The Somerset Hotel

This hotel serves as an exceptional urban retreat, particularly renowned for its seamless complimentary airport transfers which make it an ideal transit hub for guests arriving late or departing early from Male. Its prime location also positions it perfectly for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's outstanding staff, who are praised for their exceptional friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable stay. The hotel is a great fit for couples seeking a convenient base, families needing spacious accommodations, and business travelers valuing efficiency and central access. The consistent cleanliness of the rooms and the quality of the on-site dining further enhance the guest experience. To maximize your stay, be sure to take full advantage of the hotel's efficient transfer service and explore the nearby cultural landmarks on foot.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's thoughtful provision of in-room amenities that enhance comfort and convenience. Each room is well-equipped with complimentary water bottles, a kettle, and a coffee machine, often a Nespresso, allowing guests to enjoy hot beverages at their leisure. The hotel ensures connectivity with reliable free Wi-Fi throughout the property. For personal care, rooms include comprehensive toiletries such as shower kits, creams, toothbrushes, and hair dryers. Many rooms also feature power adapters, a practical addition for international travelers. While most guests find the air conditioning effective, some have noted minor issues. Family rooms often come with a sofa bed, which some guests find comfortable, though others report it can be less so. The hotel also provides an ironing board and iron for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with guests frequently describing rooms as immaculate and well-maintained. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few have noted that mattresses can be firm or that sofa beds are less comfortable. Rooms are generally perceived as spacious, particularly the family accommodations, providing ample living area. However, feedback on bathroom size is mixed, with many finding them small or tiny, sometimes leading to the shower wetting the toilet area, while others describe them as adequate and clean. Noise levels can be a concern for some, particularly due to mosque prayers heard at night or early morning, and occasional street noise or AC compressor noise from outside. Some guests also mentioned a lack of soundproofing and limited natural light due to views being blocked by adjacent buildings.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a significant highlight for many guests, with the on-site restaurant consistently receiving excellent reviews for its food quality and variety. The breakfast, which is often included, is described as delicious and comprehensive, offering a mix of local Maldivian, continental, and hot dishes, including made-to-order options like omelettes and spicy potato pancakes. While some guests found the breakfast basic, many appreciated the extensive buffet and à la carte choices, along with quality coffee. The dinner menu is also highly praised, featuring a diverse range of international cuisines such as Italian, Vietnamese, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Thai dishes, all prepared to a high standard. Room service is noted for its efficiency and the quality of its offerings. Guests particularly value the attentive waitstaff who ensure a pleasant dining atmosphere, and the chefs are commended for their ability to accommodate dietary needs.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and central location, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Its proximity to the airport, typically a 10-15 minute drive, is a major advantage, especially for transit stays. Guests consistently praise the complimentary airport transfers, describing them as seamless, prompt, and well-organized, significantly easing arrival and departure logistics. The hotel is within easy walking distance of numerous key attractions, including Sultan Park, the National Museum, Victory Monument, and the bustling fish market. Guests can also easily access various shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby. While the immediate area can be congested with motorbikes and busy, the hotel itself is considered a quiet retreat. Some guests noted that streets can flood after rain, and public transport options to areas like Hulhumale are not always straightforward.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, being described as exceptional, friendly, helpful, attentive, and highly professional. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, from assisting with SIM card issues to coordinating complex transfers with other resorts and even helping resolve cancelled bookings. The airport meet and greet service is particularly commended for its seamless and personalized approach, ensuring a stress-free start to the stay. The check-in and check-out processes are noted for being quick and efficient. Guests appreciate the attentive service provided by housekeeping, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained, and the impeccable service from the waitstaff in the restaurant. The staff's excellent communication skills and proactive approach to guest needs contribute significantly to a positive and welcoming experience for all visitors.

Additional Information
This hotel is primarily recommended as an ideal transit hotel for guests requiring an overnight stay before or after connecting flights to island resorts. A highly appreciated service is the provision of late check-out options, which are often accommodated to align with guests' flight schedules, allowing for extended comfort. The hotel also offers convenient baggage storage for those exploring other islands, providing peace of mind. Guests should be aware that, as Male is a local island, no alcohol is served on the premises. The hotel has also been noted for its capability to host small family gatherings and events, with staff assisting with decorations and food, demonstrating a versatile service offering beyond typical accommodations. Thoughtful additions like providing power adapters in rooms further cater to the needs of international travelers.