JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is the smart choice when you want to see the capital rather than just pass through it. The hotel is on Ameer Ahmed Magu in Malé, with 114 rooms in Deluxe and Executive categories and king, queen or twin beds. According to its Expedia listing, the Maldives Islamic Centre is about three minutes on foot, Sultan Park and Republic Square about five minutes and the Malé fish market about six. The airport is about 16 minutes by road, and a free 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle is listed. Dining options named on the listing include Azur, Jen's Kitchen On-the-Go and Lime, and the property has an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. The hotel is a mid-range city stay, and its main value is location and convenience for a day of walking, a museum visit and a ferry to the islands. It suits business travellers, couples on a short stopover, and families who want a clean, central base before or after an island stay.

Location and getting around: the hotel is in the centre of Malé, which makes nearly everything walkable. The Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and the National Museum are within a short stroll, the fish market is a few minutes away and the Henveiru ferry terminal, where the walking tour starts, is close. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, and the airport is across the water, reached by the ferry or the hotel shuttle that the listing describes as free and running around the clock. Malé is busy and crowded, so expect street noise and traffic.

The rooms: with 114 rooms in Deluxe and Executive categories, the hotel keeps things simple. Rooms have king, queen or twin beds, and the Executive tier adds space and facilities. Ask for a higher floor for views over the rooftops and the harbour and for a quieter position away from the road. The rooftop terrace and pool are a pleasant escape from the heat and noise of the city after a day on foot.

Who it suits and what to know: JEN is an urban base, not a beach resort, so use it for a night or two around your island stay or as a hub for day trips from Hulhumalé. Breakfast is a buffet that the listing prices separately at roughly twenty dollars for adults, though many rates include it, so check your rate. Alcohol is not served in most Malé hotels and city venues, so plan accordingly. Friday is the quiet day in the city. Book early for weekends and holidays. For a value stay on an island with a beach, compare the guesthouse option on Maafushi.