Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Joey is the best!!! She was so kind and so helpful^^

Truly amazing staff - of note, the person who welcomed and checked us in, Chinni Gogada - she really gets the concept. She checked on us every day and followed up on everything we asked about and made suggestions to make our vacation a true ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME visit to paradise. Her attitude and service really pu.t Hard Rock over the Top - I hope she enters into Management. FOOD - excellent. You really can't go wrong. The best drinks were at the Hard Rock Cafe (also the best hours). If you drink heavily and plan to only eat at the Hotel-affiliated restaurants, consider a Meal Plan. Otherwise, just having breakfast included is fine (or skipping it if you like to sleep in because they close at 10:30am). Food is on the Spicy and Salty side just fair warning to westerners. You need to be at least semi-good about scheduling meals using the App - reservations are helpful but there was a lot of availability and you get 30+ minute time blocks. We were never hassled about being late or saw crowds EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES - highly highly recommend the snorkeling and water guided activities - the staff are super. Get a set of snorkel gear right as you arrive--many opportunities to use it even around the island. We actually were able to help someone in the water because we had this on day 1. LOCATION - being so close to Male airport is great. Boat ride was <15 min. Long boat transfers really suck so this island while still new has a great advantage in being so close to Male. (No you cannot hear airplanes) TIPS AND TRICKS 1. Bring enough US dollars in denominations you want to use for tips - you CANNOT change money on the island 2. There is no bank here - only an ATM machine. It chooses the size of bills and charges $100 MVR (about $6.50-7) per withdrawal if you choose this way to withdraw cash for tips. And you will end up with some $500 MVR bills you might not want 3. 10% service charge is included - so tip more if the service is good! The culture of many guests is not tip-friendly so the staff really appreciate it when you do. Believe me, THEY DESERVE IT! 4. learn how to use "Bum Gun" :-) AMENITIES - top notch

Amal is the best buggy driver! Incredibly kind, cheerful, and positive! He made our buggy rides amazing. His smile and laughter brightened our days. Among serious people, he was like a ray of light, bringing us joy and filling us with positivity! He remembers all the guests’ room numbers, and everyone knows him and is happy to see him! Because people can truly feel the sincerity and positivity that Amal brings! Hossam at the Miss Olive Oyl restaurant is very friendly, treats children wonderfully, always smiles, and makes ordering a real pleasure! We were happy to come back to this restaurant for the second and third time, and we specifically hoped Hossam would be our waiter. Jaube is also a wonderful staff member!

Ninja's service is excellent! Thank you so much, it was a pleasure.

Buggy service can be improved (mostly no show for us) and the outdoor resort area e.g. pool deck and bar and could do with an update as there were broken tiles at the side of the swim up pool bar and the speakers looked worn out. Otherwise the location, condition of our villas, breakfast spread and the hospitality we received from the staff was great! Special shoutout to Joey, Made and Dhinesh who were super thoughtful and went out of their way to make us feel very welcome and our vacation fun and relaxing!