I stayed at the Hotel Octave last time I was in the Maldives 2 years ago, but I am opting for the Crystal Beach Inn this time.

Octave was definitely reasonable for one night -- clean, decent breakfast, reliable transport to/from the airport -- but I am still opting for the Crystal Beach Inn this time for one main reason, Octave is in Male, and Crystal Beach Inn is on Hulhumale, the same island as the airport.

Compare:
Airport -> Walk -> Ferry -> Car -> Octave -> Car -> Public Ferry -> Walk -> Bentley/Car/SUV -> Seaplane Terminal
Total time: One hour each way
Transfers: 9

Airport -> Bentley/Car/SUV -> Crystal Beach Inn -> Bentley/Car/SUV -> Seaplane Terminal
Total time: 15 minutes each way
Tranfers: 4

Yes, the 'Airport Butler' and the overnight's hotel staff will help, but it's still an extra hassle dealing with going to the main island.

If you'd like to actually spend time walking around Male, I suppose there might be a reason to deal with all of that hassle, but if it's just "I'd like to sleep and then be on my way", I don't see the point.

I'll be landing at Male in the late evening, and I'd certainly rather not add an extra hour of travel time, just so I can head to the Sealplane terminal first thing in the morning.