Old Town Inn
A proper island stay on one of the Maldives' quieter atolls
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A place to stay on Gaafaru
Old Town Inn sits on Gaafaru, a small island in Gaafaru Atoll roughly 61 km from Malé, reached by seaplane. It's a straightforward inn — not a resort — with a restaurant, a private beach area, BBQ facilities, and a terrace. Rooms start at $73 per night. The scale is modest, which suits travellers who want direct access to an island setting without the overhead of a large resort. Water sports and snorkelling are available at an extra charge, and the inn has facilities for disabled guests, family rooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
The honest verdict
A small, affordable inn on a quiet Maldivian island with a private beach area, decent in-room amenities, and easy access to water activities at an additional cost.
Best for
- Budget-conscious travellers wanting a real island location
- Families looking for simple, no-frills accommodation
- Snorkellers and water sports fans who don't need on-site gear included in the rate
- Couples after a low-key alternative to large resorts
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers expecting resort-level facilities or a full activity programme
- Those who prefer a direct flight or boat transfer to a seaplane journey
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.
Private beach area and outdoor space
The inn has a private beach area alongside a sun deck, terrace, outdoor dining area, and a garden. BBQ facilities are also on-site, giving guests options for evenings outside without leaving the property.
Island setting on Gaafaru Atoll
Gaafaru is a small island in its own atoll, 61 km from Malé. The seaplane journey is part of the experience. The island itself is compact — this is not a place for crowds or a packed beach strip.
Double room layout and in-room kit
Each double room has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, minibar, and an attached bathroom with free toiletries. The terrace is included, and extra-long beds (over 80 inches) are a noted bedroom feature.
Inside Old Town Inn Maldives
Amenities at Old Town Inn Maldives
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Restaurant
- Free Wifi
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Family rooms
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Flat-screen TV
- Family rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Additional bathroom
- Bidet
- Additional toilet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
Bedroom
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
- Extra long beds (> 80 inches)
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- Barbecue
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Terrace
Kitchen
- Children's high chair
- Dining table
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Dryer
- Electric kettle
- Washing machine
- Microwave
Getting there
Getting to Old Town Inn Maldives on Gaafaru in Kaafu Atoll means covering about 61 km from Malé (MLE) by seaplane — a scenic flight of roughly 20 minutes. The property arranges the seaplane once your flights are confirmed. Seaplanes fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Gaafaru, the hotel's island, belongs to 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.
Old Town Inn holds a 4.9/5 Google rating across 30 reviews — an unusually high score for a property at this price point. While individual review themes are not broken down in available data, the overall rating points to consistently positive guest experiences at this small Gaafaru inn.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Old Town Inn from Malé?
The inn is reached by seaplane. The property is 61 km from Malé, on Gaafaru island. Seaplane schedules are typically weather-dependent, so factor in some flexibility when planning arrival and departure times.
What room types are available?
Currently the inn lists Double Rooms, starting from $73 per night. Each comes with air conditioning, an attached bathroom, flat-screen TV, coffee machine, minibar, terrace, and free Wi-Fi.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Breakfast is listed as an available facility at the inn. Whether it is included in a specific rate or charged separately will depend on the booking option you select at checkout.
Is there a restaurant on-site?
Yes. The inn has a restaurant, and room service is also available.
Can I snorkel or dive from the inn?
Snorkelling and diving are available at an additional charge. These are organised activities rather than walk-in facilities, so check availability with the property ahead of arrival.
What other water sports are on offer?
Water sports facilities are available on-site at an extra charge, including windsurfing. Canoeing is available off-site at an additional cost. Speak to the inn to arrange sessions in advance.
Is the property suitable for families?
Family rooms are listed, along with a children's high chair, a playground, and a picnic area. The private beach area and outdoor dining space also suit family stays.
Is there parking at the inn?
Free parking is available at the property.
Does the inn have facilities for guests with disabilities?
Yes, facilities for disabled guests are listed as one of the property's highlighted amenities.
Is the property alcohol-free?
Gaafaru is a local island in the Maldives. Like other local islands, it operates under Maldivian regulations for inhabited islands. Confirm specific policies directly with the inn when booking.
What is the best time of year to visit Gaafaru?
The Maldives' dry season runs roughly from November to April, bringing calmer seas and better visibility for water activities. The wet season brings more wind and rain but lower rates and fewer visitors.
How can I book Old Town Inn?
The property can be booked through major accommodation platforms. Contact the inn directly to ask about room availability, meal plan options, and activity arrangements before confirming your stay.