Express Inn
A straightforward base in Hulhumalé, close to the airport and the sea.
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A city stay in Hulhumalé
Express Inn is a compact inn in Hulhumalé, the reclaimed island that sits just 3 km from Velana International Airport across the Sinamalé Bridge. It runs an on-site restaurant, includes free breakfast, and has free private parking — practical advantages for travellers who need a reliable city-side stop before or after island-hopping. Rooms are modest at 16–18 m², but each has a private bathroom, air conditioning, minibar, flat-screen TV, and a balcony. Several room types face the sea. The inn holds a 3.2/5 Google rating across 254 reviews.
The honest verdict
A no-frills inn with sea-view balcony options, free breakfast, on-site dining, and quick airport access — practical rather than polished.
Best for
- Stopover travellers near the airport
- Small groups or families wanting flexible bedding
- Budget-conscious couples seeking a sea-view room
- Travellers wanting free parking in Greater Malé
Maybe not ideal for
- Those prioritising comfort or larger rooms
- Travellers wanting a resort-style experience
- Light sleepers (review data flags sleep as a mixed topic)
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Location and airport access
Hulhumalé sits 3 km from Velana International Airport, linked by the Sinamalé Bridge. An airport shuttle runs at an extra charge, and the inn's location gets positive marks in reviews for airport access and proximity to local restaurants and things to do.
Balconies and sea views
Most room categories include a balcony. The Deluxe Double Room with Sea View and the Deluxe Double Room and Deluxe Room all face the water, giving a genuine sea outlook from a 16 m² space rather than a city-side corridor.
On-site restaurant and breakfast
The inn runs its own restaurant and includes free breakfast with the stay. There is also a shared kitchen with an electric kettle and cleaning products, useful for guests who prefer to self-cater for some meals.
Outdoor and communal spaces
Beyond the rooms, the property has a sun terrace, picnic area, outdoor furniture, and BBQ facilities. These are the main communal spaces for guests wanting to sit outside without leaving the property.
Rooms & suites
Standard Double Room
16 m²
- Balcony
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
16 m² · 1 full bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Room
16 m² · 1 full bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Double Room
16 m² · 1 full bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Triple Room
18 m² · sleeps 1 · 1 twin bed and 1 full bed
- Balcony
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Standout features
Inside Express Inn
Amenities at Express Inn
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Balcony
Getting there
Express Inn is on Hulhumalé in Kaafu Atoll, about 3 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé — a short taxi over the Sinamalé Bridge, no boat needed. Airport shuttle buses run the route around the clock too.
An airport taxi is inexpensive — typically MVR 60–100 (about $4–8) on the fixed fares, taking 10–20 minutes; the public airport shuttle bus costs even less. No ferry or speedboat is needed — the islands are connected to the airport by road.
On the map
The island of Malé is part of Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu (North & South Malé Atoll) is the most accessible region, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Across 254 Google reviews, the inn scores 3.2/5. Location is the most consistently positive theme — 17 of 22 mentions were favourable, with guests pointing to airport access and nearby dining. Nature follows closely at 16 of 18 positive mentions. Service and property reviews are more mixed. Breakfast and sleep quality are the weakest-rated topics.
- Things to do4.7
- Restaurants4.5
- Airport access4.7
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get from the airport to Express Inn?
The inn is 3 km from Velana International Airport, connected via the Sinamalé Bridge. An airport shuttle is available at an extra charge. A standard taxi across the bridge is also an option.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, free breakfast is included with the stay. The inn has an on-site restaurant that handles dining.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Free private parking is available on-site, which is a useful perk for guests travelling with a vehicle in Greater Malé.
What room types are available?
There are five room types: Standard Double Room (sleeps up to 4), Deluxe Double Room with Sea View, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Double Room, and Deluxe Triple Room. All have balconies and private bathrooms.
Which rooms have sea views?
The Deluxe Double Room with Sea View, the Deluxe Room, and the Deluxe Double Room all have sea-view balconies. The Standard Double Room and Deluxe Triple Room face the city.
How large are the rooms?
Most rooms are 16 m². The Deluxe Triple Room is slightly larger at 18 m². These are compact spaces, so guests wanting more room should consider the triple category.
Can families stay here?
The Standard Double Room sleeps up to four guests and offers flexible bedding (one double and two singles, or variations). The Deluxe Triple Room sleeps three. These are the best options for small groups or families.
How close is it to the beach from Express Inn Hulhumale?
The property lists beachfront access and water sport facilities in its amenity groups. Hulhumalé has a public beach on the island. There is no private resort beach.
Can I go snorkelling or diving?
Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing are listed as activities. These are arranged as excursions with local operators rather than run from an on-site dive centre.
Is alcohol available?
Hulhumalé is part of Greater Malé and operates under Maldivian alcohol regulations for inhabited islands. The inn does not list a bar, and alcohol is not available on-site.
What is the price range?
Rooms start from around $70 per night for the Standard Double Room. Sea-view deluxe rooms range from $88 to $159.50. The Deluxe Triple Room starts at $143.
Is there Wi-Fi throughout the property?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available in all room types and is listed as a property-wide amenity.