Manhattan Grand Hotel, a 162-room five-star property in Hulhumalé Phase 1, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer.
The opening ends a development that began more than two decades ago as the State Trading Organisation’s City Hotel project. Construction had stalled for years after substantial public investment. Under a settlement, STO transferred the site to the Housing Development Corporation in exchange for land in Hulhumalé Phase 2. World of Business Pvt Ltd, with investment from UAE-based Deep Seafood Company, completed the hotel.
Located roughly 10 minutes from Velana International Airport, the property is aimed at business travellers, transit passengers, leisure visitors and long-stay guests. It offers rooms and suites across eight categories, four food-and-beverage outlets, an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre and substantial meetings and events space, including large banquet and terrace halls.
Finance Minister Zareer described the opening as a boost for the tourism industry and the wider economy. The operator has said it expects agreements with around a dozen airlines. Parts of the building are also earmarked for government-related uses, including facilities linked to presidential pledges.
The hotel is the largest five-star property to open in the Greater Malé region and is expected to generate tax revenue while expanding city accommodation capacity close to the airport.
