6 Best Hotels in Symi, Rhodes and the Dodecanese

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We've compiled the best of the best in Symi - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Aliki Hotel

$$ | Yialos waterfront, Yialos, 85600, Greece

This venerable building was the family home of George Gennimata, a crusading Greek politician during the 1980s, and is now a three-story, 19th-century mansion on the waterfront has guest rooms furnished with a tasteful mix of antiques and newer pieces—the best, of course, are those that face the water. The hotel's lobby has a high, colorful ceiling, and the rooftop provides an enviable port view. In good weather breakfast is served on a waterside terrace that doubles as a bar in the evening.

Pros

  • Lovely old house with plenty of atmosphere
  • Waterfront location
  • Beautiful terrace

Cons

  • Rooms are reached by a climb up steep stairs
  • No elevator
  • No parking
Yialos waterfront, Yialos, 85600, Greece
22460-71665
hotel Details
15 rooms; 2 suites
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Nov.–Apr., Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

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Asymi Residences

$ | Pedi Bay, Pedi Bay, 85600, Greece
This rather colorful arrangement of apartments lies spread-eagled along the waterfront as you enter Pedi Bay. Rooms are all wooden floors, white walls, and green-painted beams, making it all rather folksy-meets--Laura Ashley. Views look over the water, with balconies to sit out on as the sun dips. The bar and terrace makes a peaceful spot for an aperitivo, while Agios Nikoloas beach and the quiet harbor of Pedi Bay are just a short walk away.

Pros

  • Pedi Bay is a much more peaceful waterfront than Yialos
  • Agios Nikolaos beach is on your doorstep
  • Sunsets over the water are magical

Cons

  • It's a steep walk to the harbor
  • You're reliant on the bus
  • Its neighboring yards are a bit scruffy
Pedi Bay, Pedi Bay, 85600, Greece
22460-72300
hotel Details
17 apartments
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.--mid-Jun., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Emporio

$$$$ | Yialos, 85600, Greece
This elegant waterside retreat, formerly a private villa, was taken over a few years ago by the people behind another Symi’s property called The Old Markets. The two share a chef and a penchant for eclecticism. Rooms incorporate "found" items ranging from gate-post bedheads to rabbit-hutch bedside tables, while the luxurious cottage even has its own telescope for stargazing. It's a bit out of town, but that's the point. Private terraces and balconies afford solitude and fine views across the waters of Nimborio Bay, with day beds in the garden below. Stick around for a set-menu dinner and one of the best sunsets on the island.

Pros

  • The dining terrace boasts fine views over the bay
  • An on-site masseuse is available
  • SUPs and inflatable canoes can be used for free

Cons

  • It’s a 15-minute walk to town
  • Due to its limited number of rooms, it fills up quickly
  • Taxis don’t like to drive to Nimborio Bay
Yialos, 85600, Greece
69573-02565
hotel Details
5 rooms (1 cottage)
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Hotel Fiona

$ | Chorio, 85600, Greece

At this bright, cheerful perch on the hillside in Chorio, just about all the large, white-tile-floored rooms have a sea-facing balcony. Blue-painted furnishings are basic but comfortable, and the breezy decor is accented throughout with pastel fabrics. Breakfast, with yogurt and marmalade, is served in the attractive lobby lounge or on a cozy balcony.

Pros

  • Friendly service
  • Excellent views over the harbor far below
  • Simple and comfortable

Cons

  • Strenuous climb down and back up 400 steps to Symi Town
  • Reached only by foot
  • Rooms are quite basic
Chorio, 85600, Greece
22460-72088
hotel Details
17 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Niriides

$$ | Yialos, 85600, Greece

A small fishing village, about a mile from Yialos is the setting for a get-away-from-it-all retreat in pleasant colorful apartments surrounded by gardens. Rooms with lounges, kitchenettes, and balconies surround a newly refurbished communal terrace where drinks and meals are served as chillout music plays on repeat. Nearby is the only restaurant in the village, a pleasant taverna that serves at tables right on the beach. Minibuses head to Yialos every couple of hours for guests.

Pros

  • Wonderful relaxing atmosphere
  • Great hospitality
  • Beautiful rural location

Cons

  • Steps to get to rooms
  • Not within close distance to major sights of Symi
  • Bar-terrace can be a bit noisy
Yialos, 85600, Greece
22460-71784
hotel Details
10 rooms; 1 villa
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr., Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

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The Old Markets

$$$ | Kali Strata, Yialos, 85600, Greece Fodor's Choice
Symi's historic trading halls have been restored as a delightfully atmospheric inn where centuries-old surroundings are accented by stone floors and antiques. Wrapping a luxury stay around its protected walls was an act of sheer ingenuity. One room has been crafted from an old bakery, its stone oven transformed into a clever subterranean wet-room. The recent conversion of an adjacent Captain’s Mansion, the historic former home of a wealthy merchant, adds lighter, airier rooms (all pastel woods and four-posters) as well as an indoor pool, while dinner and breakfast on the terrace affords one of the more memorable views on the island. Simply the most luxurious, relaxing lodgings to be found on Symi.

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable accommodations, including a lavish suite
  • In-room massages can be booked
  • Fantastic views for dinner and breakfast

Cons

  • The market rooms can be a little dark
  • Steps to reach the hotel
  • No elevator
Kali Strata, Yialos, 85600, Greece
22460-71440
hotel Details
10 rooms (3 suites)
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts