Nathalie Hotel

This quaint hotel has an Old-World charm and peaceful atmosphere that invites guests to a relaxing, laid-back visit. The grounds are beautiful and lush: Stone-paved pathways are lined with flowers and vegetation, and there are many potted plants around buildings. Traditional white stucco with bright-blue trim is accented with decorative brickwork around windows. The lobby continues the blue-on-white color scheme, with homey decor and many lovely, personal touches. The front desk is adorned with large rocks from the area and a tray of stones with well-wishes from former guests; a pottery collection is showcased on the wall behind the desk; and wood furniture -- painted white -- with cushions and frilly blue pillows creates a comfortable sitting area. Additionally, woven rugs and boldly patterned pillows decorate a cozy reading nook to one side. Other decorative touches include bowls of eye-catching seashells, brightly painted stones, and collections of found items that are prettily arranged in bowls, frames, window boxes, or cubbyholes around the hotel. The building is four stories tall and there are no elevators, so guests with mobility issues may struggle. Guests are often couples, who rave about the hospitable staff and tranquil atmosphere. 

This hotel is far north on the Greek island of Rhodes, just south of the capital city. It is in a residential area, set a three-minute walk from a main road where there are several restaurants and tourist-friendly shops, including a mini-market. Guests can reach the shore in six minutes from the hotel, but it is a rocky area without provisions for tourists. It is a 15-minute walk, or a three-minute drive, to a public beach with sunbeds for rent and a nicer shore. A three-minute drive will also bring guests to the nearby village of Trianda. It is a nine-minute drive to the Acropolis of Rhodes, where guests can explore the ancient ruins and enjoy a beautiful view. It is a 12-minute drive to the historic medieval section of Rhodes’ capital city where there are many museums and sites to explore. Rhodes International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and the port at Rhodes is a 17-minute drive. 

Standard rooms are small and have furnishings low on frills, but they're functional and clean. White stucco walls and a coarse ceiling, white tile floors, and painted furniture (an uninspired brown or green, in most rooms) make for a bland space. Most rooms have single beds per the number of guests, but some have double beds. A simple desk and a wardrobe with hanging fabric shelving complete the furnishings. A welcome plaque and a few homey curios adorn a shelf, but otherwise, there's little to please the eye. Family Rooms have two bedrooms with one bathroom, while the popular Superior Rooftop Suite has beachy decor and a lovely rooftop terrace with sunbeds and a covered sitting area. All rooms come with mini-fridges and kettles, but most lack a television. A small safe is available for a nominal fee. All rooms have a furnished balcony, some with views of the area, others over the pool. Bathrooms are lackluster, with a curtained shower with a lip. Minor wear is evident. A hairdryer is provided, as are free soaps and two-in-one shampoo and body wash. Wi-Fi is free in every room. 

The outdoor restaurant seating is the most beautiful spot in the hotel. A stone patio holds sky-blue chairs, delicately wrought and comfortably padded. A vine-drenched pergola shades the area, and it is surrounded by vegetation on all sides. Inside, white-and-blue checkered cloths cover tables surrounded by green ladder back chairs. Various collections of found art adorn the space. A homey, beach-themed bar with a pool table serves cocktails and is a popular hang out in the evenings. The laid-back pool bar serves drinks and snacks, plus a light lunch. Guests enjoy the food, particularly the delicious free breakfast buffet. The small pool is on a pretty and quiet terrace, surrounded by plenty of free sunbeds and umbrellas. Beyond the walls, there are tall trees and a lovely view of the nearby mountain. On the downside, there are no gym or kid-centric facilities.