Rodos Palace

The Rodos Palace trades on its name in the design of its many common areas, beginning with the ornate lobby's gold accents, classical French-inspired decor and arched ceilings, all lending a palatial air. Some hallways in the labyrinthine complex have clever decorations like stained glass ceiling lights, while others feel spartan and unimaginative. Outdoors, the palace theme continues in the gardens, where man-made streams meander past tropical plants and the indoor pool's domed glass building, a pleasant and relaxing place for a dip.

While the resort certainly attracts families with its myriad amenities, it appeals somewhat more to couples, who will likely appreciate the 10 different bars and distinctive spa, where offerings include a Thai massage store, sauna and steam room, and nail salon with Garra rufa fish tanks for pedicures. Families tend to stick to the kids' club, with its sandy playground and indoor play area, as well as the family area by one of the five pools. With so many pools and a beach nearby, the water areas tend not to get overcrowded.

The busy Ialisou street -- which puts the airport an 18-minute drive away -- separates Ixia Bay's main beach from the Rodos Palace hotel. The hotel's blue-and-yellow umbrellas and cushioned lounge chairs line its stretch of the rocky beach, and a small shower is available for guests to use. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the center of the historic town of Rhodes, with its popular tourist attractions like the ruins of the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, the Ancient Olympic Stadium and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. The neighborhood immediately around the hotel is a bit run-down, but a number of local dining options and water-sport outfits are within walking distance along the beach.

Rooms at the Rodos Palace can be clean, large, and modern, or dark and worn -- which is, frankly, not surprising, considering the huge number of rooms to be maintained. Most rooms have simple, classic decor, including Chesterfield sofas, as well as private terraces and the requisite modern inclusions like minibars and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded suites are available with sea views, private pools, two stories, Playstations, DVD players, living rooms, modern kitchens, and bathrooms with flat-screen TVs and whirlpool tubs. Presidential suites have elegant dining rooms and sitting areas. It's worth noting that Wi-Fi isn't free, and that the most complaints come about Standard Rooms in the main tower, which guests say have old televisions and decor in disrepair; Garden Suites are a better option.

The hotel has enough dining options that guests don't have to leave the premises if they'd prefer not to: There are 10 restaurants, including a poolside eatery, power-lunching executive restaurant, the Twelve Nissa gourmet restaurant, a gallery cafe with a buffet, and the Ambrosia main restaurant. There are also eight bars, offering a range of cocktails, wine, and beer, and two relaxed lounges, open most of the day. The options for pampering include five pools, spa, hair and nail salons and a Thai massage shop, and the hotel can arrange for water-sports on the beach. The resort also has a mini-market on-site.

Thanks to its convention center, which can fit up to 4,800 people, the resort also sees some business traffic. There are 14 meeting rooms with high-tech audiovisual equipment, two hospitality desks, a business center, break-out meeting rooms, and VIP lounge.