Hotels to travel to Maldives in low cost mode
Did you know that there are hotels to travel to Maldives in low cost mode? You don't need to save all year long to visit this paradise in the Indian Ocean, because there are much cheaper accommodations than you can imagine!
We know that, when you think of the Maldives, the first image that comes to mind is one of those wooden huts on a water so blue that seems edited with filters. It's the classic image of luxury, but what many people don't know is that this paradise has become much more affordable in the last decade.
At Amimir.com we want you to discover that turquoise blue is not exclusive for VIP people; nowadays, it is perfectly possible to organize an unforgettable holiday sleeping in comfortable, beautiful and, above all, affordable hotels. Here are the hotels to travel to Maldives in low cost mode!
Is it possible to travel to Maldives on a budget?
For a long time, Maldives could only be visited if you went to its resorts: you could not visit any local island or discover other places that were not intended solely and exclusively for tourists. This meant that travellers had to pay exorbitant prices for accommodation and private transport.
However, the rules of the game have changed. Now, the country allows tourists to stay on islands where the local population lives. And this means that there are many more possibilities to travel at a much more affordable price and enjoy the postcard beaches.
The opening of local islands to tourism
The turning point came in 2009, when the Maldivian government allowed for the first time the opening of accommodation on the islands inhabited by local people. This transformed the country's economy and allowed the international traveller to go to places where it was not possible before.
Thanks to this law, today you can walk the same streets as the local fishermen, shop in their small stores and, most importantly, stay in hotels with excellent value for money.
Price differences between a private Resort and a Guesthouse
The economic difference is abysmal. While in a private resort it is difficult to get a night under 300 or 400 euros (reaching thousands in the most luxurious ones), in a guesthouse on a local island you can find modern and clean rooms for about 50 or 80 euros a night.
In addition, in the resorts you are obliged to pay their prices and excursions, while in the local islands you can choose from several local restaurants and hire activities with local operators at much more interesting prices.
How much money do you really need per day to sleep and eat?
To give you a realistic idea, a traveller on a tight budget can spend the day in Maldives with about 60 to 90 euros, including shared accommodation, three meals and some treats like a natural juice or snorkeling equipment rental.
If you travel as a couple, these costs are further optimized. To give you an idea: eating in a local "cafe" can cost you between 5 and 10 euros.
The best local islands to find cheap hotels
Not all local islands are the same. Some have specialized in tourism and offer good services and infrastructures, adapted to international needs. But, there are others that maintain a more traditional and simple air.
It is undoubtedly the low cost capital of the Maldives. Being quite close to Malé, transportation by public ferry or speedboat is very cheap. Maafushi is the island with the largest offer of hotels and guesthouses, so you will have much more competitive prices than in islands where there is less supply. It is the perfect place if you are looking for atmosphere, many dining options and an unrivaled offer of snorkeling and diving excursions.
If Maafushi seems too touristy, Gulhi is a quieter and more charming island. It is much smaller and, the best thing about Gulhi is its beach, which for many is one of the most beautiful of all the local islands in South Male Atoll.
Dhiffushi is perfect for observing the daily life of Maldivians while enjoying its vast tongues of sand. The hotels here tend to be very cozy and family friendly. It is a great option to watch breathtaking sunsets and enjoy a more relaxed and local atmosphere.
Thulusdhoo
It is the most famous island among the surfing community. Here is the only Coca-Cola factory in the world that uses desalinated seawater, but its real attraction are its waves and its young atmosphere. The accommodations in Thulusdhoo usually have a very modern design, which attracts surfers travellers from around the world.
Guesthouses and Boutique Hotels in Maldives
Many guesthouses surpass the large international hotels in hospitality and personalized attention. It is a way of travelling that allows you to experience the culture of the country while enjoying all the modern comforts.
What to expect in a Maldivian Guesthouse
A guesthouse in the Maldives is usually a small, family or locally run building with rooms that include air conditioning, private bathroom and, almost always, a delicious breakfast based on "Mas Huni" (tuna with coconut and onion).
But what makes them special is the treatment; the hosts usually help you organize your days, explain local customs and make sure your experience on their island is perfect.
The best cheap hotels overlooking the sea
If you want cheap Maldives beach hotels, you need to know that there are beachfront options that offer spectacular views of the Indian Ocean for much less than a resort.
At Amimir.com we always recommend looking at those hotels that have upper terraces, as having breakfast overlooking the turquoise water is one of those luxury experiences you will never forget.
Factors that influence the price
The price of your hotel in Maldives will depend on two factors: the season and how far in advance you book. Traveling in the monsoon season (May to October) can cut prices in half, and although there is more risk of rain, the days are usually still hot.
Other factors such as proximity to "Bikini Beach" or whether the hotel includes airport transfers will also affect the price of your holiday.
How to save on inter-island transportation
Moving around a country made up of more than a thousand islands may seem like a puzzle, but the key is to choose the right means of transportation according to the time you have available. Here are the details on how to get around the Maldives cheaply.
The local ferry (MTCC)
The public ferry is the best option for the thrifty traveller. These wooden boats, known as dhonis, ply the routes between the inhabited islands for prices that usually range between 2 and 5 euros each way.
Although they are slow and their schedules are subject to the state of the sea or holidays, travelling on them is an authentic experience in which you will share space with the locals.
Shared speedboats
If you don't want to spend several hours on a ferry, but don't want to go broke either, shared speedboats are the ideal middle ground. Many hotels on islands such as Maafushi or Thulusdhoo coordinate these transfers that depart several times a day from Malé airport.
The cost is usually around 25 to 35 euros per person, so it is more expensive than the public ferry, but it allows you to save a lot of time.
Why avoid seaplanes if you are travelling on a tight budget?
Flying by seaplane is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular experiences in the Maldives, but it's a luxury that doesn't fit into a low-cost holiday. These flights are privately operated for the resorts and a ride of just 30 minutes can easily cost between €250 and €500 per person.
Planning and logistics for the thrifty traveller
Even when you find a cheap hotel, Maldives has certain peculiarities that can give you a scare in the final bill. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Understanding Green Tax and Service Charges
When booking on Amimir.com/en, it is essential to check whether taxes are included. In the Maldives there is a "Green Tax", an environmental tax that in local guesthouses is usually around US$3 per person per night.
To this must be added the 10% service charge and the goods and services tax (GST), which is usually 16%. These percentages can inflate the final price of your stay by an additional 26%, so make sure you have this calculation done before arriving at the hotel reception.
Paying in Rufiyas or Dollars?
The Maldives has a dual economy: the US dollar is the currency for hotels and excursions, but the Maldivian Rufiyaa rules the day-to-day. To save, it is ideal to bring dollars (new and unmarked bills, as they are very strict) to pay for accommodation, but change a small amount to local currency for your meals in local cafes or shopping in small stores.
In many local stores, if you pay in dollars they will apply an unfavorable exchange rate, so having Rufiyas will save you a few euros at the end of the holiday.
Local SIM cards to save on data
Although almost all guesthouses offer free WiFi, their speed can be slow, so it's best to opt for local SIMs. At Malé airport you will find stalls of operators such as Dhiraagu or Ooredoo where you can buy a local SIM card for around 30 euros or so, and at a good price.
Selection of the best cheap hotels in Maldives
To close this guide, we have selected some hotels to travel to Maldives in low cost mode.
Hotels for less than 50€ per night
It is entirely possible to find cheap hotels in Maldives that are clean and cozy for under 50 euros a night. Here are some of them!
The Ithaa Beach Maldives on Guraidhoo Island is a guesthouse that is literally beachfront, so you can enjoy Laguna Beach in just a few steps.
What makes this place special is its intimate atmosphere, as it only has four rooms, so you will have absolute tranquility and a very personalized treatment. In addition to offering a free à la carte breakfast to start the day with energy, the hotel has a terrace and a garden, ideal for relaxing after a day of snorkeling.
If you want a more family-oriented option on the Maldives' most famous island, the ALAKA at Maafushi is a great choice. It's very close to the reef and the local mosque, and the hotel combines comfort with a very cozy atmosphere.
One of its big pluses is that, despite its tight price tag, it has a spa for those who want a little extra pampering without paying luxury resort prices. The rooms are functional and familiar, even equipped with a refrigerator to keep your drinks cool.
The free breakfast buffet is very complete and the concierge team will make sure you lack for everything, from transportation to the airport to childcare if you need a moment of relaxation.
Self-catering family accommodations to save even more
One of the best strategies for the ultra low-cost traveller is to look for guesthouses that offer access to a shared kitchen or small apartments with a kitchenette. Eating out in the Maldives is not very expensive, but if you are travelling as a family or for an extended stay, being able to prepare your own dinners will greatly reduce your daily expenses. In addition, this allows you to sample fresh local produce and have a much more integrated experience of the island's culture.
Enter Amimir.com and find the best hotel deals in Maldives to live an unforgettable holiday, and much cheaper than you thought!
