Spirit of the Knights

A tranquil and charming family run hotel, tucked beneath the ramparts in Rhodes' Old Town

Hidden havens are something of a holy grail for us, especially on a bustling island like Rhodes; so to discover this tranquil 6-room sleepery tucked right beneath the ramparts of its UNESCO-classed medieval Old Town was a real revelation. Step out of the taxi where it can go no further and you're met by the amiable Alex, who leads you through a web of low-arched, echoing alleys to a daunting looking wall.

Within, softened by lanterns and a rippling Jacuzzi-pool, you’ll find a listed 14th-century knights' lodging, lovingly renovated over 4 years in close consultation with the Greek archaeology department and local craftsmen. Overseeing it all is British artist Felicity Marshall who, with the help of her children, runs the place in a relaxed yet professional way. A medieval fountain looks out onto a spacious green courtyard, a 500-year-old domed hammam is still in use as a private steam room; even the radiators are made of marble.

From the light-filled breakfast lounge, next to the lovely Knight's Chamber, an external flight of stone stairs lead steeply to a salon on the first floor. Papered with books from floor to lofty timbered ceiling, this magnificent communal space is the kingpin around which the hotel's 5 other suites revolve. Some have mezzanine bedrooms (handy for kids), others are more romantic with hanging candelabras and stained-glass windows - but all have that happy combination of medieval grandeur and modern comfort.

Highs

• Superbly comfortable Coco Mat kingsize beds decked out with natural fibre linens
• The leafy courtyard, with its Moroccan lanterns, trickling fountain and small Jacuzzi pool
• A green hotel: low-energy light sources, solar-powered hot water and eco-friendly toiletries
• Rhodes Town itself - a medieval gem (especially out of season), with narrow alleys, atmospheric restaurants, grand palaces - all on your doorstep
• Or borrow one of the hotel’s bikes and cycle along the 4km ancient moat

Lows

• Noise from the street (especially in summer); light sleepers should choose rooms giving onto the courtyard or shut the window and switch on the air-con
• A steep staircase to suites on the upper floor - folk with mobility problems should book the Knight's Chamber
• It's difficult to park near the hotel - call Alex in advance and he'll send a cart for your luggage