Kalithea Sun & Sky Hotel

The atmosphere at the hotel is informal and peaceful with a property that consists of green lawns, a playground with trees for shade, a grassy volleyball court, a slightly weathered tennis court, and yard with lounge chairs where guests like to sunbathe. More blue lounge chairs and yellow umbrellas are provided at the outdoor pool area, which is surrounded by trees and includes a small kiddy pool and a rustic shower. Large boat anchors sit in the parking lot outside the lobby entrance. Inside, there is a casual front desk, tile floors, a vending machine, and hallways with low-hanging wooden ceilings and brown carpeting. The hallways lack decor and unique design touches. There is, however, a charming spiral staircase next to the older style elevators.

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Kalithea beach on rather unattractive and desolate street in Kalithea, on the northeast coast of Rhodes. The location is convenient for those wanting to take historical walking tours or explore the ancient ruins -- the Acropolis of Rhodes, Ancient Olympic Stadium, and Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights -- in the medieval town of Rhodes, which is about 15 minutes by car. Getting to and from Rhodes International Airport takes about 25 minutes by car. The Valley of Butterflies -- a scenic nature walk in a valley covered with butterflies -- takes about 35 to 40 minutes by car.

The hotel offers apartments and standard rooms. Rooms come with tube-style TVs, writing desks, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and balconies or terraces with garden views (in some). Furnishings are simple and wooden, while bedding is white and blue, and the walls are quite bare -- decor in some rooms is worn and outdated. Bathrooms are standard with basic fixtures, some pops of color, tiles and shower/tub combos.

Guests can grab ice cream, coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks at the low-key poolside snack bar, a covered area with cute wooden tables and cushioned seats -- seating extends to white plastic tables and chairs on the pool deck. The main restaurant -- which has a loose dress code -- offers a small buffet of Greek specialties and beer on tap in a brightly lit room, sparsely furnished with traditional wooden chairs. A stylish terrace with columns and a tile floor overlooks the hotel gardens. The lobby bar -- a few feet from the front desk -- has comfortable bench seating and red leather bar stools inside, and extends to a poolside terrace below an ivy-covered awning. There is a grassy volleyball court, tennis court, and sunny indoor game area with billiards and arcade-style games. The children's playground is all plastic and somewhat worn, though has plenty of open grassy space.