15 best affordable hotels in the Maldives 2024 (that are still really nice)
Who isn’t dreaming of a Maldives holiday right about now? We sure are — which is why we’ve compiled the very best affordable hotels in the Maldives to help make your island dreams come true.
While the Maldives – with its stunning luxury resorts, breath-taking water villas, idyllic beach villas and dreamy white sand beaches – has a reputation for being rather expensive, not every resort in the Maldives will cost you an arm and a leg. Really.
Sure, the cost of living crisis is having an impact on us all, but don’t be fooled into thinking that catching the sun while relaxing in your own beachfront villa is a privilege afforded to only the ultra-wealthy. With the Maldives dominating everyone’s travel bucket-lists, it’s no wonder why the luxury resorts and hotels in the country have diversified. No longer are we limited to stuffy, overly expensive resorts that cater only to wealthy honeymooners. In fact, world-renowned hotel groups from The Standard to Avani+, Six Senses, Conrad and Sheraton have all been making their marks in the atolls. Enter: a group of gorgeous yet reasonably-priced luxury hotels at Maldives resorts on Maafushi and Thoddoo to the Dhaalu Atoll, Hulhumale and Raa Atoll.
Here, our travel writer, who has been frequenting the sunny shores of the Maldives for many years, gives her opinion on the very best all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, cheap hotels, luxury Maldives hotels, beachfront resorts, budget hotels and guest houses so you can go on the Maldivian holiday of your dreams without having to break the bank. These Maldivian resorts are as beautiful as they are pocket friendly.
Best affordable hotels in the Maldives at a glance:
- Best For A Girls Trip: Avani+ Fares Maldives
- Best For Nightlife: The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives
- Best Fro Couples: Baros Maldives
- Best For Diving: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Best On A Budget: Manta Reserve
How we chose the best affordable hotels in the Maldives
Just because the hotels and resorts on our list are more affordable, it doesn’t mean the experience is any less magical. In fact, millennial-targeted hotels such as Avani+ Fares and The Standard offer a Maldivian holiday experience that’s fun and dynamic with prices that are millennial-friendly, too. All the hotels on our list are stylish, tropical paradises with different aesthetics that cater to all kinds of vibes from thatched roof beach huts to stunning overwater bungalows. They have everything from relaxing spas, a variety of water sports, private beaches and of course and exceptional selection of restaurants and bars to make your stay truly memorable.
One of the best ways to save during your holiday in the Maldives is choosing a hotel that can be accessed via speedboat from Malé Velana International Airport, as seaplane transfers often cost somewhere around US$500 (£400-ish). Most resorts and hotels in the Maldives follow a seasonal pricing structure, so travelling during the off season delivers pretty good savings.
Ahead, the 11 best affordable hotels in the Maldives according to a travel writer.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for backpackers
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Address: Manta Reserve Thandiraiymaage, Orchid Magu, 06070 Maalhos, Maldives
Why we love it: This low-key hotel is just a few steps from the famed Bikini Beach and is all about that lowkey surfer vibe. The most affordable hotel on our list, Manta Reserve is perfect if you’re a budget traveller or backpacker. The hotel rooms are cute but simple and offer charming garden views. You can also expect a delicious continental breakfast. This charming guesthouse offers a range of activities from scuba diving to snorkelling to bike rides – and is the best place in the Maldives to really slow down.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for first-time visitors
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: South Male Atoll, 08350 South Male Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Velarassu Maldives is just a 25-minute speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors. At first glance you wouldn’t think that Velarassu would be on any ‘best affordable hotels’ list with its stunning overwater bungalows, palm-tree lined outdoor spaces and breath-taking beachfront swimming pool with views overlooking the crystal clear waters of the South Indian Ocean.
There are 129 rooms at this resort that range from cute beach villas to luxury overwater bungalows complete with sundecks and private pools. Elsewhere, there is a cabana-lined infinity pool, a spa with incredible sea views and a majestic house reef that would impress even the most avid divers and snorkelling fanatics.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for couples
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: PO Box 2015, North Male Atoll, 08120 Male City, Maldives
Why we love it: Formerly a coconut plantation, Baros Maldives was one of the first hotels to open in the country, meaning that there’s plenty of history there. In 2023, the resort celebrated its 50th anniversary, making it one of the longest-standing hotels in the Maldives. With 45 Beachside villas and 30 Water Villas, some with private swimming pools and butler services, Baros Maldives offers a much more intimate Maldivian holiday that’s perfect for couples looking to ramp up the romance.
We especially like the hotel’s ‘Destination Dining’ experiences that take guests on unforgettable fine dining excursions all over the island — from the comfort of their villas to a stunning wooden deck shaped like a grand piano. There is also a Diving by Design programme and a Diver Valet Service so guests can go on ‘Fluo Night Dives’ where they can marvel at the Manta Rays, Eagle Rays and turtles. Starting at just £464 a night, we think that is a total steal.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for a girl’s trip
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Fares Island, PO Box 20077, 20066 Baa Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Sister property to the nearby Anantara Maldives, Avani+ Fares is part of the Minor Hotel Group’s younger Avani brand, which is geared towards younger, Millennial and Gen Z luxury travellers. Opened in spring 2023 in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, the resort has everything you need for the girl’s getaway of a lifetime. Expect lux beach and overwater villas, fun karaoke nights poolside, a lively nightlife scene, fire shows, relaxing spa treatments, Manta Ray excursions, sunset sailings, contemporary beach villas and overwater bungalows, and of course – fun and friendly service. With prices starting at £460 – we couldn’t think of a better destination for your next girls’ trip.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for sea turtle sightings
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Kanifushi Island, Lhaviyani Island, 07020 Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Adjacent to the vibrant coral reefs of the Lhaviyani Atoll is Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. The resort rests on a narrow island (only 90 metres wide) but certainly packs a punch in terms of all-inclusive luxury. Guests of the premium all-inclusive Kanifushi Plan can enjoy food from all restaurants, a selection of premium wines and spirits and bespoke adventures from sunset fishing to snorkelling excursions. Of course, there are overwater villas, but to us, the Kanifushi Grand Pool Beach Villas with private lagoon-esque pools and open air bathrooms are the true stars. On these very beaches, you may also be treated to sea turtle sightings in season.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for rich marine life
Conrad Maldives Rangali island
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Rangali Island, 00180 Mandhoo, Maldives
Why we love it: Home to the Maldives’ first underwater restaurant, along with underwater suites, the Conrad Maldives in the North Ari Atoll gives another definition to the saying ‘sleeping with the fishes’. The Conrad Maldives is set across two private islands, connected by a 500-metre footbridge. Of course, there are gorgeous, thatched overwater villas and beach villas with private gardens and plunge pools, two spas and a whopping twelve restaurants and bars to choose from.
Not to mention the choice of two separate beaches to catch the rays in. The South Ari Atoll is well-known as one of the best diving sites in the Maldives and as the home of many whale sharks, so scuba lovers will have plenty to ‘dive’ into here. A veritable paradise island.
Best cheap hotel in the Maldives for couples
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Bandos Island, 08480 North Male Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Just eight kilometres away from Malé, the island capital of the Maldives, is Bandos; a gorgeous little hotel in the North Male Atoll that exudes coastal charm. Picture white-washed rooms with thatched roofs, a pool with swim up bar, and relaxing spa treatments at the in-house spa. There is also a Club House that offers a range of fitness classes for more active travellers and five restaurants offering Maldivian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. At Bandos Maldives, you can get the full five-star Maldives experience at four star prices.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for nightlife
The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Huruvalhi Island, Raa Atoll, 20085 Raa Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: You know that a stay in The Standard Huruvalhi will deliver the hotel chain’s always effective formula of eclectic designer aesthetics, vibey tunes and an effortlessly cool ambiance, yet somehow The Standard Huruvalhi delivers that and more. Forget traditional tropical luxe villas and expect vibrant splashes of neon in your hotel rooms that are accented will all sorts of fun things from disco balls to ukuleles. If you like the beach clubs of Ibiza and the Côte d’Azur, then you’ll love that a live DJ transforms the pool into a vibey beach club in the afternoons and that Beru Bar transforms into a proper disco complete with glass floor. Looking for a more lowkey stay? The Standard Maldives adopts a more bespoke approach to wellness, with treatments like CBD oil massages and a floating aquatic assault course.
Best affordable hotel the Maldives for local flavour
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Kottefaru, 20081 Raa Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Located in the stunning Raa Atoll and blessed with 360 degrees of beach, an alluring turquoise lagoon and a house reef teeming with marine life – Brienna Kottefaru is a certified tropical paradise in the Maldives. It’s also close to some of the most incredible dive sites in the Indian Ocean, known to be frequented by Manta Rays. For families there’s plenty to explore within the resort too. There is an outdoor pool, full-service spa, playground, arcade room, free-WIFI and even a hair salon. Looking for more enriching local experiences? Guests can check out Meedhoo Harbour and Maduvvari Harbour or visit The Dutch Onion Museum too.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for spa lovers
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Kudakurathu Island, Kudakurathu, 2053
Why we love it: Part of the Amari Group of Hotels, this resort blends Thai hospitality with the richness of the Maldives’ natural surroundings. Meet Seb, the island’s resident artist, who will tell you his very own castaway story – and is probably one of the most interesting people you’ll meet in the atolls. The oriental-inspired rooms, which include beach suites and overwater bungalows, are light bright and airy and the three on-site restaurants offer everything from delectable Asian to Maldivian cuisines. We especially like the Spa at Amari Raaya which transport guests to a world of bliss with spa treatments such as reflexology to Thai massages. Book a treatment as soon as you arrive, your body will thank you for it later.
Best cheap hotel in the Maldives for a taste of the island life
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Baa Atoll, 06060 Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Why we love it: If you’re looking for laidback boutique hotel then the Kiha Beach in Dharavandhoo is just the place for you. A quick 20-minute flight away from Malé and surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Baa Atoll, this breezy boutique hotel has everything you need and more to truly embrace island life in the Maldives.
Best eco-certified affordable hotel in the Maldives
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Fonimagoodhoo, 20215 Baa Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: This upscale, eco-certified hotel located in the lush Fonimagoodhoo Island, near the famed Kihaadhuffary Island Beach and Hanifaru Bay known for its Manta Ray sightings, is a true gem in the Maldives. A perfect place to catch the rays, (both the Manta and UV kinds), you can choose from garden villas to sunset deluxe villas which have enough beds for up to four people, making this a great choice for your next getaway with your friends.
There are four on-site restaurants, a relaxing Coconut Spa, a gym and a fun array of water sports that include canoeing, water-skiing and even fishing. One look at these photos of Reethi Beach and the word ‘budget’ certainly wouldn’t come to mind.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for families
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Furanafushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives, 08240 North Male Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Surrounded by the turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches and swaying palms Furanafushi Island, the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has everything you need and more for a dream vacation under the sun. The resort is only a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé Velana International Airport and has 176 hotel rooms that cater to every budget from cosy cottages to sprawling overwater villas.
Of course, you can expect indulgent spa treatments, free wi-fi, a dazzling array of water sports and a stunning house reef. There are seven delectable restaurants from a buffet-style affair to another restaurant serving traditional dishes from Thailand. The Water Suite, which can accommodate up to five people is particularly good for families looking to reconnect.
Best affordable boutique hotel in the Maldives
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Furaveri Island Resort & Spa, 20012 Raa Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: This five star hotel in Raa Atoll is a true hidden gem and has everything you need for a sunny and relaxing holiday in the Maldives. Furaveri Island is rich in marine life and covered in lush foliage perfect for nature lovers. The resort offers a variety of experiences from sandbank excursions, tennis and jet skis to Java Lulur Scrubs at the spa. The overwater villas and beach suites rival that of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives but are a fraction of the price. Plus, the resort’s half-board and all-inclusive packages are pretty generous too. A win/win if we ever saw one.
Best affordable hotel in the Maldives for going offsite
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Eh’mafushi, South Male Atoll, Maldives
Why we love it: Situated in the picturesque Emboodhoo Lagoon is the SAii Lagoon Maldives. This stunning five-star hotel is just a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the jetty at Male and impresses from the moment you check-in. The SAii Lagoon Maldives is part of the Hilton hotel group’s Curio Collection, which are a collection of five-star boutique hotels around the world that celebrate local heritage with the Hilton touch. This specific resort is part of the Crossroads Marina Complex which means that guests can explore the neighbouring Hard Rock Hotel and public marina filled with local and international restaurants, shops and bars — is a rarity in the Maldives where most resorts occupy an entire island.
