Hotel Traders Male

The Traders is located on the capital island of Malé, a five minute transfer from the airport island of Hulhule. It is located in Ameer Ahmed Magu Street to the northern part of the tiny island.

Opened at the beginning of 2010 as a Holiday Inn, which was the first international chain to set up shop in the capital, the hotel is now a Traders by Shangri-La. Standing at fifteen floors, it is now the tallest building in the capital. The staff is fluent in English. Guests must book in advance as there is generally a lot of airline crew staying here during their stopovers. The Traders Malé is the chain's second hotel in the Maldives, so it is not to be confused with its larger five star Shangri-La resort in the south of the country, which we have also reviewed. The hotel is in an ideal spot for guests wishing to take a day to explore the capital (a day is sufficient) before leaving the Maldives. The hotel provides complimentary transfers to Hulhule, the airport island which is just five minutes away. There is wireless internet access in public areas but cable access in the rooms - there is a charge.

From the exterior, the white building is nothing to look at but once you step into the lobby, the contemporary design of the hotel is apparent and is extremely pleasing. Fresh and bright, the lobby, with its gold ceiling, chilled out music, neutral colour scheme and its discreet scent of jasmine, is very welcoming, especially in the sweltering heat outside! There is a very calm ambience that reigns here. You should also try the Japanese toilet in the reception area - if you have never tried it, then have a go! We don't want to spoil the surprise but it will be a loo to remember with its myriad water jet and heating functions.

On the ground floor you will find the hotel coffee shop which, with its large bay window, is very pleasant to sit and relax. The elevators take you up to the rooms and to Lime, the main restaurant. The jewel in the crown however, lies on the topmost floor, where you will find the roof-top infinity pool with its wonderful views! There isn't too much seating around here though, so get up early to grab a sun lounger! There is also a bar serving non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks for peckish sunbathers.

There is a small Coconut Spa with a couples' treatment room and two single rooms. The spa is small and intimate but relaxing. There is also a bright gym with views over the city for exercise fiends. However, as the hotel is in Malé, there is no beach.

The Traders has 117 rooms, making it the largest hotel in the capital. There are five room categories in total: 65 deluxe rooms, 25 Ocean View, 9 Premier, a Presidential Suite and 17 Superior which tend to be reserved for cabin crew.

The designer has tried to bring a little Maldivian flavour to the hotel by naming each room after fauna and flora found in the archipelago. At least it makes it easier to find your room! The deluxe rooms which form the bulk of the accommodation here are fairly small at 24m² in comparison to the luxury hotels found on the other islands, however these are the biggest rooms you will find in Malé. The rooms are however, extremely well-appointed. Guests will not be left feeling cramped here. The rooms are all very simple, but very pleasant. The neutral colour scheme is refreshing and the lighting features above the headboards add a stylish touch. The crisp white linen sheets are dressed with gold and brown flower runners. All rooms are comfortable and all look brand spanking new. The Premium rooms have a free daily newspaper delivery and turndown service.

The deluxe rooms have well-appointed bathrooms to match, however they only have a shower and no bath tub. The rooms are bright due to large windows. The higher room categories are more spacious and have larger bathrooms that are enclosed by a glass wall adding to the illusion of space. The higher categories have a bath tub as well as a shower. Although very simple in their clean lines, the bathrooms are pleasant. All toiletries are of the Holiday Inn brand. If you are after a bath tub it is best to clarify this at the time of booking as there are a few exceptions in the higher categories that have just a shower. The hotel has double and twin rooms.

The coffee shop on the ground floor serves a range of delicious cakes, cookies, good quality coffee and tea. The all-day restaurant, Lime is located higher up the building and serves a buffet breakfast and à la carte lunch and dinner. The atmosphere here is extremely relaxing. The neutral colour scheme is complemented by the stylish carved wood features along the walls which help add warmth to a room that would otherwise be a little bare. The soft music in the background, (on this occasion it was the French instrumental house Dj, Saint Germain), also contributes to the relaxing atmosphere. On the topmost floor you will also find AZUR, the pool side bar which serves a range of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks at lunch and dinner times. This is a lovely spot to come to at sunset.