Aulus Lindos Rhodes, All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

The interior design is lovely and the food was nice, but the hotel was very disappointing for the price. It didn’t feel like a five-star property or a place for a family holiday. Our whole family got severe food poisoning after eating at the main restaurant. We hadn’t eaten anywhere outside the hotel, so we know where it came from. My husband, our 1.5-year-old daughter and I all felt awful and couldn’t get out of bed for a whole day. We chose it because it presented itself as a family resort, but there was very little for children. All the pools, including the kids’ pool, were freezing. The beach was awkward for kids to walk on because it was pebbly and sloped down. The playground was closed, and the kids’ club wasn’t available when another group had a session. There was only one children’s event during our 10-day stay, no entertainment or animation to keep them occupied, and not even a mini disco. There were plenty of other problems: not enough hot water, a broken “do not disturb” button, poor housekeeping, expensive laundry that lost our clothes, rubbish lying around, and a dirty, noisy jacuzzi. The gym was too small and lacked equipment, while the tennis court looked abandoned. The car rental service was poor too, as the baby seat we asked for several times wasn’t there. The spa was small, with no pools, saunas or steam baths, so it didn’t feel like a spa hotel. The location also made things difficult. It’s far from Rhodes’ most beautiful scenery and from the activities we wanted to do with the kids. Lindos is nearby, but other attractions are a 1.5-hour drive away. The route has steep curves, and we got carsick. There was nothing for us to do inside the hotel or nearby outside it. One bright spot was Katerina from the Cali spa, who gave me one of the best massages I’ve ever had. Still, five-star all-inclusive hotels in Egypt and Turkey are much better and cheaper. We won’t return or recommend this place.

The food didn’t meet the standard I’d expect from a five-star resort, which was disappointing. But the thing that really spoiled our stay was the repeated disrespect from the apparent manager of the Greek restaurant. We went several times hoping it would get better, but each time he was rude and dismissive and made us very uncomfortable. The resort itself is beautiful, arranged around a small river with lots of flowers and elegant interiors that create a relaxed feel. We liked having a main buffet plus several themed restaurants that could be booked in advance. The beach is rocky but pleasant, and it’s a good place to simply rest without having to worry about anything. It never felt too crowded during our 10 days, so the stay was calm and peaceful. Sailing and water sports are available through an outside provider. Most of the staff were kind, friendly and helpful, and made us feel welcome throughout our visit.

I came on my own to get away from the rush of the city, and somehow it felt like visiting dear friends. The staff were genuinely kind and caring. Their smiles felt real, and their attention came naturally. There was a quiet warmth and happiness to the whole stay, as if the place itself breathed peace and kindness. I felt seen and cared for, and more like I belonged than like I was just staying at a hotel. My time at Hilton Lindian Village Curio Collection by Hilton was wonderful. It’s somewhere I’ll always want to return to.

The hotel is in a beautiful spot, with a private beach and plenty of activities close by. But upkeep and food were a letdown. The buffet often sat out too long, so most hot dishes were cold, and the plates and cutlery were consistently grimy. Old coffee machines caused long queues. The food selection itself was decent. Our room looked modern, but had plenty of maintenance problems, including leaks, electrical faults and fixtures so confusing that staff had to explain them. There are three restaurants, but getting a reservation was nearly impossible, and their menus barely differed from the main buffet. The events coordinator was rarely around, so it’s better to arrange excursions directly on the beach, where there are lots of options. Great location, but poor food hygiene and maintenance made for a disappointing stay.