Leeli Lounge — Attraction in Malé

Review Title: Disappointing Experience – Standards Not Aligned with Emirates Expectations

I am writing to express my sincere disappointment regarding the service I received at the Leeli Lounge at Velana International Airport while departing on 13 Ott 2025 with EK 657 back to Dubai. As an Emirates Skywards Gold member, I hold Emirates to a high standard of hospitality and professionalism, a standard which, regrettably, this lounge did not uphold in any measure.

Upon arrival, the staff member who attended to us, Mr. Magrib Ibrahim, was dismissive and failed to acknowledge the Gold membership benefits as stated in Emirates’ rules and regulations. Despite presenting my Gold membership credentials, which according to Emirates’ own rules and regulations entitles me to complimentary guest access when traveling on the same flight, Mr. Ibrahim categorically refused to acknowledge or honour this benefit. His manner was abrupt and discourteous, and at no point did he attempt to offer a reasonable explanation or a respectful resolution.

It is my firm view that if a facility wishes to operate under the Emirates brand or represent itself as an Emirates partner lounge, it carries the responsibility of meeting Emirates’ service standards, particularly in regard to the treatment of loyal Gold and Platinum members. Partner lounges should have properly trained personnel at the front desk who are capable of handling such matters with both professionalism and respect.

This experience falls far short of what is expected from an Emirates-associated lounge and reflects poorly on the brand. I urge Emirates and the lounge management to review their staff training, service protocols, and communication of membership benefits to ensure that no other loyal customer experiences this kind of disregard...

Possibly the worst lounge I’ve ever been to.

We had a connecting flight with a 5 hour-long layover in Male, The Maldives. When we showed up at the lounge, the staff wouldn’t let us in until 3 hours before departure, which meant would need to come back after 2 hours, only to be able to use the lounge for 1h30min since boarding starts 1 hour to 1h30min before departure.

When we asked to speak with the person in charge, the manager (Aminath) came in with a “big brain” solution, and asked us to pay (twice) for immediate access to the lounge.

She essentially forced us to either pay twice, or to leave and come back 3 hours before departure.

The lounge itself is nothing to look forward to, it is outdated and overall way below average including the selection of foods and beverages.

The staff does not care enough to circle around and pick up dirty/used dishes. I did have a lovely interaction with the chef and he seemed nice and genuine.

The rest of the staff are a mirror of the manager’s behaviour (Aminath): champions of nonchalance, unprofessionalism, and inexistant customer service.

Unfortunately it is the only lounge option at this terminal, which explains - but does NOT justify - the overall very poor state of Leeli Lounge and its USD $37.80 per person charge.

I really hope that someone with enough authority can read this and act upon it as Leeli is not a reflection of such a high-end destination as...

This is the best place in Male airport to wait for your flight but it’s far from great. Very strange lounge with a large capacity but a miserable dark dank environment. It has however been recently soft upgraded with refreshed furniture which is a plus. Food is consistently terrible and the best (and only real option) for food at Male Airport post security is Burger King opposite the lounge entrance. Drinks are limited to warm soft drinks and terrible coffee. There is no service here, no clearing of plates or really anything service oriented at all. On the positive side the restrooms are clean, staff at reception ok and the lounge is well maintained.

Entry for business class or paid entry - I would not typically recommend to pay for this lounge however the 6 departure gates downstairs are incredibly unpleasant and overcrowded so it’s the...