Sylvia Hotel

We didn't have much expectations for this hotel, it was very cheap and location is great. We needed something as a base to sleep to visit the island. The hotel is very basic, room very small, decent balcony, off street parking. But it wasn't clean, we had ants running in the room, there was a very strong smell of suage coming from the bathroom (I know in Greece there are some issues with toilette papers down the toilette that can cause a lot of problems and smell, but that was unbearable). There was some (we assumed) blood marks on the bed spread and on the wall. Not a pleasant experience to be honest. The staff was very nice and helpful, if the place was clean and less smelly I would have rate it much higher!

Well the first disappointment of course is that they charge per day to have airconditioning. Really! I want to like the place, mainly because of the people working there, but it has some challenges. Rooms are "cleaned" daily but you really want to get stuck in with some kind of abrasive antiseptic powder. It just needs a damned good scrubbing. Sworn off taxis because of previous episodes of theft, and unable to hire a vehicle because of a recent change in Greek licencing policy (you need an international licence), I walked down to Rhodes and the old town (it's 25 mins to the central bus station). I had trouble at first but you adapt..you adapt and learn. If you have a car that would not be an issue and parking seemed easy enough at the hotel. Breakfast was good value, included bacon.

It costs five euros per day for air-conditioning. This was not noted on Expedia’s website or on our confirmation even though the Expedia rep insisted it was. The first room’s air conditioning didn’t work even after paying. The second room had a mattress you could feel the springs through, the third room was okay. There were ants in the rooms. Fixtures were in poor repair. The breakfast for 8 euros per person was good. It included an omelet and crepe chef. The hotel is 15 minutes walking distance from the pier and 10 minutes from the southern end of the old city. Staff was professional and polite.

I stayed here twice as my ferry service to Symi didn’t line up with my arrival in Rhodes. The hotel is very basic but serves it purpose. Air conditioning is extra if you want it. The rooms are very basic, could use some updating.

Located just outside of old town and the ferry port. Close to a couple of good local restaurants. Rooms was clean but have a little too much furniture taking up a lot of space in my room. I found myself squeezing around it. Other then that it was fine.