Calypso Beach Hotel

Hotel Calypso looks a cruise ship docked on the Faliraki beach, with bright blue glass balconies that curve along the exterior. Sleek glass doors lead into the lobby, which is airy and functional, with off-white tile floors and wood-paneled walls. The property has a winding manmade river that leads to the pool area -- the hotel's best and most popular feature. There’s a lagoon pool with a rock formation slide, an island with palm trees, bridges, and a deck with wooden lounge chairs. The play pool -- with a water playground -- is surrounded by trees and a lawn, where there are more lounge chairs. A small kiddy pool is also nearby. Guests gather on the lovely covered terrace, decorated with brown wicker couches and potted trees, to take in sea views while dining. The busy poolside bar has brown wicker chairs shaded by a gazebo-type building.

The hotel is located in a rather removed location in Faliraki, which is on the eastern side of the island. The area, though, is a convenient 20-minute drive to the medieval town of Rhodes -- with restaurants, bars, and historical sites like the Grand Master of Knights Palace, Archaeological Museum, and the Acropolis of Rhodes. The town of Lindos -- where there’s a stunning view from the Acropolis of Lindos -- is 49 minutes by car. Other activities are nearby: the Rhodes WaterPark is about a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the Afandou Golf Club can be reached in 10 minutes. Rhodes International Airport is 24 minutes away by car.

The hotel offers Standard Rooms with land views from balconies, Double Rooms with sea views from balconies, and Single Rooms. Rooms have somewhat outdated decor, such as striped polyester bedspreads and curtains in shades of green and blue, along with basic modern furnishings in light wood. All include TVs (some are tube-style), beach towels, mini-fridges, and safes. Bathrooms are modern and simple, with shower/tub combos. Guests recommend paying more for rooms with sea views.

Guests can unwind in a small, casual spa with a sauna and massage room. Free massages at the pool or beach are sometimes offered to promote the spa. For children, there’s a kids' club in a small terrace clubhouse with a grassy playground and mini-golf course. Dining at the Hotel Calypso is a casual affair. The main (continental buffet) restaurant has slanted windows that overlook the sea, and a stylish terrace; the buffet breakfast is extensive, offering cereals, breads, and cakes along with fresh fruit, cheese, and meats. A relaxed pool bar offers a dessert case and plenty of covered and umbrella seating. The a la carte restaurant is bright with white covered chairs, serving Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. The all-day snack bar is set in a large utilitarian room with simple wood tables and blue-checked tablecloths. There is an on-site tennis court/soccer field, as well as beach volleyball. Water sports rentals and glass-bottomed boat rides can be arranged.