Rhodes Getaway: Uncover Athineon Hotel's Hidden Paradise!
Rhodes Getaway: Uncover Athineon Hotel's Hidden Paradise! (Or Is It?) – A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, polished travel brochure. This is real. I’ve just clawed my way back from the Athineon Hotel in Rhodes, and I’m here to spill the tzatziki (and the truth). They call it a "hidden paradise," and well, let’s just say paradise has a few… interesting neighbors.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always pay attention to this because it’s important. The Athineon, while not perfect, attempts to be accessible. There's an elevator, which is crucial, and some rooms are reportedly tailored for guests with mobility issues. However, I spotted a few steps here and there, and the website wasn't crystal clear about the specifics of ramp access to all areas. So, if accessibility is your prime concern, I'd recommend a VERY thorough phone call to clarify before booking. Don’t be shy! Ask ALL the questions.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Obsessive-Compulsive Traveler's Delight (Mostly)
Okay, this is where the Athineon shines. In the post-pandemic world, let's be honest, we're all slightly terrified of germs. The hotel clearly takes this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Staff trained to look like they're straight out of a germ-busting commercial? Double check. They even have a whole load of Individual-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. And the Shared stationery removed? Good riddance, I never liked those anyway.
They’ve got all sorts of things in place: Hand sanitizer everywhere, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter… Okay, I may have sneaked close to the buffet at some point… but they try! They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which I thought was a nice touch. They really do make you feel safe, which, let's be honest, is a huge relief.
Rooms – My Room Was a Cozy Cubicle With… Stuff
Speaking of which, the rooms (Available in all rooms) are fairly standard. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi[free]? Hallelujah! Additional toilet? Nope, but the Toiletries were decent enough. The Non-smoking rooms were appreciated, but you could still sometimes smell cigarette smoke coming from… somewhere. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, and the Coffee/tea maker (check) was a lifesaver for my early morning caffeine fix. My Laptop workspace was, well… a desk, but it did the job. It had everything I needed for a basic stay - Bathroom, Bathrobes, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and of course, a Window that opens. The Seating area was a lovely place to relax. I did, however, have a small argument with the Safe box in the room - I found it was difficult to lock a key in there. Oh, and I'll be honest, the décor wasn't exactly cutting-edge. Let's call it… functional. But hey, the important things were there.
Things to Do (And Dozing) – Paradise… With a Side of Gym?
This is where things get interesting. The Athineon, bless its heart, tries to offer a bit of everything.
- Swimming Pool? Yes, but not the kind that's going to blow your mind.
- Outdoor Swimming Pool? Check. It does have a Pool with view, which is lovely.
- Fitness Center? Yep. Let's be clear: I walked past the fitness center. It looked… gym-like. Very gym-like.
- Spa? Yes! And the word "spa" is the name of the game. I sampled the Body scrub! The therapist was amazing - I felt like a new person after I left.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom? There are steam rooms and saunas too, but I didn't get a chance to go - maybe next time.
- Massage? Now we are talking! The masseuse worked wonders on my tense shoulders. They had a menu of massages, from the standard Swedish to some local options. Highly recommend it – a highlight of the trip.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Buffet Adventures
The food situation at the Athineon is… variable.
- Buffet in restaurant? Yes, the buffet. Ah, the buffet. You'll Breakfast [buffet]. It was… there. A mix of Western breakfast and Asian breakfast.
- Restaurants? There are Restaurants, But the A la carte in restaurant options were better.
- Snack bar? Yup. For those late-night munchies.
- Poolside bar? Essential. Drinks with an ocean view. What's not to love?
- Bar Yes! The Happy hour was a welcome respite from the midday sun.
- Coffee shop Coffee, Coffee, coffee. I needed a Bottle of water too.
- Desserts in restaurant Desserts were decent.
Services and Conveniences – The Usual Suspects (and a Few Surprises)
- Cash withdrawal? Sorted.
- Concierge? Helpful, though sometimes seemed a bit overwhelmed during peek hours.
- Daily housekeeping? Yep, and they were efficient.
- Laundry service? Handy.
- Luggage storage? No problem.
- Wi-Fi in public areas? Worked well.
- Air conditioning in public area? You betcha!
Getting Around – The "Island Time" Edition
- Airport transfer? Available, but I’d recommend booking in advance.
- Car park [free of charge]? Yep.
- Taxi service? Readily available.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly but Not Exactly Disney World
- Family/child friendly? Yes, but it's not a kids' paradise. It's more in the "quiet evening with the kids" category.
- Babysitting service? Yep.
- Kids meal? I saw it on the menu, so presumably, they exist.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Look, this is not some super-luxury resort. But if you're looking for a clean, safe, reasonably priced hotel in Rhodes with some decent amenities, the Athineon is worth considering. It's not perfect, but it's a good base for exploring the island. Just lower your expectations a smidge, pack some extra sunscreen, and maybe bring your own favorite pillow. And for goodness sake get that Massage booked!
Real Talk:
My favorite part? The Massage. It was pure bliss. The worst part? The slightly lukewarm coffee at breakfast. These are first-world problems, I know. But let's be honest, we're all looking for that perfect vacation. Sometimes we will find it, and sometimes we won't. But with the Athineon, you'll definitely have a good time.
SEO-Focused Booking Offer!
Escape to Rhodes! Uncover Athineon Hotel's Hidden Paradise – BOOK NOW for:
- Guaranteed safety and hygiene: Enjoy peace of mind with our rigorous cleaning protocols and sanitization practices.
- Relaxation redefined: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage, unwind by the pool with a view, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
- Convenience at your fingertips: Free Wi-Fi, a well-stocked breakfast, and friendly staff to make your stay seamless.
- Great value: A comfortable and affordable escape to the beautiful island of Rhodes. Use the code ATHINEONESCAPE for 10% off your stay for a limited time.
- Accessibility: The hotel attempts to be accessible. Please call ahead to confirm the specifics.
Click here to book your Rhodes Getaway and experience Athineon's hidden paradise! (Remember to book directly for the best deals and availability!
**Sevilla Macarena: Unveiling Seville's Hidden Gem (Exe Hotel)**
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, color-coded travel brochure. This is real travel, Rhodes-style, complete with sunburns, questionable decisions, and the existential dread of leaving paradise. Here's my attempt at an itinerary, crafted from the hazy memories and lingering sunscreen smell of my time at the Athineon Hotel. Prepare for a wild ride.
The Rhodes Ramble: A Semi-Coherent Itinerary (Subject to Melt-Downs and Spontaneity)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Glorious Bed
- Morning (or whenever the hell my flight lands): Arrive at Rhodes Airport. Okay, first impressions: heat. Like, biblical, face-melting heat. Grab a taxi to the Athineon Hotel. Driving through the streets of Rhodes city, my poor brain already starts to forget what day of the week it is, and I'm suddenly happy with just breathing, and the sun shining and the sea, well, it's something else.
- Afternoon: Check-in. Pray that my room has air conditioning. Seriously, air conditioning is a lifesaver in Greece. I swear, I'll probably tip the hotel staff more than I planned, just to get one that works. First impressions of the hotel: decent, but the air conditioning isn't cold enough, and the towels feel a little…rough. Fine, let's not get caught up on the tiny details. Then, collapse in my bed. Seriously, the bed is a cloud. A glorious, blessed, cloud. I think I napped for three hours. Or maybe five. Time becomes a meaningless construct on vacation.
- Evening: Attempt to find a decent souvlaki place near the hotel. This search is a journey in itself. Ended up wandering around until I finally found a taverna bursting at the seams with locals. The souvlaki? Heavenly. Simple. Perfect. I'm already in love with this place. Also, learned that "thank you" in Greek is "efharisto." Nailed it, probably.
Day 2: The Ancient City and My Questionable Navigation Skills
- Morning: Drag my sorry, still-a-little-jetlagged self out of bed. Ugh. Coffee. Lots of coffee. Today, we hit the Old Town. Let's be honest, I'm not a history buff, especially not at nine in the morning. But the sheer scale of the ancient city, the cobbled streets – it's undeniable. I spend like, an hour wandering down to the main street. The sun is beating down, and I'm sweating buckets, and I nearly run into some poor tourists.
- Afternoon: Attempt to actually understand something about the history of the city. I try to follow the suggested walking route, but I get lost. Again. I get lost constantly. It's a gift. I eventually stumble upon the Grand Master's Palace and pay extra to see it. It's amazing but I get lost inside the palace for nearly an hour. I was quite proud of how well I kept my compass that day.
- Evening: Food and Drinks time. After all that walking, I need something fresh. I decide to try a rooftop bar and drink cocktails while looking at the sunset. It's stunning. I make some new friends, and we end up laughing until the early hours. Life is good. Pure, simple, golden good.
Day 3: Beach Bliss and the Great Swim-Suit Fiasco
- Morning: Beach day! Time to get some proper sun and swim in the sea. The brochure made it seem like the beach was just a hop, skip, and a jump from the hotel. Nope. A ten-minute walk, which, in that heat, feels like an hour. But, the beach. The turquoise water, the sun glistening on the sand…it's worth it.
- Afternoon: The swim-suit incident. Packed the wrong swimwear. I found myself wearing a bikini top and a pair of swim shorts, and my tan lines will be epic. I had to order another swim-suit from the shops in the old town. It's a little bit expensive, but it makes me feel better.
- Evening: Time to have some authentic Greek food. Greek salad, stuffed vine leaves, grilled octopus…it's a feast. And, inevitably, too much ouzo. Let's just say, I had a very interesting conversation with a stray cat later that night. At least I think it was a cat.
Day 4: A Day Trip to Lindos – and a Near-Death Experience Involving a Donkey
- Morning: Wake up regretting the ouzo. Decide to go to Lindos. Everyone says it's a must-see. "Charming village!" they said. "Amazing Acropolis!" they said. But the bus ride there is a bumpy, sweaty, and let's be honest, slightly terrifying experience.
- Afternoon: Lindos. It is charming. And the Acropolis is impressive. But getting up to the Acropolis? That's where the donkey comes in. I end up hiking up in the scorching sun. I see people riding donkeys. "I don't need a donkey," I think smugly. I was wrong. So, so wrong. The path is steep, the sun is brutal, and my legs are screaming. I almost faint. I finally make it to the top, panting and red-faced. The view is amazing, though. Totally worth almost dying for. Almost.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, I order pizza and then eat it on the balcony, reflecting on the meaning of life. Or maybe just the meaning of a really good pizza. The meaning is good, in general
Day 5: Relaxation and (Possibly) Regret
- Morning: A chill morning, maybe a spa day. Or, you know, just lying in bed and pretending the world doesn't exist. After all, vacations are for recharging, right? Right?
- Afternoon: I decide I need to buy some souvenirs. I go to the shops near the hotel, buy some overpriced trinkets, and then I end up in a backstreet shop. The shop owner offered me wine. I get talking to him and his friends.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, with a slight hangover and a bag full of useless souvenirs. I start preparing for the flight home. I realize that it is a tragedy I have to leave. Greece has given me a memory to cherish
Day 6: Departure and the Post-Vacation Blues
- Morning: Pack. Sigh. Eat the breakfast buffet with a heavy heart. Say goodbye to the hotel staff, who are probably relieved to see me go.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Look out the plane window and shed a silent tear. Already planning my return.
- Evening: Back home. Reality hits. Laundry. Work emails. The tan is fading. But, the memories…the memories. They'll last forever. And maybe, just maybe, I'll be back in Rhodes one day. Hopefully, with better navigation skills and less reliance on emergency swimsuits. And definitely with a bigger bag for souvenirs.
Notes/Disclaimers:
- This is a highly flexible itinerary. Feel free – and even encouraged – to deviate.
- Embrace the spontaneity. Some of the best moments happen when you least expect them.
- Be prepared to get lost. It's part of the charm.
- Drink lots of water. And wear sunscreen. Seriously.
- Don't be afraid to try the local food. Even if it's a bit weird.
- Most importantly: Have fun. Let go. And just be.
Now go forth, and have an amazing time! And if you see a crazy person wandering around the Old Town muttering about donkeys and ouzo, it might just be me.
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Rhodes Getaway: Uncover Athineon Hotel's Hidden Paradise! (Or...Maybe Not?) - FAQ with a Heavy Dose of Real Life
Okay, so, Athineon Hotel... Is it *actually* paradise? Because, you know, marketing.
Alright, alright, settle down. "Paradise" is a big word. Look, the brochures probably show pristine beaches and smiling people. And yeah, the Rhodes part is pretty spectacular – the island itself is stunning. The Athineon? Well… it’s *good*. It’s got potential. Think of it like… your eccentric aunt's house. Comfy, a little dusty in places, but ultimately, you kind of end up loving it.
My personal experience? Let's just say it had its moments. First day, sun's blazing, I'm picturing myself sipping a cocktail on the balcony. Get there, and the air conditioning… well, let's politely say it was 'suggestive'. Like, it *hinted* at being cool, but mostly delivered a lukewarm breeze. The front desk lady, bless her heart, had the patience of a saint, bless her heart. Eventually, they got it sorted, but it was a bit of a rocky start! But hey, at least it got me in the mood for…
What's the food situation like? I need to know if I’m going to starve/live on gyros.
Okay, food! Important question. Look, you're in Greece. Gyros *are* going to be your friend. Embrace it. They're cheap, delicious, and conveniently located on every corner. However, Athineon had a pretty decent restaurant. The breakfast buffet? Standard fare. Eggs, bacon (sometimes), fruit, the usual suspects. But the *coffee*… ugh. That was my recurring struggle. It was watery and forgettable. Every. Single. Day. I ended up buying instant coffee in the little shop just to function. My husband, bless his heart, liked the buffet. Said it was ‘adequate’. He's not a coffee snob.
But the Greek nights? Ah, there's the magic. Live music, dancing, the *real* Greek food – moussaka, souvlaki, the works! That was fantastic. Definitely go. Just maybe… sneak some decent coffee in your bag for the morning.
The beach! The beaches! Spill the tea - is it picture-perfect?
Okay, the beach. This is where things get… complicated. The beach *near* Athineon? Yes, it's lovely. The water is that insane turquoise color you see in the photos. The sand is… generally sandy. But… it's *public*. Meaning, you're going to be sharing it. With everyone.
I witnessed a full-on battle for sunbeds one morning. People practically sprinted from the breakfast buffet to claim their territory with towels. It was… intense. I ended up retreating to the pool, which was also nice, but lacked the authentic salty sea smell. So, long story short: the beach is beautiful, but manage your expectations. Go early. Claim your sunbed. And be prepared for a bit of a Hunger Games vibe.
What's the vibe of the hotel itself? Is it lively? Relaxed? Does it smell of chlorine or something else?
Vibe check! The hotel itself is… a bit of a mixed bag. It’s not a party hotel, thank goodness. I'm personally past the stage of needing to rave, but it wasn't super quiet either. There was a nice mix of families, couples and older folks. So, good for you and your family! The pool area during the day was pretty lively. The chlorine smell? Yes, it’s there, but not overpowering. The hotel had a very distinct smell. Hard to describe. Old hotel… slightly mixed with cleaning product? It wasn't bad, just… noticeable. I kind of grew to like it, weirdly. Reminded me of being on holiday.
Are there any activities or things to do at/near the hotel? Besides, you know, lying around?
Oh, yes, dear reader, there were things to do! Beyond horizontal relaxation, of course. They offer excursions, which I *highly* recommend. Rhodes town is incredible, you HAVE to go. Ancient ruins, vibrant streets, all the history you could ask for. But. and this is a big BUT, it gets *hot*. Pack water, wear a hat, and pace yourself. I took a walking tour - it was fascinating, but by the end, I felt like I was melting. I learned so much then the next day I went back to the beach with my book and did nothing!
You can also rent a car and explore the island. Driving around is fun! Just be prepared for narrow roads and some… let's call it *creative* driving from the locals. Oh, and there's a little shop on the premises that sells souvenirs and snacks. It's handy for those late-night cravings (more gyros, perhaps?). Don't expect designer bargains, though. It's a convenience store, not a high-fashion boutique.
Okay, so, would you go back? Be honest!
Ugh, this is the question, isn't it? Truthfully? Yes. With caveats. I mean, it's not perfect. The coffee situation alone is a major drawback. But the Greek nights were a blast, the beach, despite the sunbed wars, was gorgeous, and the island itself… is just breathtaking.
It's a solid base for exploring. It's got character, it's not pretentious. I wouldn’t say it was the ultimate “paradise” experience, but it was a good, honest vacation. Would I go back? Probably. But I’m definitely packing my own coffee next time. And maybe smuggling in a better hairdryer. Just saying.
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