LABRANDA Blue Bay Resort

Eight pools, beach settings, all-inclusive packages, and a water park are big draws at this sprawling property that was rebranded and underwent minor renovations in 2016-17. A largely British and European crowd come here for fun in the sun, and many travel as families. The water park's giant slides and pirate ship accompany a wealth of sports and animation for kids, and dining outlets are well-spread amid tidy lawns, palms, and the beach, which the main pool backs onto. Trellised outdoor dining areas are breezy, while indoor spaces are well-presented (albeit generic), like the earth-toned lounges. Evening stage shows receive mixed reviews, although freebie 15-minute massages at the spa and a one-off a la carte Greek meal are popular. Outdoor pools aren't heated and can be cold, and loungers here and at the beach are nabbed quickly in high season, but you'll find this throughout Greek resorts. Note, passing planes are audible, and the hotel is seasonal, so best to contact them in advance about opening and closing dates.

The resort sits directly on Ialyssos Beach, where distant views of mainland Turkey are beautiful, and shores stretch for miles. A bar and restaurant here accompany loungers and parasols, but prepare for pebbles. Resort offerings keep most guests on-site, although shorefront walks of around 30 minutes are beautiful toward Ialyssos' village, which has some authentic restaurants. It's a 16-minute car ride to Rhodes and its historic Acropolis, and boats from its port run to the Dodecanese islands. A bus runs to Rhodes, but its stop is a 15-minute walk. Rhodes International Airport is 10 minutes by car.

Occupying the main building and bungalows, straightforward rooms have bland decor consisting of deep-red bedding and seating upholstery, blonde-wood furniture, and light-tiled floors. Small pieces of artwork or wood-beam ceilings add a much-needed pop of personality, and curtains are either dated and patterned or more contemporary and solid gray. Still, rooms are bright from sliding glass doors opening onto furnished balconies or terraces with garden, pool, or sea views (in upgraded units). Standard Rooms range from 226 to 270 square feet (21 to 25 square meters) and sleep two or three (in rooms with sofa beds), while larger Family Rooms and Suites sleep four or five. Upgraded room perks include nicer views or shared plunge pools.

Satellite flat-screen TVs, desks, empty mini-fridges, bottled water, and AC come standard. Tiled bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos, alongside toiletries and hairdryers. Air-conditioning, crib fittings, and (patchy) Wi-Fi are free, but, unfortunately, phones and safes incur fees, and no kettles are provided. Note that rooms are subject to aircraft noise, although planes stop at night.

The resort's features are extensive, and well-designed. Though unheated, the water is generally fine at all eight pools, which include lap, freeform, and kids' options. Terraces are lined with loungers accompanied by umbrellas, and this continues onto the beach, where the pizzeria and a bar are well-placed. Children generally love the water park, which offers slides and a pirate ship structure, and scheduled kids' activities. Adults, meanwhile, can participate in water aerobics and evening karaoke or shows. 

Most dining outlets, including the main Dionysos Restaurant, Pizzeria & Trattoria, Gelateria, pool bars, and the main Iris bar are covered by all-inclusive packages, although premium liquors are at a fee. Guests get one a la carte meal at the Greek restaurant, Muses. Expect lines for Dionysos' meals and Iris' bar. Most guests choose to dine on the restaurant's al fresco terrace.

The spa offers an indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, and treatments, plus guests receive a free, 15-minute massage. Also available are a gym, three playgrounds, ping-pong, basketball, and tennis. The hotel has a meeting room, business center, and small on-site shop. Pets are not permitted. On-site parking and property-wide Wi-Fi are free.