Maldives Hotel Tips: How to Choose the Right Hotel?

Beach vacation, honeymoon or diving vacation! We explain what you need to consider when choosing hotels in Maldives and offer useful tips.

Island Vacation in Maldives

With only 300 square kilometers of area, Maldives is Asia's second smallest country. However, it is also one of the world's most densely populated and "deepest" countries. There are approximately 1,200 islands in 26 atolls and an endless blue sea.

Maldives continues to be a popular honeymoon destination, but every day more families, surfers, divers and even solo travelers are drawn to this island paradise.

Although the country is famous for its "resort islands", the number of regular hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands is also increasing. When planning your Maldivler vacation, there are several important factors to consider regarding accommodation selection, reservation methods and pricing.

Most Hotels in Maldives are on Resort Islands

Most hotels in Maldives are located on the resort islands mentioned above. There are currently more than 100 hotels. The concept is incredibly simple: an entire island for a resort. Your entire vacation takes place on and around the island.

You won't just sleep at the resort, you'll also eat your meals there, go to the spa or fitness center, and stay there while your children play at the kids' club. You will sunbathe on the island's beaches, cruise around your own island with jet skis or kayaks, and dive or snorkel in the house reefs.

While hotel staff mostly live in a "village" in the middle of the island, guest rooms are usually arranged to offer magnificent sea views.

What Can I Expect at a Resort Island in Maldives?

The common point of all island resorts is perfect service, so you don't need to worry about anything. This starts with transfers. Whether you come by boat or plane, transportation is organized by the hotel. This is in the hotel's own interest, as they usually charge a high additional fee on top of the normal price.

When making a reservation, you will specify your international flight information and whether you will change hotels. Changing resorts in Maldives is quite popular. Here too, you don't need to worry about anything because hotels organize your transfers for you.

Arrival by Seaplane

Seaplane travel is incredibly exciting but not very comfortable. It's usually very noisy and the seats are incredibly small. Still, you'll want to sit by the window to enjoy the aerial view of the coral islands.

Check baggage restrictions in advance.

When you arrive at the resort, you will be greeted by staff and escorted to the lobby for check-in. Your luggage will usually be delivered directly to your room.

Categories in Maldives Hotels

Studios, villas, bungalows, suites... Don't let these different terms confuse you. Each resort has its own unique definition. The truth is, there are very few normal rooms in island resorts. You won't find multi-story hotels, because no building is allowed to be taller than the tallest tree on the island.

Bungalows are usually arranged in a circle around the island, so most have sea views. Sometimes there are accommodation units in the second row, and these are usually much cheaper.

In addition to these so-called "beach villas", many resorts also offer popular "overwater bungalows". These villas are actually located on the water, starting from a pier, and usually have their own terraces with a small staircase, optionally with a slide, leading directly to the sea.

Wi-Fi and TV

Although retreating into seclusion is the most important priority in most resorts in Maldives, you don't need to be deprived of Wi-Fi. It usually provides quite good connection and some even have wireless access points for boat transfers.

Wi-Fi is almost always free, but some hotels limit it to common areas such as lobbies and restaurants. If a good internet connection is important to you, it's best to ask in advance if it's available.

Food and Activities

Unlike many other destinations, you can't just leave the hotel to have lunch in Maldives. Your vacation life mostly takes place at the island resort you choose.

Many resorts have various restaurants, bars and cafes, usually offering different cuisine specialties. You can also choose from various meal packages.

But be careful: all-inclusive doesn't always mean all-inclusive, and you'll have to pay extra for many things.

Guesthouses and Hotels in Maldives

Recently, tourists have gained the opportunity to vacation outside of resort islands. These destinations include the capital Male and "local islands" where Maldivians live.

Depending on their location, these can be simple city hotels, cute guesthouses or even small boutique resorts. Unlike island resorts, they are more affordable. From here you can explore the city or other parts of the island, book tours or eat at restaurants.

However, you should not forget that Maldives is a completely Islamic country. This means you won't find alcohol or pork products. Women are not allowed to wear swimsuits or bikinis on public beaches and must enter the water wearing tights and t-shirts or spend time on "bikini beaches".

How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Maldives?

Maldives is often described as one of the most expensive vacation destinations, and this is not surprising when you consider that many resorts charge four-digit prices per night.

Why is Maldives so expensive? While many hotels charge for their privileged accommodations, land in Maldives is really very expensive.

Land usually has to be acquired laboriously, which makes living space expensive for everyone; this also applies to the normal housing market. Moreover, building materials and all products usually have long transportation routes. Therefore, the farther an island or coral island is, the more expensive it is.

Factors That Determine the Price of Your Accommodation

Travel time: Maldives has dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and you can find the best opportunities during European summer vacations.

However, don't let the term "rainy season" deceive you, as there is usually plenty of sunshine and savings compensate for occasional heavy rains.

Room category: When it comes to room prices, the size of your accommodation is not the only thing that determines how much you will pay. The motto "The more special, the more expensive" also applies. You will also pay extra for ocean views and direct beach access.

Location of the resort: When vacationing in Maldives, you should consider not only the room price but also the location of the resort. This will determine whether you need to come by boat, domestic flight or seaplane.

What Should You Bring for Your Maldives Vacation?

It's best to bring everything you need for a summer vacation. These include sufficient sunscreen and mosquito repellent, hygiene products such as tampons, your favorite skin care products and electrical appliances or spare parts.

You can shop on the islands, but you may not always find your favorite brands. Even if you do, you'll pay much more than you would in your own country.

One of Maldives' outstanding features is its underwater world. On many islands, you can snorkel directly from the beach and have amazing experiences. You can usually rent suitable equipment locally. However, it is recommended to bring your own diving mask and snorkel.

How Do You Find the Right Hotel for Your Maldives Vacation?

Today, many people still book their Maldives trips through a travel agency. The reason for this is that the options in Maldives are very wide and it can be difficult to keep track of everything. Especially if your budget is limited.

If you know which resort you want to reserve or want to get a general overview of a specific atoll and the hotels there, our blog posts will also help you.

How Far in Advance Should Hotel Reservations Be Made in Maldives?

In Maldives, as in many other places, the busiest travel season is during Christmas and New Year periods, but Valentine's Day is also busy. Since prices increase during these periods, it is recommended to make reservations in advance.

Otherwise, it depends on the size of the resort you want to stay at. If you want to stay at a specific hotel with only a few rooms, it's better to make a reservation in advance. If the hotel itself is not important to you or if it's a resort with hundreds of bungalows, you can find a suitable place in a short time.