SunConnect Cyprotel Faliraki

White, Cycladic-style buildings are spread over this large property, full of lovely lawns, flowering shrubbery, and palm trees. The outdoor space and activities make it a good pick for families with kids. There are children’s areas at the pools, waterslides, and a kids’ club, but the noisy bustle may not appeal to all vacationers. Indoors, common areas are comfortable but outfitted with simple decor that lacks the appealing vibe from outside. White walls and tile floors in the lobby are punctuated with a few potted plants and paintings in neutral colors. But with so much to do outside, and the beach a 20-minute walk away, most guests only eat and sleep indoors.

This hotel is on the outskirts of Faliraki, a popular tourist town on the northeastern shore of the Greek island of Rhodes. There’s little in the immediate vicinity, but it’s only a 10-minute walk to the main road through town, where guests can find a few restaurants and a supermarket. The central area of town, full of restaurants and shops, is a 20-minute walk -- or a five-minute drive -- from the hotel. It's also a 20-minute walk to the main strip of beach in Faliraki. There’s a quieter nudist beach a bit farther south, a five-minute drive away. It is a 15-minute drive to the main city of Rhodes on the northern tip of the island, and a 20-minute drive to the city's ancient walled section. The Acropolis and its beautiful views are a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The port in the city of Rhodes is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and Rhodes International Airport is 20 minutes.

As of fall 2017, most rooms have been updated with a fresher-looking style, albeit still generic and including dated wood furniture. Expect the rooms to be spacious and breezy with wood or beige tile floors, honey-toned wood furniture, neutral walls, and light-blue accents in the bed runners and artwork. It is a simple look, but appealing and neat. Rooms with the older design -- and all bathrooms -- show wear and feel more dated. All rooms have air-conditioning, safes, and small tube-style TVs. Furnished balconies overlook either the garden or pool. Family Rooms include either bunk beds, or a sliding door to separate sleeping areas. Other upgrades offer a sofa bed for extra guests and a mini-fridge. Bathrooms are dated with curtained shower/tub combos that have handheld showerheads. Hairdryers are provided and free toiletries include free soaps and shampoo. 

A full range of features makes this a good pick for on-site entertainment, especially for families. The main restaurant serves three buffet-style meals with three theme nights weekly: Greek, Italian, and barbeque. The food is generally good, and though breakfast lacks variety throughout the week, the spread is big enough that there’s plenty of choice. A snack bar has a good range of lighter dishes and desserts through the afternoon, between lunch and dinner. 

The main pool is a beautiful spot with a swim-up bar and plenty of free loungers on the surrounding grass, sitting under blue-striped umbrellas. It is a big pool with a large wading section, but the drop off into deeper water is not fenced. There are a hot tub attached to the pool and another wading pool in the same area, to one side. There’s a second, smaller pool as well, offering a quieter atmosphere for those seeking relaxation. Another section of the property has a small water park with waterslides and a wading pool full of fountains where younger visitors can splash. 

There’s yet another wading pool with smaller slides at the mini-club, next to a colorful playground in a grassy, shaded area. The indoor activity space at the mini club is appealing and clean, with a selection of activities for different interests, plus a separate teenager’s area with game consoles and a disco in the evening. Tennis courts with basketball nets, a small soccer court, and a beach volleyball court offer adults some entertainment, as well. The fitness room is small and dim, with a few cardio machines and a weight-training machine, plus it includes a sauna. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel for free.