Pros

  • Gorgeous private beach with protected swimming cove
  • Lovely seaside location with great views
  • Large lagoon style pool with poolside bar plus kids' pool
  • Buffet restaurant with half-board, bed and breakfast, or full-board options
  • Wellness area with sauna, massage, and steam room
  • Room service available
  • Free self-parking
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Cons

  • Fee for sun loungers at the beach
  • Fee for Wi-Fi, which is slow when it works
  • Air-conditioning is available only from June through September
  • Rooms are slightly worn and could use an update
  • The buffet can be crowded at mealtimes
  • Some guests have complaints about food quality
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Bottom Line

The 285-room Kresten Palace sits on a hill above the rocky sea coast, with its own private sliver of beach and a small swimming cove lined with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is a big lagoon-style pool and separate kids' pool. The restaurant buffet, while extensive, is undistinguished, except on Greek barbecue night. Mealtimes and beachside seating can be crowded. Rooms are basic but clean and have nice balconies, although they show some wear and could use a coat of fresh paint. There is a fee for Wi-Fi, which is slow -- when it works.

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Kresten Palace

Scene

Seaside, crowded hotel

The Kresten Palace features a two-story lobby with enormous windows and skylights; the Greek sunlight reflects off the white and blue surfaces for an island feel. Lobby couches are frequently occupied with guests using the free (but slow) Wi-Fi. There are plenty of dining and drinking options at the Kresten Palace, but grounds and common areas could a little TLC. The overall atmosphere is a bit tired and crowded, though pleasant enough.

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Location

Between the towns of Rhodes and Faliraki, on a hill above a rocky beach

The Kresten Palace is located high on a hill above a private beach with a small cove for swimming. The beach is a five-minute downhill stroll from the main property. The hotel sits on a highway between the towns of Rhodes and Faliraki. Faliraki Beach is a five-minute drive away, and the nearby town has a nightlife scene. There are plenty of nearby athletic activities, including golf, sailing, parasailing, water skiing, mountain biking, scuba, and windsurfing. A local bus runs from the front of the hotel to the towns of Rhodes and Faliraki.

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Rooms

Basic and clean rooms, but a bit dated, with balconies and lovely views

Rooms at the Kresten Palace are basic and clean, with decor that is a little worn and dated and, in some, a musty odor masked with bleach. White tile floors and white linens, with standardized light wood furnishings, brown and gold bedspreads, and complementary curtains give rooms a monochromatic look. The edges of tables and dressers are dented and scuffed in places. There are tube TVs and bathroom towels are threadbare in places. Each room has a balcony or terrace, and the sea views are gorgeous. Non-smoking rooms are available upon request.

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Features

Big pool, game room, beach volleyball, fitness center, kids' club, wedding chapel

The centerpiece of the Kresten Palace is the huge lagoon-style pool with palm trees and footbridges, ringed with sun loungers and beach umbrellas. There is a game room with air hockey, billiards, and foosball, but the tables have seen better days, and decor is nonexistent. Beach volleyball, mini-golf, and tennis are offered, and there is a large fitness center (but only one cardio machine). Kids' activities are staged outdoors on the playground or under a sprawling shade tree. A picturesque chapel with a bell tower and Greek orthodox paintings on the walls is a beautiful spot for a wedding.

Orizon, the main bar, is done in stained glass and white marble, with the ubiquitous blue accents, and lots of glass, including a glass elevator rising above the seating area. The Olympia restaurant serves buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a bright white space lined with marble pillars. Tables are set with white tablecloths. Crowds often gather at mealtimes, which makes for a less than relaxing experience. The Teatro A La Carte pool restaurant is casual and quaint, with blue and white checked tablecloths and a choice of shade: lush green trees or a rustic wooden pavilion. Evening entertainment includes live music and performances, and a popular Greek night with dancing and local cuisine.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Kresten Palace

Scene

Seaside, crowded hotel

The Kresten Palace features a two-story lobby with enormous windows and skylights; the Greek sunlight reflects off the white and blue surfaces for an island feel. Lobby couches are frequently occupied with guests using the free (but slow) Wi-Fi. There are plenty of dining and drinking options at the Kresten Palace, but grounds and common areas could a little TLC. The overall atmosphere is a bit tired and crowded, though pleasant enough.

See More Scene

Location

Between the towns of Rhodes and Faliraki, on a hill above a rocky beach

The Kresten Palace is located high on a hill above a private beach with a small cove for swimming. The beach is a five-minute downhill stroll from the main property. The hotel sits on a highway between the towns of Rhodes and Faliraki. Faliraki Beach is a five-minute drive away, and the nearby town has a nightlife scene. There are plenty of nearby athletic activities, including golf, sailing, parasailing, water skiing, mountain biking, scuba, and windsurfing. A local bus runs from the front of the hotel to the towns of Rhodes and Faliraki.

See More Location

Rooms

Basic and clean rooms, but a bit dated, with balconies and lovely views

Rooms at the Kresten Palace are basic and clean, with decor that is a little worn and dated and, in some, a musty odor masked with bleach. White tile floors and white linens, with standardized light wood furnishings, brown and gold bedspreads, and complementary curtains give rooms a monochromatic look. The edges of tables and dressers are dented and scuffed in places. There are tube TVs and bathroom towels are threadbare in places. Each room has a balcony or terrace, and the sea views are gorgeous. Non-smoking rooms are available upon request.

See More Rooms

Features

Big pool, game room, beach volleyball, fitness center, kids' club, wedding chapel

The centerpiece of the Kresten Palace is the huge lagoon-style pool with palm trees and footbridges, ringed with sun loungers and beach umbrellas. There is a game room with air hockey, billiards, and foosball, but the tables have seen better days, and decor is nonexistent. Beach volleyball, mini-golf, and tennis are offered, and there is a large fitness center (but only one cardio machine). Kids' activities are staged outdoors on the playground or under a sprawling shade tree. A picturesque chapel with a bell tower and Greek orthodox paintings on the walls is a beautiful spot for a wedding.

Orizon, the main bar, is done in stained glass and white marble, with the ubiquitous blue accents, and lots of glass, including a glass elevator rising above the seating area. The Olympia restaurant serves buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a bright white space lined with marble pillars. Tables are set with white tablecloths. Crowds often gather at mealtimes, which makes for a less than relaxing experience. The Teatro A La Carte pool restaurant is casual and quaint, with blue and white checked tablecloths and a choice of shade: lush green trees or a rustic wooden pavilion. Evening entertainment includes live music and performances, and a popular Greek night with dancing and local cuisine.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Fitness Center

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.