Review: Hulhule Island Hotel Hotel
The only hotel on Hulhule, the airport island, Hulhule Island Hotel is more of a transit or stopover hotel rather than a resort hotel. Located a short transfer away from Malé, it is a good spot to spend a few hours if you don't have very long before your flight. The hotel looks like a resort similar to those found in touristy areas of Spain. The outdoor pool area surrounded by well kempt gardens is the highlight of the hotel which is otherwise fairly imposing in size and structure. The hotel welcomes all types of guests from families to groups of friends. There is nothing romantic, luxurious, exotic or stylish about the Hulhule Island Hotel; it is merely practical so guests should not expect anything like the luxury resorts spread throughout the archipelago. The hotel is clean and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful especially at the hotel restaurant.
Advantages
- Proximity to the airport.
- Lovely pool area.
Disadvantages
- As it is a transit hotel, guests should not expect a luxury hotel despite its five star rating.
- The spa that desperately needs a refurbishment.
- No internet access in the rooms.
Price and availability of the Hotel
Despite its 5 stars, the Hulhule Island Hotel is more like a large 4 star resort. Apart from the airport there is nothing notable in the surroundings of the hotel. The hotel is run by Sri Lankan management and is owned by Singaporeans.
7.5/10
Open in 2000, the hotel received a new wing in 2008. With four floors, the hotel is located among well kempt gardens lining the hotel's beach area. The beach area makes for a pleasant break from being indoors, but the square of imported sand along with the enclosed rectangle of water does look a little grim especially in comparison to the Maldives' traditionally stunning beaches. Upon entering the busy lobby, the décor sets the scene for the rest of the hotel. The décor is outdated and worn, however the area is light due to the wall of windows giving out onto the lush green back gardens. The lobby coffee shop is open 24 hours. The food and beverage outlets are found to the left of the reception desk, as are the lifts up to the rooms. The Champs bar, a bar resembling an English pub, is the place to go if you want to watch a spot of sports over a pint. As smoking is authorised here and the area is badly ventilated, the smell of cigarette can be overpowering for some guests.
The hotel is extremely plain and acts more on the functional side. The rooms and corridors all look the same so remember your way as it is easy to get lost despite there being only four floors!
The main restaurant is located on the fourth floor and has some good views of the airport and of Malé. The décor here is in keeping with the rest of the hotel but the staff is very friendly and efficient.
The hotel has a small spa that is in dire need of a renovation, a bright and spacious gym, tennis courts and a pleasant lap pool set amidst the hotel's lush green gardens.
7/10
There are 136 guest rooms split into four categories, superior, deluxe, super deluxe and suite. The rooms are all decorated the same; the main difference is in the size and view. A room with a sea view is more pleasant as there are balconies. Once outside though the building is not particularly attractive and the balcony is not the most private of balconies as it adjoins to the other rooms' balconies. The rooms are otherwise spacious with the minimal furniture and flat screen televisions. The superior rooms, the lead in category, measure 26m² have a shower, no bath tub or balcony. The deluxe is a little roomier at 36m² with bath tub, balcony, DVD player and we were surprised to find Crabtree and Evelyn amenities, along with a sweet Hulhule Island rubber duckie for bath time. The bathrooms are kitted out in colourful orange mosaic adding a little charm to the otherwise bare room. The super deluxe rooms each have their own Jacuzzi corner bath. The rooms are otherwise bright and clean.
All rooms have complimentary tea and coffee making facilities and a certain effort has been made with regards to adding a few touches to dress the room, like a framed painting and a potted plant. There is however no internet access in the rooms; guests must go to the lobby where the internet is wireless. Guests can request twin or double rooms as well as connecting rooms for groups.
6.5/10
The hotel has a main restaurant on the fourth floor which serves a fairly decent and varied breakfast - try the curry and the traditional Maldivian breakfast, Mas huni, a tuna and chilli paste eaten with chapatti. Lunch and dinner is à la carte. The menu consists of a range of international food which isn't gourmet cuisine but does the job. Contrarily to Malé, alcohol is served here. The restaurant is a little drab but it is spacious and has some good views of the airport and Malé. Otherwise there is Champs bar on the ground floor which resembles an English pub although it is badly ventilated, so some guests might find the cigarette smell a little overpowering. The pool side bar serves drinks throughout the day and is a pleasant area to unwind. The coffee shop in the lobby is open 24 hours.
5/10
The hotel has a small beach. It is far from the idyllic postcard picture beaches but it makes for a nice break from being indoors. There are a few sun loungers and parasols too.
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