The best hotels in Rhodes: seven places to stay, Old Town to Lindos

A medieval house inside the walls

Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel occupies an old house within the walls of the Old Town, with few rooms, stone walls, heavy timber and a garden of lemon trees where breakfast is served.

It takes our value pick, putting you in a historic house in the heart of the Old Town for less than the big hotels. It is made for couples who want to experience the Old Town in the evening, once the day visitors have left. The surrounding lanes are quiet, and the hosts give good restaurant tips. There is no pool, and the beach is a short walk beyond the walls.

Luxury in the knights' city

Kokkini Porta Rossa sits inside the walls of the Old Town, in a restored building with a handful of suites, high ceilings, antique furniture and a small pool. Service is personal and meticulous.

It is ideal for couples who want luxury and history under one roof and value a small, quiet place. It is one for a special occasion. Rates are high and it is not for families. From the door, the Street of the Knights and the restaurants are minutes away.

A garden and pool by the walls

Rodos Park Suites & Spa sits in a quiet park just outside the walls, between the Old Town and the new town. It has a pool, a spa and modern rooms and suites.

It is a reliable choice for a first visit, with the Old Town five minutes away and a pool and calm at the same time. It is right for couples and families who want to combine city and swimming. The town beach is a short walk, and the harbour restaurants are close by. Rooms are larger than inside the walls.

A private beach at Kallithea

Elysium Resort & Spa stands by the sea at Kallithea on the east coast, with a private beach, several pools, a spa and terraced rooms with sea views. The swimming spot at Kallithea Springs is close by.

It appeals to families and couples who want a resort with good standards, calm water and a short ride to town, with everything in one place. The buildings are large, but the gardens bring calm, and Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the loveliest on the east coast, is a short drive away.

Boho design at Kolymbia

Casa Cook Rhodes stands by the beach at Kolymbia, with low white buildings, natural materials and a relaxed style. It is adults-only, and many rooms have their own pool.

It earns our design pick and a place for couples and friends who want style, good food and calm. The mood is young and laid-back, and the poolside music is gentle. It is not for families, and it sits some way from both town and Lindos, though Kolymbia's long beach is right there.

Views of the bay and the acropolis

Lindos Blu sits on the hillside north of Lindos, with rooms and suites in terraces, many with a private pool and views over the bay and the acropolis. It is adults-only.

It is our romantic pick, because the view of Lindos from its terraces at sunset is among the finest on the island. It is well suited to couples who want luxury and calm. There are slopes and steps, and the village is a taxi or a long walk away, but the rooftop restaurants of Lindos are worth the trip in the evening.

In the village above Pallas

Melenos Lindos sits in the village itself, on terraces above Pallas beach, with a few suites in traditional style and a restaurant overlooking the bay.

It suits couples who want to live in Lindos with the village and beach outside the door. It is small and personal, with breakfast on a terrace above the sea. Lindos is car-free and steep, so you walk up and down with your luggage or the hotel helps. Climb to the acropolis early, before the heat and the coaches.