Panorama Studios

We liked the quiet setting just outside Faliraki and would book here again, especially for the friendly people and good value for the price. Just don’t expect a five-star all-inclusive resort. The hotel is on a steep hill, so take a car, scooter, quad or taxi. Walking into town takes about 30 minutes in the heat, and the route back is steep with a busy road where cars go around 60 to 80km/hour. Some tour operators say there’s a hotel shuttle to Faliraki, but that isn’t true. A taxi costs €12,-, and the bar can call one for you. The rooms are basic, with a small kitchen area, plates, glasses, a fridge and a kettle. Beds may feel a bit small if you’re tall, but we found them okay. The shower is tiny but usable. Room cleaning, fresh bedding and towels happen every 4th day, with one small and one large towel per person. WiFi only works at the pool and bar, so you’ll need to use your phone as a hotspot in the room. Air conditioning costs €7,- a day, and in high season we thought it was necessary. The restaurant is reasonably priced, with enough choice, and the food was okay. We didn’t try breakfast. At the bar, drinking water for the room is €0,50 for a 1.5 liter bottle, so you don’t need to go down to a Faliraki supermarket for it. The pool is about 15 meters long and 6 meters wide, with a small shallow baby pool beside it. The main pool is 1.40 meters deep at most. It’s open from 08:00-20:00, and there were plenty of sunbeds throughout the day. During our 12 days, we always found one after coming back from the beach, even if we’d slept in. The restaurant closes at 20:00 and the bar stays open until 02:00. We were in room 27, the nearest corner to the pool and bar, and never heard the music at night. Would we return? Yes. It’s a basic place in a quiet spot, with very friendly staff, and the price to quality ratio is very good. Just arrange transport to the centre.

I felt safe and comfortable here as a woman travelling alone, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The pool area was clean, with sunbeds always available. My room was large, clean enough and a bit tired looking, but had a decent full-size fridge and enough equipment for snacks and storage. It isn’t set up for proper cooking. There’s no cleaning kit, so bring a dishcloth and washing-up liquid or buy them there. My air conditioning was a godsend, though it cost about £40 a week. Sheets and towels were changed once during my week and the bin was emptied once, which was fine for me. Shops, bars and the beach are a bit of a hike. Without a car, you need to be okay with a 25-minute walk each way and a fairly big hill on the way back. A taxi from Faliraki to panorama studios was 10euros. I’d stay again if I planned to rent a car, but otherwise I wouldn’t.

The rooms are about what you’d expect from a 3 star place in Rhodos, and the view is nice. The restaurant is okay, too. Air conditioning costs 7 euro / day, and breakfast was ham sandwiches, bread, butter and jam. It’s a 20-30 minutes walk to the beach, or you can take the bus, though it may not be punctual.

The sunrise views were spectacular, and the hotel felt safe. My wife and I have found our annual hideaway. The staff are great, especially Ben on night shifts, who’s easy to get along with, and the chap who looks after his cousin during the day. They’re good people and always seem happy to help. Our room was clean, the mattresses felt almost new and were really comfortable, and the air conditioning worked very well. It costs extra, but given how low the room price is, I thought it was worth it. For getting to Faliraki square, ask reception to arrange a taxi driver on WhatsApp. It’s €10, and splitting that with your group works well. Thanks to all the panorama staff and owners. We’re really happy with our stay. Oh, bring bug spray!