Elysium Resort & Spa

Elysium Resort & Spa is a beautiful, peaceful hotel that appeals largely to couples looking to escape the bustle of nearby cities. The design throughout is elegant and minimalist, as seen in the grand lobby with two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows, white floors and ceilings punctuated with bright red squares, and cream seating. Wavy, free-flowing light fixtures are reminiscent of seaweed, and an aquarium brings in a hint of the sea. A lovely garden with a water feature is nestled between the wings of the hotel, with many common areas overlooking the manicured grounds and sea beyond. The exterior is similarly impressive with white walls full of large windows and interesting features such as circular portholes, wavy architectural design, and exterior spiral staircases traveling the entire height of the building. All areas are pristine, with clean lines and purposeful arrangement. 

Elysium Resort & Spa is on the northeastern coast of Rhodes, one of the larger Greek islands. It is in a quiet area with only a few other hotels nearby, on the main coastal road through the region. It is at least 15 minutes to walk to sights and restaurants, but there is a bus stop directly in front of the hotel, and free parking on-site. Kallithea Springs, with its reportedly therapeutic hot springs, is a one-minute drive from the hotel. It is a two-minute drive to the small town of Ammoudes, where there are a few restaurants and shops. A big water park with slides and attractions for kids of all ages is a four-minute drive from the hotel. The city of Rhodes is a 13-minute drive away and has museums, sights, shops, and restaurants aplenty. From the hotel, it is a 20-minute drive to Rhodes International Airport and a 15-minute drive to the port. 

Spacious rooms are refined and appealing, if a bit plain. Neutral colors create a peaceful room, but the beige carpeting, bed runner, and walls are broken up only with wood furniture and blue throw pillows. Furnished balconies all have a view to the sea, though rooms lower to the ground may find it less stunning than those on higher floors. All rooms have a sitting area, desk, 26-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and free safe. Bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring shower/tub combos with glass partitions, ample counter space, and modern fixtures. A hairdryer, bathrobe, and slippers are provided, as are quality free toiletries. Minibars, coffeemakers, and ironing boards can be provided on request, though they're automatically supplied in some upgraded rooms. Other room options provide a sleeker, more elaborate design, and separate king-size bedrooms with walk-in closets, living rooms, dining areas, whirlpool tubs, and extra bathrooms. Elite Club Rooms and Suites offer additional services like turn-down service, a pillow menu, access to the rooftop restaurant for breakfast, an exclusive lounge, and a separate check-in area. 

A full range of well-designed amenities are available at this hotel, though they're largely geared toward couples over families. The main restaurant serves a well-reviewed, free American breakfast buffet, with seating indoors or on a lovely terrace with sea vistas. Dinner is also available -- either paid separately or on a half-board plan -- though there is a dress code for men. Buffet items are set out, while entrees are on a fixed menu and served table-side. A Mediterranean restaurant offers an a la carte lunch option, while Noble Gourmet Restaurant offers dinner alongside candlelight and music, plus theme nights on a rooftop terrace with a stunning view. The large, lagoon-style pool has padded sunbeds under straw umbrellas and a wading pool for kids on one end. The bar is on an island in the center of the largest section of the pool, accessible via bridges arcing over the water. Past the pool and expansive lawns, a long, wide stretch of beach offers free lounge chairs under umbrellas, as well as cabanas for rent. It is a mix of sand and shingles, with plenty of space for kids to play and for sunbathers to relax. On the far end of the hotel, the beach bar offers a picturesque garden in which tables and chairs are set on individual patios, surrounded by plants and flowers.The full-service spa is lovely, offering a variety of massages and treatments with ESPA products. It has its own outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna -- for customers only -- and a spacious, well-equipped fitness room where guests can take classes or use a good variety of equipment. There’s a kids’ playground on a sizable grassy area. A few tired mini-golf holes are set off to one side of the hotel. Tennis, beach volleyball, and boccia courts offer additional entertainment for the active vacationer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.