On the Greek island of Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, you’ll find a special place that caters to guests’ comfort and offers first-class hospitality. Kókkini Porta Rossa is a quiet luxury hotel with amazing amenities; among them are fully stocked, beautiful guest rooms plus a personalized itinerary to help guests explore the island. Had we known what type of experience awaited us, we would surely have added more days to our stay (we had a three-night stay) at this amazing luxury suite hotel — and on Rhodes itself. Please note that the island is called Rhodes and the main northern town and historical capital is called Rhodes, as well, which has the Old Town (where we stayed).
Kókkini Porta Rossa: Rhodes, Greece / kokkiniporta.com / +30 22410 75114
DISCLAIMER: My husband and I have stayed in many hotels, inns, and other properties in our travels, but a few stand out above the rest — this is one of them. Although I am highlighting this property that we enjoyed, we have not accepted free trips, endorsements, or gratuities from it. All the opinions, along with the photographs (unless otherwise noted), featured in this article are my own. I simply share this property profile because it was unique in its location and hospitality, so I think others may consider staying there as well. Happy travels!
Why Kókkini Porta Rossa?
- Kókkini Porta Rossa, this boutique hotel, offers the most comfortable of stays. The owners, Nikos and Angela, have thought of every need guests could have and then some.
- Each suite is individually furnished and decorated, and each comes with a complimentary mini bar and fragrance bar. You read that right: inside each suite is a mini-fridge with water and other beverages plus there are top brands of liquor sitting nearby. We chose the Orhan suite on the ground floor just off the courtyard with a window facing the narrow, cobbled street at the front of the building. It was perfect – quiet and so comfortable. (One happy memory of our time at Kókkini Porta Rossa was soaking in the clawfoot tub with the bathroom window slightly ajar so I could hear the comings and goings of people outside after a busy day out and about. Ahhh, so relaxing.)
- Nikos and Angela work hard to create a wonderful experience for their guests. In fact, when you are here, you’re treated like good friends and not as temporary guests. You will truly miss this wonderful couple when you need to say your goodbyes as you leave.
- Even before you arrive, you will feel welcomed to Kókkini Porta Rossa and Rhodes. For example, we received an email, after making reservations, with information about activities and places to explore on the island. Were we interested in a private guided tour, renting a car to explore on our own, a sailing trip to the nearby island of Symi? (And the list of options continued.) It was nice to have so much information about how to spend our time while visiting. We opted for a private guided tour of the Old Town of Rhodes upon arrival which gave us a good lay of the land and a better understanding of the island’s rich history. The next day we rented a car and set out to have a look at what lies beyond the town of Rhodes. That included ruins of an ancient town, a fort built by the Knights of St. John, the Lindos acropolis plus some other interesting spots.
- Nikos will arrange transportation to and from the airport which I highly recommend. A cordial driver met us as we landed from an early morning flight and drove us back at the end of our stay.
- Each guest receives a computer tablet with touring and culinary ideas including navigation suggestions. This is an ingenious approach that provides all the information guests need, at their fingertips, to make the most of their time each day doing the things they want to do. For us, Nikos requested a rental car be delivered to the hotel one morning, mapped out places to visit on the island, and sent us on our way. We wanted to see as much of the island as we could in one day. Here’s what we did: we drove down the western coast and visited the ancient ruins of Kameiros and then Kritinia, a castle built in the 15th century. From there, we headed inland over the mountains and stopped at Fountoukli, a chapel built by parents to honor their children who died in the 15th-century plague. Then on to a most delicious traditional Greek meal for lunch at Paraga in Apollona. After that, we continued to the southeastern coast to visit Lindos and the magnificent acropolis there. We returned to the town of Rhodes (on the northern tip of the island) in time for a late dinner near the hotel. A wonderful day out!
- If we had an extra day or two, we would have made use of the Kókkini Porta Rossa’s complimentary bikes or beach mats and towels to go soak up some sun at one of the beaches.
- Angela prepares creative, delicious multi-course breakfasts each morning for guests. When we visited, guests were seated in the tranquil courtyard for the morning meal.
- Before dinner, guests join Nikos and Angela in the courtyard for a glass (or two) of wine or a mixed drink. This is the time to swap stories about the adventures of the day and to get to know our gracious hosts a bit more before setting out for our evening repasts.
- We returned to Kókkini Porta Rossa after dinner each evening and were greeted with a card suggesting we enjoy the after-dinner drinks set out for guests. Hmmm, should we relax with our drinks in the courtyard or the salon? (The decisions that must be made while being enveloped in such luxury.)
- As we said our goodbyes, our hosts gifted us a locally produced treat which was a lovely gesture and memento of our stay here. (They think of everything!)
History of Kókkini Porta Rossa
Imagine staying in a hotel where once stood a small church and a residence for the knight who managed the gate’s garrison just outside. That gate in the town’s wall was known as the Red Gate, so named because of the blood that was shed while trying to defend the Old Town. It’s also known as the Gate of St. John. Later, the building housed many families who shared the space. Today it’s the beautiful, luxurious Kókkini Porta Rossa.
After purchasing the property, Nikos and Angela began a four-year restoration project (in 2012) that created the luxury hotel it is today. They sought to reuse and repurpose materials and furnishings from the past while incorporating modern amenities sought after by today’s travelers.
Things To Do in the Area
What to do while on the island? How much time do you have?! This island is packed with options for visitors whatever their interests: history (so much interesting history dating back to 400 BC), the arts, beach-going, sailing, hiking, biking, and more. Read this guide to Rhodes to learn about great places to visit during your stay.
Hospitality Spotlight: Featured Recipe
There was no shortage of delicious breakfasts at Kókkini Porta Rossa. Each one was creatively prepared and uniquely presented. Here’s a guest favorite — a one-layer chocolate cake with so much flavor — that can be served as a sweet morning treat or anytime during the day. Enjoy!
Chocolate and Olive Oil Gluten-Free Cake
Equipment
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 8" springform pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain chocolate 70% cocoa
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil strong-flavored
- 1 cup super-fine or caster sugar
- 2 tbsp ground almonds or hazelnuts
- 5 large eggs separated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and line the base of a 8" springform pan with parchment paper. Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir a little to help the chocolate melt.
- Once the chocolate is completely melted, whisk in the oil in a steady stream, then 2/3 of the sugar, whisking to help the sugar dissolve in the heat of the chocolate. Remove from the heat. Stir in the ground nuts, a pinch of flaked sea salt and the egg yolks.
- Put the egg whites into a scrupulously clean bowl with about 1/3 of the remaining sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the whites are no longer clear, and then add another 1/3 of the sugar. Continue beating until the whites have really increased in volume, then add the rest of the sugar and beat until you have medium peaks (firm with tips that droop sllightly).
- Using a large metal spoon, loosen the chocolate mixture by folding in a big tablespoon of the egg whites, then fold in the rest carefully so that you don't lose air. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes (ovens vary, so keep an eye on the cake). Test by inserting a fine skewer in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, with no batter attached, the cake is ready.
- Leve it to cool in the tin. It will deflate and crack a lot, but that is fine. Carefully turn it out and remove the parchment paper. Place on a plate and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Other Greek Delights
My husband and I began our two-week Greek journey in Athens, the country’s capital. We spent a few days there and enjoyed exploring many of the historical sites and museums. Then we flew to Crete, the southernmost island and a very popular destination for travelers, which has so much to offer: its natural beauty, history, culture, food, wine — and friendly folks. Our next island was Rhodes which spoke to us on many levels including its rich history, charming towns, and superior hospitality — like what we found at Kókkini Porta Rossa. We concluded our Greek holiday in iconic Santorini. A magnificent trip!
Final Thoughts
Kókkini Porta Rossa — it’s actually hard to put into words the level of hospitality that awaits you at this top-rated small luxury hotel. In fact, TripAdvisor named Kókkini Porta Rossa as the #3 top small hotel in the world recently. That’s no surprise for my husband and me after spending time here. Nikos and Angela believe in and showcase the ancient Greek virtue of philoxenia which means “friend to a stranger” and they’ve interpreted it so well for the modern traveler. If visiting Greece, you definitely want to visit Rhodes (northeast of Crete) as it’s packed with history, culture, great food, and superior hospitality. And when on the island, you’ll surely want to stay at Kókkini Porta Rossa.
