Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives by Shangri-La

What for years used to be Shangri-La's iconic Traders Hotel has been rebranded as Hotel Jen, of which there are multiple outposts in Asia; the company's goal is to create a more relaxed and high-tech environment suited for the next generation of savvy travelers. Because this small capital island has so little in the way of hotel competition, the Hotel Jen Male will likely retain its former clientele of businesspeople, politicians, and well-heeled visitors. This is still the place to see and be seen in Malé, and the rooftop deck often attracts a cool crowd at night, sipping mocktails such as the Energy Mojito (with Red Bull instead of rum) while smoking shisha pipes or Japanese cigarettes. There might be turbaned Arabs discussing affairs, women in burqas with their husbands, or Westerners swimming in the pool with their kids. Lounge music plays to help create a hip ambience, and there are great views of the city, especially after dark. While the top floor -- home to the pool, lounge, and Azur restaurant -- sees most of the action, there is also a second-floor restaurant, Lime, that has big windows overlooking the street below and its busy scene of mopeds, bicyclists, and cars fighting for space. We were there during renovations, but a bright and colorful lobby on the first floor now offers charging stations, takeaway coffee, and to-go items. Fans of Traders Hotel can still expect good service and an air of activity throughout -- Hotel Jen is unlikely to change things too much.

Arriving guests to the Malidives will need to pass through Malé's Ibrahim Nasir International airport on an island next to Malé. If arriving via flight, a hotel rep will hold a sign near the customs area, and then lead guests and their luggage to the jetty for transportation to the city island via speedboat (if the hotel's speedboat is already being used, guests will be escorted on a ferry). The ride takes no more than five minutes, and it's an easy walk to the hotel (luggage is often transported separately). Guests who are in transit from another resort will still need to go to the airport first and meet the rep at the hotel's kiosk. The hotels do an excellent job of coordinating with each other for guest transfers -- and the best part is that there is no fee for this process!The Maldives is a distinct nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,190 islands. Malé is the capital city and the nation's economic center with government buildings, mosques, offices, and shopping. Malé is the capital city and the nation's economic center with government buildings, mosques, offices, and shopping. The Friday Mosque, which dates back to the 16th century, the Islamic Center, the former President’s Palace, the fish market and produce markets, and waterfront, where fishing boats come in and out, are all worth visiting. There is an artificial beach on the island, but women should not plan to wear Western-style swimwear in public. It is advised that visitors in Malé keep their shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect. As the state religion is Sunni Islam, alcohol is not served on the island (but there is a loophole that allows it to be served on resort islands). Many tourists en route elsewhere think that 24 hours is enough time to see the city and relax in the hotel -- unless Malé is your main destination. The hotel offers free walking tours of the city.

Though on the smaller side -- Malé is a tightly packed island city, after all -- rooms are modern, clean, and bright with big windows overlooking colorful city landscapes (higher floors have better views and glimpses of the Indian Ocean). All rooms are equipped with work desks, 34-inch flat-screen TVs, crisp white linens, bathrobes, slippers, coffeemakers (suites have Nespresso machines), and mini-fridges with free bottled water stocked daily. Bathrooms have rain showerheads and toiletries in eco-friendly containers. Some have tub/shower combos, but most are walk-in showers with glass doors and windows that face the bedroom. Executive Rooms have balconies while Deluxe Suites have separate living rooms and stocked kitchenettes with mid-size refrigerators with minibar items for sale. Bathrooms in these suites have separate jetted tubs and walk-in showers, as well as large walk-in closets. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and 24-hour room service.

The most notable feature of the hotel is the rooftop infinity pool, accessed by one of two elevators from the lobby. The pool is narrow, but has a raised design and is surrounded by a glass wall with outstanding views of the city. Guests can swim in Western-style swimwear here, or lounge on the daybeds that have colorful cushions. In the morning, swimmers can come up to swim laps during the sunrise in a peaceful environment that is out of earshot from traffic noise below. In addition to 24-hour room service, there are two contemporary restaurants on property. All-day Lime restaurant serves a buffet breakfast (for a fee; can be purchased at check-in for a lower rate), partial buffet lunch, and dinner with weekly themed events. The breakfast is the busiest time in the dining room, and the extensive spread includes Western and Asian hot and cold dishes, fresh fruits and juices, and house-made baked goods. The rooftop restaurant is Azur Lounge, serving all-day coffee and an a la carte dinner menu with both Western and Japanese food. In the lobby there is a cafe for morning takeaway items, coffee, and tea. Also on the top floor is a sleek fitness center with cardio machines and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a full-service spa on the property as well, run by a local company. The front desk staff can arrange local day trips and excursions, including scuba-diving, dolphin tours, and deep-sea fishing. Business events and weddings are held in the multi-function meeting space and ballroom -- this is biggest in the city. Airport transfers are free and easy. If guests are in transit to or from another hotel, the hotel communicates directly with the property to set up a transfer time.