The Best Hotels in Rhodes For Every Traveller
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, brings together sandy shorelines, clear waters and ancient ruins framed by craggy hilltops and low-slung mountains. Byzantine, Arabic and Ottoman rulers have all left their mark, from the eclectic architecture to the vibrant cuisine. And it has mythological status too: spurred by envy, Greek god Helios was said to have made Rhodes the most beautiful island in the Aegean Sea. Legend or not, it’s hard to disagree. Here’s our pick of the best hotels to call home during your stay.
1. Kókkini Porta Rossa
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Kókkini Porta Rossa started life as a knight’s inn around the year 1350, but at some point during its storied past it fell into disrepair and lay abandoned until current owners Nikos and Angela returned it to its former glory. Spurred by a sense of responsibility towards local architecture, history and culture, they used original timber, stone, marble and materials such as lime, pumice, beeswax and linseed oil to rebuild it. Each richly decorated room follows a slightly different theme and is named after a member of a family that once lived there. Common features include antique ornaments, beamed ceilings and heavy drapes which add to the romantic tone.
2. Melenos Lindos Exclusive Suites
Hotel
Ancient history is felt strongly here – ornately decorated, the Melenos Lindos flaunts rich designs that nod to the Byzantine, Medieval, Arabic and Ottoman influences upon the Greek islands, conceived by designer Donald Green. With the Acropolis of Lindos in full view from some of the guest rooms, it’s hard not to let your imagination frequently drift to a bygone era. Get down to the garden for an early breakfast of pittas with homemade honey and jam, yoghurt, cereal and cooked options – and come the evening, reserve a table at the Melenos rooftop restaurant for traditional Greek food at its finest.
3. Casa Cook
Hotel
5. Efchi 1904
Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel
Unlike the breezy boho hotels that dominate the island, this listed building is a cosy bolthole that feels more like a friend’s house than a hotel. A contrasting palette of burnt orange, marigold and mint create a retro flair that’s emphasised with vintage painted plates on the walls and twee kitchen curtains. Owner and manager Froso will be around to provide top tips on things to do after a Greek-style breakfast of yoghurt and honey, eggs, cheese and fresh fruit.
6. St Artemios Boutique Hotel
Luxury
The traditional pebble-mosaic courtyard at St Artemios Boutique Hotel is a prime spot for enjoying a thick Greek coffee in the morning – like much of the brightly painted abode, the space is the work of Anatolyan and East Aegean craftsmen. Its prime location in the old town means you’re within easy roaming distance of Elli beach, the pretty port town of Mandraki and Saint Nikolaos fort. And once you’ve ticked those spots off your list, you can book a guided walking tour, a cooking class, water sport activities – even catamaran tickets to Turkey – at the front desk.
7. Amada Colossos Resort
Resort
Amada Colossos Resort overlooks miles of sun-bleached sand and impossibly blue sea. Closer to your room, though, are multiple swimming pools partitioned by bridges and platforms leading to countless sun loungers. In fact there’s a pool for just about every age group – a thoughtful approach that extends to the dining facilities: four restaurants and eight bars, no less, so plenty of choice whether you’re travelling with family, friends or a loved one.
8. Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Decorative period features characterise the Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel, from the high-ceilinged lounge area to guest rooms furnished with dark wood, exposed stonework and intriguing antiques. It also has great eco credentials by way of wood sourced from forests, solar heating, Coco-Mat beds and hand-blown glassware made by local craftsmen. Breakfast is served in the pretty pebbled courtyard – expect fresh bread, pastries, jams and salad, plus there’s an additional brunch menu designed by an in-house nutritionist.
9. Aquagrand Resort
Resort, Hotel
10. Casa Antica
Hotel
11. 12 Islands
Villa, Hotel
12. Rodos Palladium
Hotel
13. D'Andrea Mare
Resort, Hotel
Feel like island hopping? Why not take a trip to not-so-far-away Kos for a stay in one of the best hotels? For the even more adventurous, make Astypalea your next stop – stay in one of the island’s beautiful hotels and carry on with your Grecian getaway – and they’re all bookable through Culture Trip.
Sam Murray contributed additional reporting to this article.
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