Hotel Starshell
A practical Hulhumalé base with two restaurants and easy airport access
A city stay in Hulhumalé
Hotel Starshell is a 3-star hotel in Hulhumalé, roughly 2 km from Velana International Airport via the Sinamalé Bridge. Rooms start at $89.90 per night and free breakfast is included. The hotel runs two on-site restaurants and an airport shuttle, which makes it a workable choice for travellers who want a straightforward stay close to the airport — whether they are transiting, catching an early seaplane, or spending time in the Greater Malé area.
The honest verdict
A compact, city-style hotel with two restaurants, free breakfast, and quick airport access — functional rather than luxurious.
Best for
- Transit and stopover stays
- Budget-conscious solo and couple travellers
- Early seaplane departures
- Travellers wanting included breakfast
Maybe not ideal for
- Those wanting a beach or lagoon setting
- Travellers seeking resort-style facilities
- Groups needing interconnecting or larger rooms
Two restaurants on-site
Hotel Starshell has two restaurants within the property, which is unusual at this price point in Hulhumalé. Free breakfast is included in most rates, covering Continental and Halal options, so you can eat before an early transfer without leaving the building.
Room views and outdoor space
Rooms look out over the garden or city depending on category. The property has a terrace and outdoor furniture, giving guests a place to sit outside without going off-site.
Airport access and local shuttles
The hotel sits 2 km from Velana International Airport, reached by taxi across the Sinamalé Bridge. An airport shuttle runs from the property, and a local shuttle is also available for getting around Hulhumalé.
Rooms & suites
Standard Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe King Room
15 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Twin Room
16 m² · sleeps 2 · 2 single beds
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Superior Deluxe Room
20 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Experiences on & off the island
Inside Hotel Starshell
Amenities at Hotel Starshell
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free WiFi
- Bath
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- City view
- Garden view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Terrace
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Getting there
Hotel Starshell sits 2 km from Velana International Airport in Hulhumalé. The connection is a taxi ride across the Sinamalé Bridge — a short, straightforward transfer. The hotel also runs its own airport shuttle. Several cafés and a restaurant are within easy walking distance of the property.
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
Where to eat
- Crepe Runner restaurant 0.25 km
- vilu rest cafe 0.3 km
- Dondon Cafe' & Bistro cafe 0.32 km
- frengo cafe 0.33 km
- momo tea cafe 0.34 km
- wilu breeze cafe 0.45 km
Service draws the most consistent praise: 55 of 70 mentions are positive. Location scores well too — 25 of 31 reviews flag it favourably, with airport access and nearby activities cited most. Breakfast (22 of 31 positive) and dining (18 of 22) hold up solidly. Property condition is the most mixed topic, with 27 positives out of 52 mentions. The overall Google rating is 3.9/5 from 249 reviews.
- Things to do4.7
- Restaurants3.3
- Airport access4.8
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get from Velana International Airport to Hotel Starshell?
The hotel is 2 km from the airport, reached by taxi across the Sinamalé Bridge. An airport shuttle is also available from the property — confirm timing with the hotel when you book.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Free breakfast is included. The hotel serves Continental and Halal options across its two on-site restaurants.
How many restaurants does Hotel Starshell have?
There are two restaurants on the property. Room service is also available.
What room types are available?
There are four categories: Standard Double Room (from $89.90), Deluxe King Room (from $105.60), Deluxe Twin Room (from $110), and Superior Deluxe Room (from $114.40). All sleep two guests.
Is there a beach near the hotel?
Beach access is listed among the hotel's amenities. Hulhumalé has a public beach; it is a separate destination from the hotel itself, not a private on-site beach.
Is alcohol served at Hotel Starshell?
Hulhumalé is an alcohol-free island. No bar is listed among the hotel's facilities.
Can I get around Hulhumalé from the hotel?
Yes. The hotel runs a local shuttle in addition to the airport shuttle. Several cafés and restaurants are within 500 metres on foot.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available at the property.
What is the Wi-Fi situation?
Free WiFi is available in all rooms and is listed as a property-wide amenity.
Is the hotel suitable for families?
All rooms are configured for two guests. No family rooms or interconnecting options appear in the room list, so larger groups may find the room sizes limiting.
What is the Google rating for Hotel Starshell?
The property has a Google rating of 3.9/5 based on 249 reviews. Service and location are the strongest themes in guest feedback.
Are there laundry facilities?
Full-service laundry is available at the hotel.