Oceanis Hotel

The all-inclusive, ocean-view Oceanis Hotel caters to families, but also attracts couples -- especially to its stylish and secluded hillside pool with a wood-plank deck, plenty of modern lounge chairs, and rugged mountain views. The livelier lagoon pool is more of a scene for both kids and adults, and has Aegean views, organized activities, and a DJ spinning tunes throughout the day. A fenced-off kids' section keeps the rest of the pool from getting too crowded, although it borders a rather busy street and can be noisy.

The lobby offers a bit of sleek, contemporary style with recessed blue ceiling lights, spiral staircase, and wood-slatted ceiling that lets plenty of natural light into the leather-sofa-filled sitting area. Two massage chairs -- use of which is available for a fee -- attract passing guests at all hours. There's also a separate lounge area with more casual furniture.

The Oceanis Hotel is directly across a busy street from Ixia Bay's renowned beach and the Aegean's famously blue waters, on the west coast of the popular beach vacation island of Rhodes. The town of Rhodes is a short drive away; the once-great ancient city is home to sights like the ruins of the Acropolis of Rhodes, ancient Olympic Stadium, and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. The island's main airport is a convenient 18 minutes by car from the hotel. The Butterfly Valley Park, a nature walk in a valley filled with butterflies, is a 35-minute drive from the hotel.

The rooms at Oceanis Hotel are traditional, simple, and a bit dated, if notably large. Bedspreads and window coverings are made from casual white-and-blue patterned fabric. Furniture -- including headboards and writing desks -- is neutral in color, and all bathrooms have standard fixtures for comparable hotels, included bidets and combination shower-baths. Basic amenities like kettles, flat-screen TVs, safes, and mini-fridges come in all rooms. Furnishings, though, are noticeably worn in some rooms. Balconies have casual patio furniture and views ranging from the sea to the pool or garden. Some bathrooms have more updated sinks and tilework.

The resort has all the standard inclusions of a beachfront, all-inclusive resort. The on-site buffet restaurant is traditionally decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light. A variety of seating options are available, including a patio above the lobby, the second-floor terrace overlooking the pool, or looking out on the Aegean. The lobby snack bar -- with large picture windows and plenty of seating -- includes wicker seating, a small cafeteria, cocktails, beer on tap, and terrace dining by the lagoon pool. That pool, where many of the organized activities are held, also has an island in the center, a bridge, waterfall, volleyball net, and pool deck with blue lounge chairs and thatched umbrellas. The resort also has a small kids' club with activities, and a mini-market for picking up beach supplies. Parking is free but Wi-Fi has a fee.