Sala Boutique Hotel

Thomas and Rose were superb hosts, quick to reply to messages, and our complimentary airport transfer both ways went smoothly. This is a friendly little hotel that works perfectly for a transit stop. The rooms are very clean and quiet, and it’s about 15-20 minutes from the airport. There are only six rooms, so book ahead. They’re arranged around a very good Thai restaurant that’s open nonstop from 12 to 12.

The hosts made sure we had what we needed, including pickup and drop-off at the airport. We spent a week in Malé and enjoyed every night at this lovely little hotel. The staff were warm and welcoming, the rooms clean and spacious, and breakfast was wonderful each morning. A real bonus is the amazing, well-known Thai restaurant. One night, we even dined there with the Maldives' President. The hotel is on a small street about 500m from the airport ferry, with a little grocery store and a mosque on the same street.

The whole Rainbow Runner fish at the Thai restaurant was the highlight of the food I had in Maldives, so definitely try it. As for the lodging, I can’t honestly give this place either five stars or three, which is what I’d give if it were in Colombo rather than Male. The rooms are very basic, with thin walls, and feel more like a guest house than a hotel. There aren’t really other choices, though, and if I stay in Male again I’d probably try Jen.

The hotel is a little hard to find at first since it’s off the main streets, but that also makes it quieter. The rooms are beautiful, the service excellent, and both breakfast and the Thai restaurant were wonderful. There’s a window, though no view, since it’s a low building surrounded by taller ones.