Porto Angeli Beach Resort Hotel

Following extensive 2016 renovations, this resort receives high praise for its relaxing facilities and mostly sleek look that blends well into the hillside setting. While this means many steps and slopes, views are gorgeous, and the finish is exquisite, especially on smart outdoor terraces -- many of which face the sea and private beach across the street. Under dramatic patterned or inlaid ceilings, bright interiors sport back-lit marbles, minimalist wood furniture, chic sofas, and trendy fixtures, such as the lobby's wall-mounted sundial. Most activity is centered around the outdoors, between the multiple lovely pools, outdoor amphitheater, and sports facilities. Small details, like the buffet restaurant's built-in aquarium, outdoor glass walkways, and indoor brick details add a lot of appeal, but lower-category rooms are underwhelming in comparison.Note that like much of the region, the hotel is only open late-April through October.

Void of mass tourism and high-rise hotels (this is Stegna's only resort), this sleepy fishing village is unspoiled, and tavernas lining its gold-sand beach are traditional. The hotel-owned stretch of beach offers free loungers and umbrellas, but aside from the snorkel-friendly waters, local eateries, and a few shops, there's nothing nearby. A bus stopping outside runs to Rhodes (once a day, during our visit). Rhodes' nightlife and historic sights take 40 minutes by car, dropping to 30 for Lindos. It's a 15-minute drive to the stunning Tsambika Beach, with Archangelos town a little closer (for bus connections). Rhodes International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.

Spread across low-rise structures with Greek archway exteriors, modern rooms are breezy. Lower-category rooms are contemporary but less impressive than upgraded units, as they have beige tile floors, white wooden furniture, and pops of green and purple in accent walls, seating, and linens. Higher-category units, meanwhile, have more subdued color schemes of pale-yellow or blue, more modern tiling or wood floors, and occasional exposed stone. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, desks, kettles, mini-fridges, and safes, the latter of which requires a fee. Furnished outdoor spaces come standard, and upgrades include sleek private pools and pretty sea views, instead of garden vistas. Some units also have sofa beds and living spaces. Attractive bathrooms come with showers or shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers and toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but the signal is intermittent in some rooms. Prepare for a steep hill approach to rooms.

Features here are extensive and geared toward both couples and families. The private beach across the street has loungers and umbrellas, as do multiple pretty pools. Three kiddy pools with mini ship or slide structures cater to children, as does the colorful kids' club, a playground, multi-sports court, table tennis, and animation. The amphitheater's evening shows aren't popular across the board, on account of their German language orientation, however. There's no spa, but a small modern gym, tennis court, and massage and nail treatments (fee) are available.

Quality food and drink are mostly covered by the all-inclusive package (a la carte dining and a cocktail bar aren't), and Mediterranean or international buffets are popular. Some dining areas offer great views from their terraces. The on-site convenience store sells snacks, beach gear, and souvenirs. A business center, free parking, and free property-wide Wi-Fi complete amenities.