Princess Sun Hotel

The hotel is geared toward families, and draws primarily French travelers keen on relaxing poolside or at the beach while the kids keep active. The hotel’s three-story buildings -- cream with Mediterranean tiled roofs -- are modern and modest. Guests enter through a covered walkway lined with tropical plants, into a vast lobby with beige tile floors, peach leather sofas, and glass coffee tables -- the stone front desk is a nice touch. Some areas, such as the bungalow buildings with economy rooms, have a stylish modern feel with wood-planked walkways, stone accent walls, and glass elevators. Views of Kiotari Bay and the mountains feel luxurious, as do the well-maintained grounds, with landscaped pathways leading to the pool area. The kiddy pool has three large slides, while the main pool is suitable for laps, and the relax pool is spacious and can attract children. Blue umbrellas and lounge chairs are positioned around the pool deck.

Located on the southeast side of Rhodes Island, the Princess Sun Hotel overlooks Kiotari Bay. The hotel is on quiet, inclined street that is a 20-minute walk to the beach or a five-minute drive via the hotel’s shuttle. Lindos -- offering dining and views from the acropolis -- is 21-minutes by car. Rhodes -- with the Grand Master of Knights Palace and the Archaeological Museum -- is drive of an hour and 15 minutes. There's a water park about an hour's drive away, and the sister hotel, the Rodos Princess Beach, is a three-minute drive. A car trip to Rhodes International Airport takes an hour and 15 minutes.

Rooms -- including Economy, Classic Double, and Family -- are basic and lack definitive style. Decor includes simple wood furniture, tile floors, heavy draperies, and in some, blue and gray bedding. (Bedspreads in the Family Room we saw were a garish metallic gold.) All rooms have flat-screen TVs, desks, tea kettles, and safes. Classic Double and Family Rooms have balconies overlooking the mountains or sea, and Family Rooms offer a sliding partition between rooms for parents and kids. Small, clean bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Economy Rooms are in a bungalow building that feels more modern and stylish than some other areas of the hotel. Decor and fixtures are in minor disrepair in some rooms.

To keep children occupied, there’s a brightly painted mini-club and a sandy playground, with two mini ping-pong tables. Evening family entertainment takes place in a large theater. The spa is clean and modern, and decorated in beige tile with wood touches -- it offers a sauna, steam room, and treatment room for massages. There's an above-ground hot tub in a plain room, with a few beige lounge chairs. The fitness center is simple and functional, with several machines and windows overlooking the mountains. Outdoors there is a beach volleyball court, bike rentals, and a game area under a wood pavilion where guests can meet for ping-pong matches. Dining on-site is a casual affair in the Sunset Restaurant, which has a buffet. It’s also informal at the pool snack bar, where there’s a pool table and air hockey on the patio. The Diogenis Beach Snack Bar serves drinks (including wine and beer) and casual fare. The main bar is made of gray stone, and sits in a sunny room that feels a bit cluttered with red chairs and small tables.