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Where to Stay in Rhodes

Where to Stay in Rhodes

Rhodes Dodecanese, Greece Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Types of Stays

  • Hotels

    From budget to 5-star, many all-inclusive resorts along the east coast.

  • Guesthouses (Domatia)

    Family-run, authentic experiences, common in Old Town and villages.

  • Apartments & Villas

    Self-catering facilities, more space, good for families or long stays.

  • Hostels

    Mainly in Rhodes City, caters to budget and solo travelers.

Selecting Your Area

  • Proximity to Attractions

    Consider how close you wish to be to historical sites or beaches.

  • Nightlife Preference

    Choose areas with nightlife or tranquil evenings.

  • Family Suitability

    Some areas cater well to families with extensive facilities.

  • Wind Conditions

    West coast has stronger winds; east coast generally calmer.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area is a distinct character and set of advantages, catering to various travel preferences.

Rhodes Old Town

Benefits
  • Unique ambiance, historical depth
  • Direct access to major attractions
  • Charming restaurants and shops
  • Generally very safe
Considerations
  • Can be noisy during peak season
  • Limited vehicle access, uneven surfaces
  • Accommodations can be pricier
  • Crowded areas may need vigilance

Faliraki

Benefits
  • Extensive resort facilities
  • Energetic atmosphere, nightlife
  • Good for young travelers and families
  • Good bus connections to Rhodes City
Considerations
  • Can be loud and very crowded
  • Not ideal for a quiet, traditional experience
  • More tourist-focused ambiance
  • Less historical charm

Lindos

Benefits
  • Stunning views, picturesque village
  • Charming traditional architecture
  • Beautiful sandy beaches
  • Unique, romantic atmosphere
Considerations
  • Very touristy and crowded in high season
  • Quite expensive, limited parking
  • Village has steep climbs
  • Further from Rhodes City

Other Noteworthy Areas

Rhodes New Town

Modern commercial hub with shopping, contemporary cafes, and Mandraki Harbour. Very practical with good transport links to the airport and other islands.

Ixia/Ialysos & South East Coast

Ixia/Ialysos (west coast) has luxury resorts and windy beaches for watersports. Kolymbia/Lardos/Pefkos/Gennadi (east coast) are quieter villages with beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for peaceful retreats.

Booking Strategies

Strategic booking helps secure desired accommodations and potentially better rates.

Booking Timelines

  • High Season (July-August): Book 4-6 months ahead for popular areas and high-demand resorts.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Sept-Oct): Booking 2-3 months ahead is wise for selection and prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): You often find good deals 1-2 months out, but choice can be limited.
  • Last-minute deals are rare in peak season for quality properties.

Platform Choices

  • Major online travel agencies (Booking.com, Agoda) are widely used and reliable.
  • Vrbo for vacation rentals and apartment options.
  • Direct booking through official websites for specific boutique hotels might offer better rates.
  • TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Policy and Prices

Deposit & Cancellation
  • Policies vary by property and platform.
  • Always check specific requirements before confirming.
  • Flexible rates often have free cancellation options.
  • Understand deadlines for changes.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices can be 50-100% higher in July and August.
  • Significantly lower prices in the low season.
  • This reflects changes in demand.
  • Plan your visit based on budget and preferred crowd levels.

Negotiating Rates

Direct Requests

Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not common in established hotels or during peak season.

Off-Season Potential

In low season, or for smaller guesthouses, especially for longer stays, a small margin for negotiation might exist.

Polite Inquiry

It never hurts to politely ask about direct booking discounts or longer-stay rates.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here is a breakdown of accommodation types and specific recommendations for Rhodes.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget-Friendly Picks

Consider staying in a hostel in Rhodes City, like Stay Hostel Rhodes, for a social environment and central spot.

  • Look for basic domatia (guesthouses)
  • Search outside main tourist areas
  • Budget travel communities
  • Local price finds
Mid-Range Comfort

Many well-rated 3-4 star hotels reside in the New Town of Rhodes City, offering modern comforts and convenience.

  • Good balance of price and comfort
  • Access to amenities like pools
  • Wider availability outside peak season
  • Central locations with good transport

Luxury & Family Options

Indulgent Luxury

High-end resorts in Ixia (Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel & Spa) or Kallithea. Boutique hotels in Lindos (Melenos Art Boutique Hotel) provide luxurious stays with stunning views.

  • Full amenities (pools, dining, spa)
  • Refined service and exclusive experiences
  • Often scenic or beachfront locations
  • High-quality dining experiences
Family-Friendly Facilities

Large resorts in Faliraki, Kolymbia, and Gennadi cater to families. They feature extensive facilities, kids' clubs, multiple pools, and family-focused entertainment (e.g., Mitsis Rodos Maris Resort & Spa).

  • Dedicated children's programs
  • Safe and controlled environments
  • On-site entertainment for all ages
  • Diverse dining options

Solo Travelers

  • Hostels or Guesthouses

    Centrally located hostels or guesthouses in Rhodes City (Old or New Town) are good choices.

  • Easy Access

    Easy access to transport, attractions, and opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Social Opportunities

    Hostels provide communal areas for socializing and meeting new people.

  • Central Locations

    Staying central simplifies exploration without personal vehicle reliance.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Apartments & Villas

    Apartments and villas often provide better value and more space for extended stays.

  • Self-Catering

    These options allow for self-catering, which further aids in budgeting for longer periods.

  • Privacy and Comfort

    Enjoy the comforts of a home-like environment with greater privacy.

  • Local Immersion

Cultural & Historical Stays

Exceptional Significance

Guesthouses and boutique hotels within the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes present an unique chance to stay within an UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Renovated historic buildings
  • Immersive experience of the island's past
  • Authentic local feel
  • Architectural beauty
Ambiance & Atmosphere

These properties blend modern comforts with traditional aesthetics, making for memorable stays.

  • Stone walls and traditional decor
  • Cozy courtyards and terraces
  • Quiet alleys and hidden corners
  • Steps away from historical sites

Accommodation Overview Summarized

Hostel Budget

Very affordable, social setting, limited privacy.

Guesthouse Authentic

Family-run, charming, good value, varied amenities.

Mid-Range Hotel Balanced

Good facilities, private rooms, comfortable stay.