Hotels in Maldives

Hotels in the Maldives: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in the Maldives cost?

The price depends on the standard, the island and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. Guesthouses on local islands can be surprisingly cheap, while overwater villa resorts are among the most expensive in the world. It is priciest in the European winter.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in the Maldives: most popular destinations

In the Maldives you choose not so much a city as an island or atoll. These are the destinations travellers choose most often:

• Male. The capital and main air hub, with cheaper city hotels and a transfer point for the resorts.
• South and North Male Atoll. Resorts close to the capital, with a short boat transfer, good for a first visit.
• Maafushi. The most famous local island for guesthouses, a cheap base for diving and trips.
• Ari Atoll. Known for whale shark and manta sightings, with many dive resorts.
• Overwater villas. The Maldives classic on private island resorts, available across many atolls.

Nightly rates vary between islands. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in the Maldives

Life here revolves around the water, and most attractions are the sea and beaches.

• Snorkelling and diving. Reefs, turtles and fish right off the shore, some of the best dive sites in the world.
• Mantas and whale sharks. Ari Atoll and Vilamendhoo island are known for safe manta encounters.
• Surfing. Male Atoll has soft beaches and good waves, popular with surfers.
• Local islands. Maafushi and neighbouring islands let you see everyday Maldivian life more cheaply than the resorts.
• Cruises and picnics on uninhabited islands. A classic part of a stay, often included in a resort package.

How much does a trip to the Maldives cost

Beyond the room, costs depend on the style of stay. At resorts most things are included or expensive, while local islands are cheaper, with a meal around 60 MVR. The official currency is the rufiyaa, but the US dollar and cards are widely accepted in hotels and shops. Some cash is handy for small purchases.

When is the best time to visit the Maldives

The dry season from November to April is nicest and most expensive, with sun and calm sea. From May to October the wet season brings more humidity and lower prices, though there is still plenty of sun. It is priciest over the year-end holidays.

Getting to and around the Maldives

Almost everyone flies into Male International Airport. From there you reach the islands by speedboat, by seaplane to the farther resorts, or by local ferry to public islands. The transfer is usually arranged by the resort and can be a significant cost, so it is worth checking before booking. On the islands you get around on foot.

Example hotels in the Maldives

A few recognisable properties from different atolls for reference:

• Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa on Male Atoll (from approx. 5,500 MVR).
• Hard Rock Hotel Maldives on South Male Atoll (from approx. 5,500 MVR).
• Guesthouses on Maafushi for cheaper travel (from approx. 900 MVR).