The best hotels to book on the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands
With its Roman ruins, ornate Byzantine churches and Ottoman-built mosques and minarets, Rhodes is one of the more enigmatic of the Greek islands – so why not check out our list of the best hotels in Rhodes for your next holiday?
Rhodes is also one of the best-loved Greek holiday destinations – alongside Athens, Santorini and Crete – and among the easiest to travel to. Forget days spent fretting about ferries: the likes of Jet2, easyJet, TUI and British Airways all offer direct flights to the island from the UK.
Despite being the largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has a rather intimate appeal with its tumbles of white-washed houses, each draped in the purple pashmina of bougainvillea, and endless views across the Aegean Sea.
While here, you'll want to explore the old town in the north of the island and wander around the cobbled streets of the Knights' Quarter, where the Knights of the Order of St John descended in the 14th century. It's also worth noting that the island was once home to Colossus, the huge bronze statue of Helios, the Greek sun god, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Now 2,000 years later, Rhodes is still spectacular, thanks in large part to the fact that it enjoys least 300 days of sunshine a year. Luckily, it has more than 40 beautiful beaches, both sand and shingle, to explore. Popular ones include the more secluded coves of Glystra and Tsambika in the south, or Agathi beach and Anthony Quinn Bay on the east coast.
Whether you're looking for a contemporary adults-only holiday in Lindos or a unique boutique hotel in the old town that's big on romance, this is our pick of the best hotels in Rhodes for your next Greek odyssey.
Mayia Exclusive Resort and Spa, Kiotari
Banking along the sandy sweep of Kiotari beach, this stylish adults-only resort in the south of the island is truly fit for a Greek god or goddess. If you want a little more than a simple fly-and-flop holiday, look no further than the Mayia Exclusive Resort and Spa.
Every day it offers numerous activities from beachfront yoga and Zumba sessions to cocktail making and cookery classes. Of course, you can also be pampered in spa or hunker down by the pool with a good book and a colourful cocktail.
All of the rooms and suites are beautifully styled in a cool and contemporary aesthetic, with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. But to really push the boat out, consider booking one of the fancy swim-up suites which have direct pool access.
Kókkini Porta Rossa, Old Town
Originally a knight's residence in the 14th century, this romantic boutique hotel is well placed for exploring the old town's historical highlights, like the Palace of the Grand Master and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle.
Tucked away down a cobbled lane in Rhodes' medieval quarter, Kókkini Porta Rossa features six suites, each named after different family members. The hotel is beautifully decorated with a rustic-chic décor, featuring painted wood panelled ceilings, sandstone walls and tiled floors scattered with authentic Persian rugs. The Michalis suite is named after the hotel's carpenter, which has its own garden.
While there isn't a restaurant, a delicious and home-baked breakfast is served in the courtyard under the shade of an ancient mulberry tree.
Levante Beach Club, Kolymbia
For a hotel that feels blissfully away from it all – but still has plenty to keep you occupied – look no further than Levante Beach Club. This Neilson property is situated on the eastern side of the island by Afandou Beach, with the nearest village of Kolymbia about 1.5 kilometres away.
Here, you can enjoy long, languorous days relaxing by one of the resort's six pools, head down to the long stretch of sandy beach, explore the local area, or make the most of all the activities on offer. Think rounds of tennis, padel, guided bike rides, and water sports like dinghy sailing and windsurfing – all of which are included in the price.
There's a spa complete with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, indoor pool and treatment rooms for massages and facials, too.
Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas, Lachania
Sometimes all we want from our summer holiday is to truly relax, and there's no finer place to fly and flop than the Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort in southern Rhodes. Whether it's sunrise yoga on the beach, relaxing by the pool or enjoying a treatment in the AnaNeosis Thalasso Spa, this swish resort offers the ultimate in relaxation.
Of course, if you do want to explore, there's plenty to see on this history-packed island. It's only three miles from the traditional Rhodian village of Lachania, while Lindos and its ancient acropolis, the final resting place of goddess Athena Lindia, is a few miles further.
All the rooms are airy and comfortably furnished, if a little classic in style, while upgraded suites come with private pools.
Casa Cook Rhodes, Kolymbia
Perched at the base of Tsambika mountain, this boho-chic adults-only hotel is just the spot for either a romantic holiday or a relaxing break with girlfriends. Relax by the infinity pool, wander down to the secluded beach or borrow a bike and cycle up to the Panagia Tsambika monastery.
Outside it's a tumble of white-washed villas jutting out of the hillside but step inside and it blends bohemian vibes with modern design with natural stone, rattan furnishings and fringed hammocks.
Although it has a boutique vibe, Casa Cook Rhodes has 90 rooms to choose from, including swish suites with a private pool and sundeck. After dinner in the stylish restaurant, relax to the DJ's mellow dance tunes played in the open-air bar.
Spirit Of The Knights Boutique Hotel, Rhodes Old Town
As an alternative to the usual beachfront sprawls that Rhodes is known for, consider a few nights in the Spirit Of The Knights Boutique Hotel in the old town. Located mere moments from the Grand Master's Palace on an aesthetically pleasing cobbled street in the Knights' Quarter, this intimate and historic hotel has a unique charm.
Behind its high stone walls, find a serene courtyard paved with Rhodes' omnipresent black and white pebbles. Each of the six rooms is warmly furnished with antiques, rich fabrics and dark wood furnishings.
After a day of exploring the old town's bountiful history, enjoy a soak in the hot tub before dinner in one of the local tavernas.
Eden Roc Resort, Koskinou
If you prefer your holidays easy, breezy and super luxurious, look no further than Eden Roc. The sprawling five-star resort is all-inclusive and located on the banks of a beautiful bay between Rhodes Town and Kalithea, boasting some of the most picturesque views on the island.
Choose from eight restaurants, five bars, daily activities, great sports facilities, evening entertainment and lots of fun for children, all included in the price of your stay. Guests can also make the most of complimentary scuba-diving lessons and the dine-out option to sample the local cuisine.
As for the accommodation, there's something to suit everyone. Private pool suites are perfect for couples, bungalows are the best for families, and for those who really want to splash out, there's the epic royal suite.
Amada Colossos Resort, Ammoudes
Lining the long blonde stretch of Kallithea beach, this sprawling all-inclusive hotel offers everything you need for a heavenly Greek holiday for all the family. Amada Colossos Resort has a variety of pools to splash about in, including a water park for small ones and an adults-only pool with the all-essential swim-up bar.
And if you can drag yourself away from the pools, the private beach and the fancy spa, it's only a six-mile drive from the medieval attractions of Rhodes' old town.
There are nearly 700 rooms, which can feel overwhelming but is easily catered for in a resort this size. Almost all have views over the Aegean Sea, but to really treat yourself, book into one of the Elite villas, which includes complimentary spa sessions and access to the resort's clutch of themed á la carte restaurants.
Trinity Boutique Hotel, Rhodes Old Town
This intimate six-suite boutique hotel is located right in the heart of the Old Town, a short walk from all of the area's most important historic sites. Housed within a beautiful chateau-gothic building that dates all the way back to the 15th century, Trinity has since undergone renovations to create the smart blend of historic and modern that we see today.
Each of the spacious rooms is decked out in a combination of limestone, wood and granite, creating an atmospheric and mystical space that feels truly unique. Free-standing and hydro-massage baths add an extra element of luxury.
Breakfast is a true delight, served in the sun-soaked courtyard, while for lunch and dinner, guests can use the mini-kitchen in their rooms, or make the most of the many traditional eateries that are located close-by.
Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites, Lindos
Jutting out of a stony hillside in southern Rhodes, every inch of this contemporary adults-only hotel is blessed with a birds-eye view of the Aegean Sea. Located less than two kilometres from Lindos village and its famous acropolis which overlooks the sea, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites is the perfect sun-drenched base for your next Greek odyssey.
Relax by the infinity pool overlooking the sea or wander down to Vlycha beach, where the resort has its own cabanas and drinks service.
All of the hotel's 70 rooms have private balconies and those sea views, while the deluxe suites add open-air hot tubs. Breakfast is served on the glorious terrace at Smeraldo's, the chic rooftop restaurant overlooking the Aegean.
Lindian Village Beach Resort, Lárdos
Situated moments from Glystra beach on the southeast coast of the island, Lindian Village Beach Resort brings some five-star luxury to this quiet corner of Rhodes.
Opening out onto a private beach, the resort has all the makings of a glorious family holiday, from the freshwater swimming pools and the eight restaurants and bars to the serene spa and fun-packed kids' clubs.
All of the rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in muted natural tones, many overlook either the resort's Church Square or the snaking river which runs through the property. Our favourites have gorgeous private pools or hot tubs on the terrace.
Melenos Lindos Art Boutique Hotel, Lindos
Promising sweeping views over the sparkling Aegean Sea, Melenos Lindos Art Boutique Hotel is one of the more authentic Greek places to stay in Rhodes. Located moments from Pallas beach and the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, one of Rhodes' most popular attractions, guests are enamoured by its Ottoman-influenced carved stone facades, detailed woodwork and hand-painted ceramics.
The rooms are a delight, with white-washed walls, bathroom mosaics and flowing fabrics, and most have outdoor space. The romantic Honeymoon Suite has a vast arched area, wall tapestries and a bathroom designed like a traditional Ottoman hammam.
A highlight of a stay here is dinner at Melenos, its award-winning rooftop restaurant which overlooks the sea.
Gennadi Grand Resort, Gennadi
Perched on a private stretch of beach on Rhodes' southeastern coastline, this stylish eco-friendly resort combines luxury and serenity with a healthy dash of sustainability. Relax by one of the many pools or indulge in some holistic therapy in the Kozeen Spa.
Gennadi Grand Resort's chic, minimalist rooms are scattered across a scramble of white-washed villas, all have balconies and many have private or shared pools to splash around in.
A highlight of a holiday is always the food, and the Gennadi Grand Resort does not disappoint with its fine dining Mediterranean restaurants, a beautiful beachfront seafood grill and traditional taverna.
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