Rodos Palladium

Rodos Palladium is a relaxing, beachfront hotel with a quiet atmosphere thanks to plenty of space for couples and families to spread out. Guests enter the grand lobby through a series of arches, and are met with rectangular columns supporting decorative archways and opulent chandeliers hanging from inlayed ceilings. Marble floors, Greek statues, and lovely potted flowers are certainly upscale, but the clusters of red and seafoam-green sofas are in need of a modern update. This is similarly true for hallways, the lobby bar, and many rooms, which are outfitted with old-fashioned patterned carpeting and linens. Several small balconies off the lobby offer a semi-private spot for visitors to overlook the sea. Behind the hotel, trim lawns are dotted with palm trees and clusters of vegetation, plus flower-lined pathways stretch through the grass toward the beach. The hotel is well-kept throughout, but its appearance is most impressive outside. 

Rodos Palladium is on the northeastern coast of Rhodes, one of the islands of Greece. There is little to do in the immediate vicinity, as it is surrounded by hotels and open land. It is a 16-minute walk, or a two-minute drive, to a large water park with slides and a kiddy section. Kallithea Springs, a thermal spring popular with tourists, is a two-minute drive north of the hotel. It is a 15-minute drive to the city of Rhodes, where there are restaurants, shops, archaeological sites, and museums. Afandou Golf Course, a full 18-hole course, is a 12-minute drive from the hotel. A public bus stops directly in front of the hotel. Rhodes International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and the port is a 15-minute drive away. 

Many rooms are comfortable but dated, usually outfitted with green or red carpet and a red bedspread with gold patterns, plus red and pink in the sofa, curtains, or headboards. Superior Rooms, on the other hand, are elegant and modern, done in gray and white with a few steel-blue accents. Furnished balconies offer sea or mountain views. All rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV with a DVD player, a free safe, and a welcome bottle of wine and water. Mini-fridges can be upgraded to minibars for a fee. Large bathrooms have a shower/tub combo or separate bath and shower, plenty of counter space, and a bidet. A hairdryer is provided, as are free soap, shower gel, lotion, and shampoo. Upgraded rooms offer more space, a sofa bed, and an additional bathroom, plus extras such as kettles, turn-down service, bathrobes and slippers, and a welcome fruit basket.

Dining, relaxation, and entertainment options at this hotel are all top-notch. The main restaurant serves a free American buffet breakfast, plus local and international buffets for lunch and dinner to half- and full-board guests. The outdoor terrace is a lovely -- if sometimes crowded -- spot for a meal, and guests report good food and service. The a la carte restaurant is right off the beach and gets excellent reviews for its seafood and Mediterranean dishes. Three bars -- lobby, pool, and beach -- offer drinks and snacks.

The pool is gigantic, sprawling around a series of islands  -- one which houses the bar. Though there is plenty of room, the islands create sections that feel more intimate. There are a small wading pool for kids to one side and padded loungers under umbrellas all around. Guests note that the area can become loud when the animation team is leading entertainment. Past the pool and across the expansive lawns is a long, beautiful stretch of beach. The hotel provides beach towels and sunbeds for free, while cabanas are available for rent. Sandy areas provide room for kids to play, though it turns rocky near the water. An expansive spa includes a heated indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna, plus rooms for massages and beauty treatments. 

In addition to a gym, there are tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a beach volleyball area, and mini-golf. Kids can keep busy at the playground or in the game room with video games and billiards. Daytime animation and live evening entertainment is provided every day, including supervised activities for children. A jewelry store, leather shop, clothes store, and mini-market are on-site as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.