Cozy blue

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Cozy Blue? The name actually fits – and I mean that in the best way possible. I’ve stayed at plenty of places where the branding is just wishful thinking, but this spot in Ialyssos really does have this relaxed, lived-in charm that makes you want to kick off your shoes the moment you walk in.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to experience Rhodes without the tourist circus. Ialyssos is still close enough to Rhodes Town (maybe 15 minutes by bus, and the local line runs pretty regularly), but you’re staying where actual Greeks vacation with their families. I loved walking down to the beach in the morning – it’s this gorgeous stretch that faces west, so you get these incredible sunsets that honestly made me understand why people write poetry about Greek islands. The water’s usually calmer here than the windier spots on the eastern side, which was great since I’m not exactly an Olympic swimmer. There’s this little taverna about a five-minute walk away where the owner, Dimitris, makes this fish soup that… well, let’s just say I went back three times.

What really sells me on this place though is how they’ve managed to feel genuinely Greek without being kitschy about it. The rooms are clean and comfortable – nothing fancy, but everything works and the beds are actually good (I’m picky about mattresses). The staff seems to genuinely care about whether you’re having a decent time, not just going through the motions. Maria at the front desk gave me these detailed directions to a hiking trail up to some ancient ruins that weren’t in any guidebook I’d seen. The whole place has this subtle blue and white theme that feels authentic rather than Instagram-manufactured, if that makes sense.

I will say the walls aren’t super thick, so if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs – though honestly, the sounds you’ll hear are mostly just other travelers sharing stories over wine on their balconies, which is kind of charming in its own way. The breakfast is simple but good – fresh bread, local honey, proper Greek yogurt that spoiled me for the stuff back home. And here’s something practical: they actually have decent parking, which anyone who’s driven around Greek islands will appreciate.

The 9.3 rating makes total sense to me because this isn’t trying to be a luxury resort – it’s trying to be a really good place to stay while you explore this gorgeous part of Rhodes, and it absolutely nails that. If you want marble bathrooms and a spa, look elsewhere. But if you want to feel like you’ve discovered a little slice of the real Greece, where you can walk to an uncrowded beach and still easily get to all the historical sites, Cozy Blue is exactly what you’re looking for.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $104. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Tracy from United Kingdom – 22 October 2023 (8/10)

  great two story apartment lots of room, fantastic hot showers. super clean throughout, with aircon in main living area and bedrooms, well equipped kitchen even a washing machine. Located in a residential area 3 minutes from bus stops to Rhodes town and airport, beaches 15 minutes walk away, 10 minutes to shops and restaurants. we were greeted by a lovely lady who gave us good information about the area and places to eat
  
  What could be improved: Approximately 30m from the main road, expect traffic noise.

• Benjamin from Germany – 4 October 2023 (9/10)

  ° Perfect service in terms of communication with the host and wonderful handover on site
  ° Air-conditioned rooms with well-functioning modern air conditioners
  ° Well-equipped kitchen with modern oven and large fridge with freezer
  ° one bathroom on each floor
  ° washing machine available
  ° it looks newly renovated and everything is in good conditions & clean
  ° the local host took very good care of us and asked several times if we needed anything
  ° terrace and balcony available
  ° large TV ( large TV (but poor sound quality)
  ° broadband free WIFI
  ° private parking lot (only for small cars –> Opel Corsa fits, but you have to carefully park out with the close concrete wall)
  
  All in all I can definitely recommend this apartment. It's modern, well equipped spacious and perfectly clean + wonderful host.
  
  What could be improved: ° no decent cutting board for food preparing (only a small wooden one which is not intended to be water cleaned)
  ° no gratin dish available
  ° the bath in the basement can only be used partially, since there are no towel hooks and no shower head holder (shower head must held in hand while use)
  ° in my opinion the apartment has approx. 60-80 m² instead of 110 m² (3 rooms / 1 living room approx. 30 m² / 2 bedrooms upstairs: 1 approx. 12 m² double bed / 1 approx. 8 m² single bed. | don't get me wrong, in total it has been spacious enough (bathrooms a bit tiny)
  ° the apartment is located in a basement (a bit dark, but on the other hand cooler conditions) and on a backyard, a few meters away from the very busy main street
  ° frypan poor quality (lifts a few cm from the stove when heated)
  ° staircase very loud
  ° you feel the metal spring of the mattress

• Yana from Ukraine – 22 September 2023 (10/10)

• Ioannis from Greece – 14 October 2023 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities