Rhodes, Greece, is an island in the southeast Aegean Sea, very near the coast of Turkey. It’s an island steeped in history and culture, notwithstanding the fact that the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rhodes has a grand history of occupation from several occupying forces, The Knight’s Hospitalier being one of the most famous. They occupied Rhodes from 1306–1310 and it’s during this period that you’ll find many of Rhodes’s current famous monuments, such as the Palace of the Grand Masters, in the Old Town. In fact, Rhodes’s Old Town is one of Europe’s oldest — meaning people still live and trade behind its medieval castle walls. From unique mountain scenery and an 870-square-mile coastline boasting blue flag beaches to hidden coves and an Acropolis in the old fishing village of Lindos, as a Greek Island holiday destination, Rhodes really does have it all.
Of course, on your vacation, you’ll want to stay somewhere special. Whether visiting for a beach break, cultural discovery, or mountain walking, read on to discover some unique stays in Rhodes with a view — ranging from within the walls of the UNESCO Old Town, beachside locations, and mountain lodges.
1. Kokkini Porta Rossa
Rhodes Old Town
This six-suited residence is a piece de residence, perfect for a romantic break as it’s situated behind the ancient castle walls of the Old Town. Meaning “Red Door,” Kokkini Porta Rossa is pretty hard to miss as you enter the Old Town through St. John’s Gate. The first entranceway is a red door set in a magnificent stone archway, leading to a lovingly restored original Knights of St. John’s residence, a place where one of the many Knight’s Hospitalier lived.
The current owners — a husband and wife team with their son, a classically trained pianist who might just play a tune for you on the grand if you’re lucky — bought the residence when it was a complete ruin, and raised this phoenix from its ashes. The result is tremendous.
The Deniz Suite (all suites named after original inhabitants of the house) has a unique roofed wooden balcony, the hayat — meaning “life” in Arabic — overlooking the castle wall, and Kokkini Porta’s own chapel entrance.
If you’re looking for a place to propose, a second honeymoon, or to merely escape with your loved one, Kokkini Porta Rossa is the place to pick.
Top Tip: There’s no elevator here as it’s in a preserved, ancient building, but there are two suites on the ground floor of the building with no stairs necessary.
Favorite Amenities
- Delicious four-course breakfast using local products
- Fragrance bar in all suites and decanters of top-brand Greek alcoholic drinks
- The Michalis Suite has its own 485-square-foot private garden with a small plunge pool.
2. Trinity Boutique Hotel
Rhodes Old Town
This is another gorgeous boutique hotel inside an old knight’s residence within the UNESCO Old Town Walls. Trinity Boutique’s six suites have an open plan, most have free-standing bathtubs, and it has been decorated with empathy to its historic past; stone archways, wooden beams, medieval-style fireplaces, and a real feel as if you’re sleeping among history.
Views across its bougainvillea-clad courtyard are the icing on the cake as you sleep in medieval luxury and imagine pirate horses’ hooves pounding the cobbled streets.
Top Tip: Pay attention to the limestone and granite walls. It’s as if you’re sleeping in a castle.
Favorite Amenities
- Greek-owned company unique Coco-mat mattresses and mattress toppers
- Some suites have a hydro-massage jacuzzi
- Small kitchenette in all suites great for preparing small snacks
3. Hotel Grande Albergo Delle Rose
Next To The Casino Of Rhodes
With a history spanning almost a century, the Hotel Grande Albergo Delle Rose translates from Italian to “The Hotel of the Roses” as the Italian Governor of Rhodes built it between 1925 and 1927. During its time, it hosted dignitaries such as Winston Churchill and Gregory Peck, and, although a stately and grand building — think marble-floored reception with chandeliers — the Grande Albergo Delle Rose exudes discrete luxury with a choice of six rooms and 27 suites with either a balcony or big veranda, most with sea views.
Located right next to the Rhodes Casino, don’t let that put you off. There’s certainly no gaudy Las Vegas Ritz-style here; just a unique, exclusive place to relax by the beach and the unique UNESCO medieval Old Town.
Top Tip: Wander through the well-maintained gardens and you’ll see where the hotel received its name. Allow the concierge to book any manner of trips ranging from a sunset wine tasting to a full day of luxury cruising.
Favorite Amenities
- The Hotel’s close to the beach, yet it also boasts a swimming pool and spa.
- The La Rosa restaurant’s wall feature — The Fresco of the Colours by Italian artist Afro Basaldella, a 20th-century impressionist
- BVLGARI toiletries
4. Hotel Elafos
Mount Profitis Ilias, Salakou, Rhodes
We head into the mountains, inland on the island now, approximately 45 minutes from Rhodes Airport. Hotel Elafos sits at an elevation of nearly 800 meters (about half a mile) on Profitis Ilias (Mount Elijah), nestled amongst a forest of pine and cypress trees teaming with the rare Dama Dama deer. Unique to the island and the opportunity to hear owls at night, come and stay at Hotel Elafos, a unique Italian architectural-style lodge with 22 rooms over two levels.
The building has an eclectic past. Completed in 1929, it was a base for the Italian Army officers who occupied the island at that time period. During WWII, it was used as a lodge for the officers, then a German military hospital.
Its beautiful surroundings mean you have a choice of rooms, with either mountain or sea views, plus it’s the perfect base for walks and hikes.
Top Tip: If you’re looking for a completely unique, off-the-beaten-track place to stay, away from the usual beach crowds, this is the place to stay on Rhodes.
Favorite Amenities
- Small balconies in each room to sip your morning coffee and enjoy the view
- Take a five-minute walk through the forest to the abandoned Villa de Vecchi — Mussolini’s summer mansion, another piece of the island’s history.
- Huge dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows set in stone arches
- A fireplace to curl up and drink mountain herbal tea
5. Grecotel Lux Me Dama Dama
Faliraki Beach
This four-star, all-inclusive resort hotel is one for those looking to base themselves by the beach and have a completely relaxing break.
With a 100-meter pool, a vast beach, and a choice of rooms in the main building or small private bungalows on the ground, this is affordable luxury at its best.
The Grecotel Lux Me Dama Dama has a choice of five restaurants and a cocktail lounge as well as creperie-gelato on the beach. The sea-view rooms are the best as they also overlook the pool –— lit at night making for a romantic sight.
This really is one for couples looking for an all-inclusive break on a gorgeous Greek island.
Top Tip: Book one of the bungalows as it affords you more privacy. The Grecotel Lux Me Dama Dama isn’t an adults-only resort, so it does attract younger families.
Favorite Amenities
- Right on the Blue Flag-awarded Falaraki Beach
- Separate children’s pool, keeping the main pool for adults
- Gazebos as well as sunbeds around the pool
As you can see, Rhodes Island in Greece has some unique stays with views to suit every occasion. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful island.
