Hulhule Island Hotel

Hulhule is notorious for one reason: It is the only spot in the capital of Malé allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, the hotel attracts expats and even occasional locals who are technically not allowed to drink, by law. There are a few options for imbibing on-site including the sports pub Champs with indoor and outdoor seating. The deck, especially at sunset, has a fun crowd enjoying drink specials and bowls of popcorn. Weather permitting, the pool bar is another lively place to drink, and after dark the scene turns slightly trendy with neon lighting on the terrace; some guests even go for evening swims. Guests who have a late departure -- both overnighters and those who pay just for the day -- might be found slurping down a drink in bathing suits before running off to the communal showers to get ready for their flight. 

Check-in includes a welcome drink, but friendliness may be lacking — perhaps the staff members are used to overnight guests (ones who will probably never return) and are less incentivized to show hospitality. After being shown to the room by a porter, however, those looking for more than an airport hotel will find comfortable surroundings and plenty of activities. The beach and pool areas are popular spots during the day with weary travelers napping in cushioned lounge chairs or business travelers trying to get in some exercise. The lobby is a nice spot for working on the laptop; it is the only area where paid Wi-Fi is reliable, and guests are allowed to smoke here (a con for some). In the morning, there may be flight crews here convening before their flights, while the fourth floor's sunlit breakfast is a nice way to start the day, especially for those who have a long journey home. 

The Maldives is a nation in the Indian Ocean comprising over 1,190 islands. Most visitors will arrive through Malé International Airport (on one of the handful of islands that make up the capital, and adjacent to Malé island). Many with late-night arrivals and early departures choose this hotel because it is the closest one to the airport. A regular shuttle travels to and from the terminal, though guests can also walk with their luggage. Huhule Island is also connected (by car) to a new manmade island called Hulhumale, which in the midst of mass construction. This is a residential area that is meant to relieve overpopulation from the city of Malé, with several budget guesthouses and a Radisson Blu.

The hotel can arrange free boat transfers between Hulhule Island and Malé (the next island) for those who want to explore the sights for a few hours. Malé is the capital city and Malé Island is 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. In fact, it is advised that visitors in Malé keep their shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect. One of the benefits of the hotel is that it has a private beach and pool area, so swimsuits are allowed. 

All 136 rooms on the property are spread out over three floors and face the ocean; stairwells and elevators are near the lobby. Decor is traditional with tile floors, wood furnishings, and large windows framed by heavy drapes. They're clean, but generic and not quite up to advertised four-star standards. On a nice day, the ocean is turquoise blue and the sun sets over Malé in the distance. Rooms include AC controls, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, tub/shower combos, bathrobes, and slippers. Bottled water, tea, coffee and a small fruit plate are free. A minibar offers beer, juice, Red Bull, soda, and snacks (for a fee).  

The standard Superior Rooms and Deluxe Rooms come with either a king bed or two twin beds, but Deluxe Rooms also have small balconies. Super Deluxe rooms have king beds and spacious bathrooms, as well as a larger selection of fruit, sparkling wine, and chocolates with turndown service. Three of these have a jetted tub. Suites are the biggest room category with king beds and separate living rooms.

There are work desks in the rooms but paid Wi-Fi is hard to connect here. Those who have to work will probably end up in the lobby.

One of the notable aspects of this hotel near the airport is its small private beach leading to the Indian Ocean. The area is set up with Adirondack chairs and the section in front of the rooms has colorful cushioned lounge chairs. Guests can play volleyball or take a short walk along the water for sunset views and some marine life. Blue and white striped beach towels are provided but guests may have to ask for it from the front desk (the towel hut is not always manned by staff).

On the end of the property is a nice outdoor lap pool for adults and a separate wading pool for kids. There are several lounge chairs for lying out. This area can get busy, as guests can also purchase a day plan to use the grounds, facilities, ands communal showers off the pool area before their late-night flight home. 

In the rear of the hotel by the entrance is a pretty garden area with walking paths. There is a putting green as well as a tennis court with flood lights. Equipment can be borrowed from the front desk. Inside, there is a fitness center and spa offering Balinese, Aroma, Shiatsu and Swedish massages, facials, and nail care. Water sports, scuba diving, fishing trips, and picnic island day trips can be organized from the front desk. All guests are allowed to use the free shuttle to and from the airport, and departure time will be arranged by the front desk the night before check-out. 

The 24-hour Faru Coffee House on the first floor offers simple Asian and European dishes. The fourth-floor Uduvilaa is a contemporary restaurant with views and a standout buffet breakfast buffet; lunch and dinner a la carte menus incorporate European, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines,and there is a wine by the bottle list. Champs Bar has a pub feel on the inside with mocktails, cocktails, and basic bar food. The outdoor deck has nice views, and is especially popular with expats during sunset when there are drink specials. Pool Side, weather permitting, offers bar and table service. All restaurants use veggies and herbs from the garden on the property.