Stella Hotel

The three-story Stella Hotel, which resembles an apartment complex from the outside, is accessed via a black iron gate opening onto a stone driveway; parking is available on the roadside. The unassuming hotel entrance leads into a small, basic lobby of casual wooden furniture, red curtains, and tile floors; the grounds are filled with open-air hallways and stone paths that weave past colorful landscaping and ground-floor apartment terraces. The hotel appeals to budget-minded families with decor that is classic and homey.

The pool area -- which includes a small playground with artificial grass -- is at the center of the hotel and attracts families, with pool toys provided. Off the small main pool, there's even a fenced-off children's section, so the main pool can get lively, while the relaxation pool tends to be quieter. The restaurant and bar are intimate and personal, and can be lively late into the night.

The hotel is on the east side of Rhodes on a quiet street in the town of Pefkos, nearby other budget hotels and local restaurants. The Pefkos beach is a 15-minute walk away. There's also bus stop, the Stella Market, an ATM, and a rental car company on the block. The location is convenient for visiting the acropolis of Lindos, a 10-minute drive away. Lardos is also 10 minutes away by car. The airport is over an hour's drive away. A car trip to Rhodes, the medieval town with the Grand Master of Knights Palace and Ancient Olympic Stadium, will take an hour and 10 minutes.

Stella Hotel offers studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Decor is traditional and basic, if worn and dated: light wood furniture, blue cabinets, and striped pastel curtains. Rooms have kitchenettes, small dining tables, mini refrigerators, two-burner stove-tops, microwaves, and kettles. Bathrooms are standard with blue tiles and shower/tub combinations. Terraces and balconies have views of the pool, mountains, or ocean. Some rooms are on an incline and inaccessible for those with physical limitations. Two-bedroom apartments have two balconies and a private entrance with an outdoor park spot. Reservations made directly through the hotel offer free safes and air-conditioning; otherwise, there's a fee for each. TVs are available on request. It's worth noting that many guests complain of the beds being too hard, there being issues with cleanliness, and of pool and restaurant noise.

The informal poolside restaurant and bar appeals to families with its traditional patio furniture, tile floors, flat-screen TVs, ice cream, and large windows with mountain views. The covered terrace overlooks the pool area and offers casual furniture, a tile deck and nearby high chairs. The pool itself is a lively area with plenty of loungers and kids' pool; across a small bridge, there's a relaxation pool with two fountains, a slide and nearby outdoor showers. Casual lounge chairs -- without cushions -- and white umbrellas are positioned around the deck. There's also a kids' playground and a computer for guests to use. There's free Wi-Fi in the lobby, but not in rooms.