Rhodes and the Dodecanese
The Dodecanese island chain fringes the Turkish coast, from the sanctified isle of Patmos in the north to tiny Kastellorizo (see 'Off the Map') in the south. The name means 'twelve islands', but in fact there are well over a dozen if you count the tinier ones. They include minute dots on the map such as Symi, as well as larger and more popular isles such as Rhodes and Kos. Rhodes has the greatest choice of luxury resorts, boutique hotels and budget guesthouses. It also has the pick of the sightseeing, with a unique medieval walled town built by the Knights of St John, the remains of several ancient cities, and an excellent archaeological museum. Kos is package holiday territory, with big resort hotels to match, but there are small and distinctive hotels on quieter islands including Patmos, Symi and Leros. Kos and Rhodes are the only islands in the group with international flights; to get to the others, you need to hop on a ferry or hydrofoil. Fortunately, there are plenty of these, and the Dodecanese is great for island hopping.
The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference. They all close from November to Greek Easter.
The best hotels in Rhodes and the Dodecanese
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Melenos Lindos
Rhodes, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
A classy and luxurious boutique refuge with spectacular views over the Aegean. Tranquil, set apart from the crowds, with fine restaurant. No pool but close to the beach.
12 rooms from $262Views - Great views from hotelRomantic - Good for couples.Hideaway - Tranquil and intimate. -
Rodos Park Suites
Rhodes, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Comfortable, modern town hotel with good facilities, including a full size pool and within walking distance of the beaches. The anti-thesis of boutique, but good value. Would suit families.
59 rooms from $203SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Small Luxury Hotels -
Fashion Hotel Nikos Takis
Rhodes, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Harem-style high-camp glamour in this boutique hideaway in a historic townhouse in the old town. Charming and stylish, full of character, a great base for exploring.
8 rooms from $118Romantic - Good for couples.Full of characterSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Hideaway - Tranquil and intimate. -
Archontiko Angelou
Leros, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Old-world charm with modern facilities, a pink and white villa in lovely grounds near one of the island's best beaches.
8 rooms from $118Recommended by - I Escape -
Mediterraneo
Kastellorizo, Greece
Colourful, friendly boutique hotel in a less visited corner of The Dodecanese. No pool but sea bathing yards from the hotel, a tranquil, relaxed base.
from $92Sights nearby - Take a boat trip to the island's famous Blue Grotto. Or pop on a boat to Kas for the day - just a few miles away.Remote - One of the least known islands in the Dodecanese, just 20 mins by boat from Kas, Turkey.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Hideaway - Tranquil and intimate. -
Apollo Guesthouse
Rhodes, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Cosy budget haven with a great location. Small. pretty rooms, some with great views of the old town. Good value and quiet alternative to the boutiques.
6 rooms from $65Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Marco Polo Mansion
Rhodes, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Live like an Ottoman pasha in this stylish townhouse, a lovely retreat, stylishly renovated in the heart of the old town. An elegant homely feel.
7 roomsSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Hideaway - Tranquil and intimate. -
Domus Rodos
Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Pleasant no-frills pension in the centre of the Old Town, close to the action. No restaurant, simple rooms, but good value, close to the ferry.
Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.
