftop deck. Free Wi-Fi is unreliable.
