Hotel UI Inn

The four-floor building is on the corner of a main street where a lot of this action is taking place -- not the prettiest setting, but white sand beaches are just a few blocks away. The hotel consists of two separate buildings: the main one on the corner, and the second one across the side street. The hub, where guests checks in, is adorned with a few white plastic patio tables and potted plants on the outside where locals might be hanging out, giving it an authentic atmosphere rarely found outside of Malé. A small 24-hour cafe attracts its fair share of locals as well as guests, too. Behind the front desk are a few staff members and acoustic music might be playing; a welcome drink is offered while paperwork is completed. Guests -- many from Dubai, Europe, and China -- are escorted to their rooms in both buildings.

Most are here for short-term stays (transits, layovers, etc.) but suites with kitchenettes are a good value for those who have to take care of business in this part of town, as well as savvy budget travelers (ahem, backpackers) who have time to take advantage of a wide range of excursions available -- many that include day-trips to resort islands for a reasonable cost. Since alcohol is not allowed anywhere on the island, expect for the Hulhule hotel (transportation can be arranged), nightlife in the cafe consists of a relaxed scene of people chatting over coffee, tea, and Red Bull.

Hotel UI Inn is a small guesthouse on Hulhumale, a manmade developing island that is connected to the international airport. The immediate vicinity of this manmade island might worry those first arriving with all the construction going on. Hulhumale is the future of Malé and this massive project is meant to alleviate overpopulation from the tiny island (city) next door. Though growth mostly consists of residential neighborhoods, guesthouses are popping up, too -- great for budget travelers coming to the Maldives who cannot afford the resorts, and who also are interested in seeing more local culture (this also means no alcohol).

This small hotel is divided into two buildings with new but basic decor. There are no elevators, so those with difficulty on the stairs should look elsewhere. Some rooms share a living room space with another room and some can adjoin to become a two-bedroom/two-bathroom unit. All rooms -- Standard Single, Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Double, and Triple (queen beds or two twins) -- have air-conditioning units, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges stocked with mini-bar refreshments, and private bathrooms. Some showers are stand-up stalls while others do not have shower curtain but rather a removable nozzle to control the spray. Toiletries are minimal with a bottle each of shower gel and shampoo. 

Family Suites have more space with a separate bedroom and living room. A few units in the main building have a kitchen attached with a double sink, stove and oven, but they are not equipped with cooking essentials. Private balconies range -- some are standing room only looking out onto a construction site, while others have seating for two. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty in rooms.

The restaurant is a small space on the ground floor lobby open for all three meals, 24-hours a day. Guests -- usually with their booking -- receive free breakfast included in the price. This is a simple buffet spread usually involving coffee, papaya fruit, curry, hard-boiled eggs, and sausages. Lunch and dinner menus -- á la carte style -- include a mix of western and Asian style dishes serving both locals who work and live in the area and guests staying in either of the two buildings. Coffee, tea, and a range of soft drinks and juices are also sold throughout the day, and smoking is allowed in this area. Though alcohol is not served, this local scene cannot be found at resort islands -- a pro for those seeking a more authentic travel experience. In addition, barbecue dinners can be arranged on the roof deck -- a nice area with a number of tables and chairs and slight water views beyond the construction sites. Room service is available. Those with a kitchenette in their suite can shop at a grocery market within walking distance.

The hotel offers a number of daily excursions to nearby picnic islands like Bandos, and to resorts like Centara. Transportation often takes place in traditional Dhoni-style boats with reliable and cool local tour guides (the journey is part of the fun). A number of water sport activities are offered, like two-hour snorkel trips and dolphin viewing trips. Unlimited dive packages are also available. The front desk staff can make the arrangements for these trips as well as transportation to the airport for a low fee.