TOP Budget Hotels in Maldives with the Best Beaches
A budget stay in the Maldives means a guesthouse on a local island rather than a resort. The room is cheaper, but the total is not just the room, so it pays to compare the same things in every offer. We can only vouch for our own guesthouse, so this guide shows what to compare and what we offer, instead of ranking other hotels.
What goes on top of the room price
The room price is not the final price. On top of it come the green tax (US$6 per person per night at small guesthouses on inhabited islands, US$12 at larger hotels), the 17% TGST and usually a 10% service charge. Check that your quote says whether they are included.
Transfers are a separate cost. To Thoddoo the speedboat costs USD 35 per person each way and the seaplane USD 90 one way for foreigners. For other islands the cost and the schedule differ, and for some it can be a large part of the budget.
Meals and excursions are usually paid separately. Ask whether breakfast is included, and what the excursion you want costs per person.
What to compare in every offer
| What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total price with taxes and service charge | Prices are often quoted without them |
| Transfer cost, schedule and who meets you | Boats and seaplanes do not run every day |
| Breakfast and where to eat | On a small island there may be only a few cafés |
| Where you swim and whether lifeguards are on duty | Lifeguards are not guaranteed everywhere |
| The bikini beach | On local islands swimwear is usually limited to a designated beach |
| Adults only or family-friendly | Some guesthouses do not accept children |
| Cancellation terms | Weather and flights can change plans |
Reviews on Booking.com and similar sites help, but read the recent ones and look for details about the beach, the transfer and the food.
Relax Residence on Thoddoo
Relax Residence is a 3-star, adults-only guesthouse with 14 air-conditioned rooms of 13 and 14 square metres, some with a balcony or terrace. The restaurant is on the property, and breakfast is served from 08:00 to 10:00.
Our team meets guests at the Thoddoo pier, and the transfer from the pier to the guesthouse is free. Snorkel equipment and bicycle rental are available, and Wi-Fi is free. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is until 12:00.
We list excursions with prices per person: manta snorkelling USD 75, a dolphin trip USD 90, a picnic island USD 60 and boat snorkelling USD 125. Prices change, so confirm them when you book. Write to us for room prices for your dates.
How to choose a beach on a local island
- Ask where it is safe to swim and whether anyone is on duty, and do not swim alone, at night or in bad weather.
- Ask where the bikini beach is and what to wear in the village.
- Wear reef shoes and sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is a budget hotel in the Maldives?
Usually a guesthouse on an inhabited local island, rather than a resort on a private island.
What costs extra besides the room?
The green tax, the 17% TGST, usually a 10% service charge, transfers, and often meals and excursions.
How much is the green tax at a guesthouse?
US$6 per person per night at small hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands, up to 50 registered rooms, and US$12 at larger ones.
Is Relax Residence suitable for children?
No, it is an adults-only guesthouse.
How do I get to Thoddoo?
By speedboat from Malé airport for USD 35 each way, every day except Friday, or by seaplane on Thursdays and Saturdays for USD 90 one way. The transfer from the pier to the guesthouse is free.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
