Where are we?
The Old Town of Rhodes draws you in like a labyrinth: narrow cobbled alleys, Ottoman archways, cats napping in patches of shade in the afternoon heat. You will almost miss the entrance to Marco Polo Mansion. It is folded so seamlessly into the thick medieval walls that it feels less like a hotel than a secret. But then, through one of three unassuming doors, a world reveals itself: a burst of color and light, the kind of place that immediately draws you in.
The Story
More than two decades ago, the Italian artist Giuseppe Sala and his friend Effie Dede, a Rhodes native and co-founder of the Marco Polo Gallery, wandered into a derelict Ottoman mansion with a harem, a hammam and a lingering sense of past grandeur. It didn’t take long for them to know they had found a place to create something new.
Together with Effie’s husband, Spiros, they began a slow, respectful restoration. The limewashed walls were tinted with natural pigments, bricked-up windows were reopened and the rooms were returned to their original proportions. Local carpenters built furniture from catrani and Lebanese cedar, and old Ottoman pieces were salvaged.
Today, Marco Polo Mansion feels as if it has always been there, and after nearly three decades, it almost has, keeping a fine balance between past and present.
The Rooms
There are just nine rooms, each with its own mood and story, some at the front of the mansion, some at the back. High ceilings, arched windows, antique trunks, hand-painted tiles: “photogenic” is an understatement. A few rooms near the restaurant may pick up the gentle chatter of dinner service until midnight, but they are priced fairly for the small inconvenience.
The Restaurant
Enclosed by stone walls, the garden is the heart of the mansion, a green, fragrant courtyard where guests gather for slow breakfasts. At night, the same garden changes hats and becomes a lively restaurant, open to hotel guests and visitors alike and run by Effie’s son, Savvas. His passion for hospitality shows in his dedication to wine and in the creative seasonal menu. It was easily one of the best meals we had on the island. The spontaneous rhythm between the family and long-standing staff adds to the charm of the ambience.
The Experience
What makes this place truly unforgettable is the family. Effie is the soul of the house, a larger-than-life character who embodies everything Marco Polo stands for. Her presence is felt everywhere: in the warm hospitality, the aesthetic sensibility, the joyful welcome. Even the in-house shop, filled with block-printed clothes she picked up on her travels through India, bears her unmistakable touch.
Spiros, her husband, tends to the hotel and its guests with quiet dedication. Their son, Savvas, runs the restaurant and everything behind the scenes. When we arrived, Savvas helped with our luggage, Spiros showed us to our room, and Effie spontaneously invited us to a home-cooked lunch in the garden. Nothing felt formal, just natural, almost nonchalant.
Watching the family and their long-standing staff is like peeking into the heart of a Greek household. They move around one another like a fast-paced Ping-Pong match, teasing and laughing one moment, serving and fixing things the next. Above all, they seem to be having a lot of fun. No wonder Marco Polo Mansion has so many repeat guests, including a few high-profile ones who come for its unassuming charm.
The Island
Rhodes is an island of many faces: one of Greece’s busiest destinations, rich in history, culture and contradictions. Ancient ruins meet medieval fortresses, beach towns give way to wild hills, and touristy promenades coexist with untouched mountain villages. The Old Town, where Marco Polo Mansion sits, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, car-free, full of texture and tourists, and brimming with stories.
If you want to explore the rest of the island, just ask Spiros. He’ll sit down with you and share tips only a seasoned local knows, from peaceful beaches in the south to inland wineries and quiet monasteries, and mark it all on a map for you.
Ideal For
Travelers in search of soul. Lovers of history and of places with character. Couples, solo travelers, families or friends who want to slow down and stay awhile.
Getting There
Fly into Rhodes (RHO). From the airport or the port, it’s a short drive to the Old Town. Spiros will arrange a taxi that takes you and your luggage through the pedestrian zone right to the door, so you don’t have to drag suitcases over historic cobblestones.
Combine With
The best combination: Get to know Rhodes from Marco Polo Mansion, then head to Symi and 1900 Hotel, also a member of the Pretty Hôtels family.
Prices
Doubles from about 180 euros per night. Open from April to October.
Booking & Contact
Marco Polo Mansion
Agiou Fanouriou 40
85100 Rhodes Old Town
Greece
