Largest of the Dodecanese and by far the most famous, Rhodes is amongst the most popular destinations in the Aegean Sea. It has long delighted history aficionados, culture buffs and lovers of luxury as well as discerning foodies, who return to the island again and again. A tremendous choice of guesthouses, B&Bs, hotels and resorts await travellers — and it can be a real challenge to choose between them. Our Gurus’ collection of the best places to stay in Rhodes includes some real gems, perfect for planning your next island escape.

Rhodes Town is the island’s capital, and a fascinating place to delve into the place’s culture. The old centre is a wonderful maze of labyrinthine streets, with medieval, Byzantine, Ottoman and Italian layers, protected within a double layer of city walls and an impressive moat. Cafés, boutiques, galleries and restaurants line cobbled lanes, where you’ll also find some very special hotels. Rhodes’ New Town, set outside the city walls, actually dates back to the medieval period, with a mix of old and new architecture including Art Deco buildings and hip boutiques.

Other highlights include Ialyssos, a lovely waterfront town to the west. The original hill village has stacks of traditional charm, with squares lined with tavernas and churches, whilst the newer seaside part of town is where more of the lively bars and cafes are situated. Similarly, the harbour town of Lindos, with its sugar-cube houses, cypress-studded gardens and ancient Acropolis, is very appealing. Lindos beach is wonderful; quiet and sandy Pallas is another favourite, Faliraki has a real buzz, and St. Paul’s Bay is one of the top swimming spots on the island. Discover rocky cliffs, tiny coves and a lush interior perfect for hiking and cycling, all within easy reach of the best places to stay in Rhodes.

The Best Places to Stay in Rhodes

For Romance in the Old Town

• Marco Polo Mansion is a restored, Ottoman-era townhouse with seven rooms and suites bedecked in vivid textiles. Breakfasts are served in a flower-filled courtyard, and à la carte dinners can be organised on request. A lovely little retreat for couples in the Old Town.
• Fashion Hotel Nikos Takis offers old-school glamour in a historic townhouse. With just eight guest rooms, this is an intimate, memorable spot with draped beds, whirlpool bathtubs and striking arches. Sundowners on the terrace are superb.
• Spirit of the Knights is a gorgeous, six bedroom boutique hotel in the Old Town, with wonderful original features and richly romantic decor. Welcoming public spaces include a garden with a large outdoor hot tub and a beautiful courtyard.
• Trinity Boutique Hotel has a more understated feel, with exposed stone walls, wooden beams and atmospheric lighting. Lovely medieval arches, mosaic floors and wrought-iron doors add to the sense of timeless romance.
• Kókkini Porta Rossa is a beautiful Old Town hideaway, with indulgent suites set in a restored 14th-century knight's residence. Romantic couples will adore the exposed stone walls, cosy beds and fabulous alfresco dining in the courtyard.

For the New Town

• Koukos Guesthouse has a rustic Greek feel, with quirky traditional interiors and serves mouth-watering home-cooked food — which is also popular with locals. Bathtubs are surrounded by candles, in rooms with wooden beams, floral-upholstered armchairs and cosy beds. A charming little guesthouse in Rhodes' New Town.
• Rodos Niohori Elite Suites is a restored 19th-century mansion on a quiet pedestrian street in the heart of the New Town. The decor includes designer Italian furnishings, high beamed ceilings and private terraces. Hearty breakfasts are served in the charming central courtyard.
• Rodos Park Suites is a chic, contemporary hotel on the edge of the New Town. Expect elegant guest rooms, a trendy rooftop bar, spoiling spa and refreshing swimming pool. The Mediterranean restaurant is great for gathering together after days of shopping, swimming and sight-seeing.

For Families

• St Nikolis Hotel, housed in a 14th-century building in the Rhodes’ Old Town, has 20 individually decorated rooms and suites, some of which are interconnecting and well-suited to families. The restaurant’s traditional Greek stone oven is brilliant for authentic feasts after days of exploring.
• In Camera Art Boutique Hotel is another family favourite, with six airy rooms and suites, four of which can sleep up to five. Expect cream-clad furnishings, attractive photography and lots of character. The beautiful terrace offers a fantastic view, too.
• Rodos Palladium also overlooks the Blue Flag beach of Kallithea. Family suites, a kids' club and lagoon pool are fantastic for holidays with children. A five-star resort with tropical gardens, and a great selection of bars and restaurants, it's a wonderful choice.

For a Seaside Resort

• Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa is a swanky five-star resort on a private stretch of beach outside Lardos. The 44 contemporary rooms and suites, have private balconies — the best come with private pools, too. Well-heeled travellers will adore the hip bar, the gastronomic restaurant and the understated sense of style. There's a great spa, too.
• Lindos Blu is situated on the cliffs above Lindos, with spectacular views of the turquoise bay and sugar cube village just a short stroll away. With a top-notch spa, private beach and two fantastic restaurants, this is a spectacular luxury resort choice. Honeymooners will appreciate the private pools.

For a Rural Retreat

• Caesar's Gardens Hotel & Spa is an adults-only retreat with spacious, airy suites complete with private pools. Chic interiors have exposed stone walls, artisanal craft decor and high beamed ceilings. Stroll through fragrant gardens, savour dishes using ingredients from the hotel's own farm, and unwind at the serene spa. A lovely rural retreat.
• Melenos Lindos, a boutique refuge with glorious Aegean Sea views, has a distinctive Moorish feel. Beds are raised on wooden platforms, hand-embroidered textiles adorn the walls, and sun-drenched terraces are ideal for kicking back after days of exploring. The rooftop restaurant is hugely romantic.

For Simple Charm

• Saint Michel Hotel is a simple, traditional hotel set in an 800 year old building in Rhodes Town’s medieval centre. The 11 guest rooms are cosy and comfortable, and the rooftop terrace boasts beautiful views of the city and the bay beyond. Very affordable.
• Zacosta Villa Hotel, also in the Old Town centre, is charming and historic, with four-poster beds, antique pieces and a lovely stone courtyard. Close to the museums and the Knight’s Castle, this little B&B is an affordable choice for on-foot explorers.
• Old Town Senses Boutique Hotel is a modern, minimalist offering, with monochromatic rooms featuring wood, glass, stone and metal. Quiet, reasonably priced and close to the action of the Old Town.
• F Charm Hotel, set in picturesque Lindos, has white-on-white guest rooms with comfortable beds, handwoven rugs and original art pieces. Delicious breakfasts are a brilliant way to kick-start the day. Simple and affordable.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Rhodes International Airport, just 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus from Rhodes Town. You'll also find buses heading from the airport to other towns across the island. Alternatively, hop aboard a ferry to Rhodes from one of the nearby islands.
• There's plenty to see in Rhodes! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect warm summers, with temperatures reaching around 27°C between June and August, which is also peak season. For fewer crowds, quiet beaches and cooler climes travel in April, May or late September, when you can find great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Symi.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Dodecanese.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Rhodes