Hotel Mediterranean

Guests enjoy this hotel for its idyllic location and the staff that make it a pleasant place to stay. The long, tall building is lined with glass-walled balconies and a street-side terrace offering a sea view from cafe tables. Inside, the decor throughout is dated but not garish, consisting of lots of ivory tile, patterned blue carpeting, mint-green wicker chairs with polka-dot cushions, and tall potted plants. The hotel has a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, well-suited to couples and business travelers, though small families stay as well. Guests consistently praise the staff for their positive, helpful demeanor, which results in many repeat customers.

This hotel is on the northern tip of the city of Rhodes, across the street from a popular public beach. Within a five-minute walk of the hotel, there are an aquarium, art museum, and casino. It is a 10-minute walk to Mandraki Harbor, a pleasant spot to explore or rent a boat for an excursion. Within 10 minutes there are also many restaurants, bars, and shops. Those venturing outside the city can drive eight minutes to the Acropolis of Rhodes, an ancient ruin with beautiful sea views. It is a 16-minute drive to Kallithea Springs, a natural spring with reputedly therapeutic waters, plus a beautiful beach. Parking at the hotel is on the street, which can be difficult in the busy season. There is a public bus stop less than a minute's walk from the hotel. It is a seven-minute drive to the main port, and a 20-minute drive to Rhodes Airport.

Rooms are dated and somewhat small, but they're well-maintained. Old-fashioned decor consists of ivory walls and tile along with red-toned wood furniture that creates a warm feel. Pale-yellow bedspreads and blue accents in the headboards, upholstery, and patterned curtains dress up the space. Rooms accommodate two adults with two twin beds, or a double in some rooms; a third bed or crib can be added for a fee, but there isn’t space for larger families to share a room. Many balconies have gorgeous sea views, though some require a stretch to see the water. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, minibar, ironing board, and free safe. Some also offer a sitting area and coffee machine. Bathrooms are basic, but also well-kept. They have a shower/tub combo with a glass door to prevent splashing. A hairdryer is provided, and free toiletries include shampoo, shower gel, and lotion.

Limited, but appealing, amenities are enough to satisfy guests at this hotel. Lunch, dinner, and a free breakfast buffet are served in the main restaurant. Half-board dining is available, and the restaurant has both an a la carte menu and a fixed-price menu to choose from. The space is very clean, but dated, with green walls, chairs, and table linens overpowering the space. A couple of large candelabras hang from high ceilings, and a wall of windows lets in plenty of natural light during the day. There’s also a cafe serving drinks and light snacks on a pleasant street-side patio in front of the hotel, or in the lounge off the lobby. There is a small outdoor pool tucked under a corner of the building, with partial sunlight. It’s a tight spot, but a nice touch inside the city. Sunbeds line the patio past the pool and the cafe has a few tables with chairs at the water’s edge. The area is walled in and lined with vegetation for some privacy, but there’s still noise from the busy street. An underground tunnel leads under the road to a pebbly public beach. It is very popular with those staying in the city, and is packed with sunbeds under umbrellas, though there's a charge to use them. Additional downsides are the lack of a gym, spa facilities, and entertainment for children. Wi-Fi is free everywhere on the hotel property, and most guests find the connection reliable.