Mikaela’s Pool House

Hotel Description

So I stumbled across Mikaela’s Pool House in Afandou completely by accident – was looking for something different from the usual Rhodes hotel strip, and honestly? Best mistake I’ve made in a while. This place sits in this quiet residential area where you can actually hear the cicadas at night instead of drunk tourists, which is saying something for a Greek island in summer.

The thing about Afandou is that most people just drive through it on their way to the famous beach, but if you actually stay here, you get this whole different vibe. Mikaela’s really nailed that sweet spot between having everything you need without feeling like you’re in some corporate hotel bubble. The pool – which is obviously the main event here – isn’t huge, but it’s got this perfect depth for actually swimming laps if that’s your thing, and the surrounding area has enough loungers that I never felt like I was fighting for space. What really got me though was how quiet it stays, even when it’s technically “full.” You know how some places with pools turn into this constant splash-fest? Not here.

The rooms are… well, they’re exactly what you’d want without any of the weird quirks that usually come with smaller places. Good water pressure (seriously, this matters more than people think), air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a helicopter taking off, and these little balconies that actually fit two people comfortably. I mean, it’s not going to win any design awards, but everything works and it’s clean and there’s something refreshing about a place that just does the basics really well. The whole property has this lived-in feel – like someone’s actual home that they’ve opened up to guests, which I guess is sort of what it is.

Location-wise, you’re maybe a ten-minute walk to Afandou Beach, which is this massive stretch of pebbles and sand that never gets as packed as the beaches closer to Rhodes Town. There’s a decent taverna right at the beach too – nothing fancy but the kind of place where the fish is actually caught that morning. If you want to venture out, the main Rhodes attractions are totally doable as day trips, but honestly, I found myself just staying put more than I expected. There’s something about the pace here that just makes you want to slow down.

The only thing I’d mention – and this isn’t really a complaint – is that you definitely want a car if you’re staying here. There’s parking right at the property, which is clutch, but without wheels you’re pretty limited. The local bus runs, but it’s not exactly frequent. Oh, and if you’re coming in July or August, book early because apparently word is getting out about this place. That 9.6 rating isn’t an accident – Mikaela clearly knows what she’s doing, and you can tell in all the little details that most places just don’t bother with anymore.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $213. Villa with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 7

Reviews

• Richard from United Kingdom – 1 September 2024 (10/10)

  Ideal location on edge of village with easy walk to bars, restaurants and supermarket. Pool area was beautiful and great for kids. Interior was spacious and stylish with everything you need.
  
  What could be improved: Would have preferred an additional shower

• David from Israel – 5 August 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing house with everything you need.Lovely position Owners were amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Only one shower (but two toilets)

• Karen from United Kingdom – 27 June 2024 (10/10)

  Fabulous villa; me and my wife have just returned from a weeks stay and as well as tea, coffee, water and wine there was also lots of toiletries for us – shower gel, shampoo and also washing machine gel. Absolutely great hosts. Great pool area and comfortable beds, air-conditioning in each room. It's about a 10 walk to the start of town area and a 30 min stroll to the beach. Plenty of towels for pool and indoor. There were even mosquito plug ins.
  
  What could be improved: Although an pool shower outside. There was only 1 indoor shower. This wasn't a problem for just the 2 of us but I would imagine could be for more people.

• Leah from United Kingdom – 21 June 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely gorgeous property with everything you could wish for. Evi was such a lovely host and checked in frequently to ask if we needed anything. She also gave us so many recommendations for beaches, taxi services and sites which were wonderful.
  
  The beds were unbelievably comfy and AC really helped when it was a soaring 37 degrees outside! The pool is great and the sun beds super comfy. We had everything we needed from coffee, to shampoo and also dish washer tablets. The supermarket is only a short 10 min walk from the villa and there is a bus stop very close too. I 100% recommend to stay here if you are considering it!
  
  Thanks again for our wonderful stay ❤️

• Juris24 from Latvia – 30 October 2023 (10/10)

  A beautiful and well-equipped place with a pool, separated from the neighbors. Very kind hosts. Knowing that we would arrive late in the evening, they had prepared bread, cheese, sausage, butter, water and wine for our arrival, it was so sweet. Three bedrooms, spacious living room, kitchen equipped with everything you need, very convenient for family of 4. Very soft towels. We really enjoyed our stay and would love to come back again. Shops and cafes within walking distance.

• Kieran from United Kingdom – 1 October 2023 (10/10)

  Everything about the villa was amazing. The hosts were really helpful with booking anything and giving any information we asked for. The facilities are really nice and everything you would ever need is provided. We had a fantastic time and we would highly recommend staying here.

• J from United Kingdom – 28 September 2023 (10/10)

  Very modern and very clean. Great location just outside the heart of Afandou, walking distance for everything.
  The host was so friendly helpful and easy going, we will def be going back.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing to dislike

• Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 14 August 2023 (10/10)

  Mikaelas Pool house is an amazing villa. The pool is wonderful, The house has all the items you need for a great holiday. Hosts were exceptionally kind.

• Christian from Denmark – 19 July 2023 (10/10)

  Large well organized rooms. Plenty of space for all.
  Very nice pool area with both shade and sun spots.
  The hosts are very friendly and helpful. Any inquiries etc. was resolved very fast and without problems.
  
  What could be improved: There is really not much downside. If one really wants to be picky it is a bit (7-8 min walk) from the restaurants and supermarked. But for us, that was just a plus.

• Sheil from Ireland – 12 July 2023 (10/10)

  wonderful place to stay Evi and Filipos were wonderful hosts, they were so helpful and kind, I really could't recommend them enough
  
  What could be improved: it really was excellent,

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities