Hotel Octave looks bigger than it actually is due to the slim high-rise design. It has a curved beige facade and sits on a corner of a narrow inland street shared by mopeds, cars, and pedestrians; the busy setting allows for an adventurous local experience that's very different from what's found at the touristy (and often quiet) island resorts. 

Guests can e-mail or call the property in advance to let the staff know travel times and the hotel will arrange pick-up at the airport. When arrived to the hotel, the first floor lobby usually has one staff member behind the front desk and a manager on duty who will offer a welcome ginger juice drink and refreshing towel. Guests will be told to have a seat in the leather chairs and relax while filling out paperwork. An elevator and staircase lead to the rooms, and a "room boy" will deliver luggage and give a quick tour of the amenities. Other than rooms and the lobby, the only other common area of the hotel is the cafe that seems to see the most action during free breakfast each morning.

Upon departure, staff will arrange transfer back to the airport or ferry terminal, sometimes in the manager's car -- a testament to how personal the service here is. If guests are connecting to another resort in the Maldives, Hotel Octave will work directly with that hotel to provide transfer instructions. 

The Maldives is a nation in the Indian Ocean comprising over 1,190 islands. Most visitors to the hotel arrive through Malé International Airport (on a separate island), and many choose this hotel while in transit to or from another property because it is close to the airport and the prices are reasonable. Malé is the capital city and the nation's economic center with government buildings, mosques, offices, and shopping. The Friday Mosque, which dates back to the 16th century, the Islamic Center, the former President’s Palace, the fish market and produce markets, and waterfront, where fishing boats come in and out, are all worth visiting. There is an artificial beach on the island, but women should not plan to wear Western-style swimwear in public. It is advised that visitors in Malé keep their shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect. 

A hotel representative will greet guests at the airport terminal to help with luggage and lead the way to the public ferry (if guests arrange this beforehand via e-mail or phone). The staff member will purchase tickets and deliver guests to the other side, and then arrange a taxi or car service to the hotel, which takes no more than five minutes. The hotel itself is located on a busy street; watch out for mopeds and cars zooming by. 

There are almost as many stories as rooms in the slim, high-rise Hotel Octave (there are 14 rooms and nine floors, to be exact). The decor is modern and streamlined, with tile floors, light purple walls, and Asian-inspired bed runners and pillows. Rooms have queen-size beds, AC units, white linens, 28-inch flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, work desks and private bathrooms with stand-up showers. There are no shower curtains or doors, but removable nozzles help keep control of the water. Toiletries are replaced each day and include shampoo, body wash, and lotion. Two free bottles of water are replaced daily, and mini-fridges come stocked with chilled water, sodas, and snacks for reasonable prices.

Room upgrades are common when possible, and larger suites (good for families and business travelers) have a separate living room with another flat-screen TV, as well as a kitchen area with full stovetops and refrigerators and basic cooking essentials. 

Windows can open for those who want to hear the call to prayer and local street noise; higher floors are quieter for those who want undisturbed shuteye. Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms for those who need to work, though it can be spotty. 

Most guests -- except for business travelers -- will not be staying at the hotel for long, and those heading out in the morning can enjoy free breakfast before their flight or resort transfer. The cafe is a bright space with wooden furnishings, contemporary placemats, and red napkins. Other than a few other guests who may be chatting amongst themselves, a flat-screen TV featuring local news is the only disruption from this quiet space (it's a good place to work, with more reliable Wi-Fi than some upper-floor rooms). The non-buffet breakfast is served by a staff member who will bring juice, a bottle of water, tea, or Lavazza coffee. The first course includes a fresh fruit plate, followed by a big plate of eggs, sausage links, and toast with packets of butter and jam. Lunch and dinner is also on offer and the restaurant serves Maldivian cuisine as well as a basic selection of Asian and European dishes (room service is also available). Alternatively, there are a few restaurants within easy walking distance to the hotel and staff will make recommendations. 

In fact, the small but friendly staff provides reliable service and puts in an effort to make everyone feel at home, even though most guests tend to stay only for a night or two. For instance, the transfer to the ferry terminal in the morning might be handled by the manager himself. All transfers are arranged the night before, and guests can expect a message with instructions under the door or a phone call from the front desk.

Excursions are available for a number of activities in Malé, or to nearby picnic islands. Boat trips for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing trips are available, as are seaplane tours. Laundry service is available.