We decided to stay in Male for a night instead of Hulhumale and booked this hotel via booking.com for USD $126. This was an overnight stay with next morning transfer to Olhuveli resort. I had informed both hotels of our hotel details and arrival times etc hoping that a transfer was arranged accordingly. We knew we had to go back to airport next morning to catch speedboat but didnt know what time.
Still cant get over Maldives hotels using USD as currency. Hotel came with free transport so we were expecting ferry + drive to the hotel. Upon arriving at the airport, no one was waiting for us so we made our way to one of the booths setup for the hotel, gave our details and were taken to a taxi stand. Turns out, there is a bridge now connecting Hulhumale with Male that opened 2 - 3 months ago, so no need to get on a ferry anymore. They get on the taxi with you, take you to hotel and pay the driver - which is your free transfer.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the front desk staff got us a fresh juice which was a nice touch. I asked what time our transfer was back to airport but they had no idea, so it turned out, we had to get the details from our resort asap so we didnt miss the speedboat time next morning. After some calls and back and forth emails, that was sorted and our transfer out was early around 8am.
Room itself was actually an apartment with two rooms, kitchen, balcony and seating area. So you shared that space with the guests of other room and that was fine with us. Room had an ensuite with not soo comfortable bed and a small TV. Its a 3 star hotel so no complaints there.
It was too late at night so we organised in room dining which was quick and delicious. Word of caution - the water from the bathroom sink tap was slightly brown when we tried to use it and then got clear after we let it run for a minute. We didnt want to take chances so we avoided it for brushing our teeth just in case.
Breakfast next morning was an ala carte with full american option or maldivian fish curry with roti - so we had one each and it was actually pretty good.
Hotel itself is close to the fish market and fruits and vege market so its definitely worth exploring outside in daylight. Be careful while crossing, the island is filled with motorbikes and narrow lanes.
Our only mistake was to ask reception to organise taxi to airport thinking its the same thing as transfer. Turns out it wasnt so there was a bit of a argument when it came to paying the taxi driver which we ofcourse refused to since it was meant to be free and charged to the hotel. Hubby stayed with the driver upon arriving to airport while i rushed to the hotel booth at airport, spoke with the guy, who confirmed hotel will take care of it. When I came back to my hubby, the driver was gone.
Overall - for a single night and considering the price and location, its a good place to stay for overnight at Hulhumale.
