Amathus Beach Hotel

The Amathus Beach Hotel Rhodes is a mid-range, all-inclusive resort offering a bit of exclusivity to guests -- mainly couples and families -- seeking a relaxing and relatively low-key outdoor vacation. Guests take advantage of every possible spot for soaking up the sun and being outside: in addition to four pools and a sunbathing lawn with a giant chessboard, the resort has a private underground tunnel leading to a shingle beach on Ixia Bay, with wooden planked walkways, a shower, white lounge chairs, and rattan umbrellas. The lobby of the hotel -- with wide, open spaces that can get crowded with guests -- is classically decorated with modern, functional furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Looking out over the Aegean, towards the Turkish coast, Amathus Beach Hotel Rhodes is set on the popular vacation island's mountainous shores, across a busy street from Ixia Bay's main beach. The ancient town of Rhodes -- less than 10 minutes away by car, and only marginally further on the bus that stops just in front of the hotel -- is home to the ruins of the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the Archaeological Museum, and the city's marina. The town of Lindos, located on the island's eastern coast, has popular nightlife scene and is a little over an hour away by car. The airport is a 17-minute drive from the resort.

With over 300 rooms -- many facing the ocean -- Amathus Beach Hotel Rhodes has options for every kind of traveler, including basic rooms, bungalows, and a variety of suites. Standard Rooms have flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, safes, balconies with mountain or sea views, simple bathrooms, mini-fridges, and simple, classic decor: light-colored wood furniture and neutral-hued window coverings. In contrast, the especially spacious bungalows feel like private residences on the rugged hillside. More luxurious still, suites vary from family-oriented rooms with tall windows and two stories to more romantic options with private pools and gardens or terraces with white-cushioned lounge chairs. Although the hotel borders a busy street, rooms have doubled-paned windows to effectively keep out noise. There are also 10 rooms specially designed for those with physical limitations.

With four pools and private beach access, the water scene at the hotel is a family-friendly affair, including a small kiddy pool and a larger, lagoon-shaped kiddy pool. The main pool -- between the mountainside and sea -- has a fake sandy shore, lounge chairs and white umbrellas, bridge, waterfall, swim-up bar, and terrace for casual dining. For adults looking to avoid splashing, noisy children, there is another, quieter pool with similarly impressive sea views. The pool restaurant also has indoor seating and a buffet. The Iliades restaurant, on the 10th floor, has sea views and two-levels. The Varkarola restaurant is at the Elite Suites building. The hotel also offers three other bars, all with lovely views. The spa -- designed by JH Hallwachs and shared with guests of the Elite Suites -- outshines those offered by competitors, with 14 Asian-themed treatment rooms, charming blue accent lights, Vichy showers, a sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath and a stylish, freshwater pool surrounded by greenery.