Atrium Prestige Rhodes review: is this five-star resort worth it for families?

I have become increasingly particular about holidays as I’ve got older. There was a time when sunshine, a decent hotel and the prospect of a cocktail before lunch were enough to keep me happy. H and I could spend a whole afternoon beside a swimming pool, H occasionally moving his sunlounger to follow the sun. I didn’t need an itinerary, and didn’t feel obliged to visit every attraction within a 30-mile radius.

Then I had Cyrus, and holidays became more complicated. Travelling with a child is wonderful, but anyone who has done it knows that the word holiday can be a little misleading. You still have to locate missing shoes, negotiate over eating meals, apply sun cream to a moving target and answer 400 questions before breakfast. The scenery changes, the weather improves and somebody else does the washing up, but you’re still a parent, with all the responsibilities that come with it.

These days, I’m more interested in finding somewhere we can all enjoy without spending the week rushing about. Between work, school, the gym and everything else that fills an ordinary week, there’s quite enough organising going on at home. I love exploring new places with H and Cyrus, but I’ve reached an age when I don’t want to return from holiday needing another week off to recover.

So when we booked Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas, a five-star hotel near Lachania on the quieter southern coast of Rhodes, I was hoping for somewhere beautiful, with good food, comfortable accommodation and enough to keep Cyrus busy without having to consult an entertainment timetable every morning. I wanted to enjoy being away together, read a few pages of a book and just sit down without somebody asking what we were doing next.

It’s one thing to keep children entertained. It’s quite another to create somewhere the adults can enjoy themselves without spending every waking hour organising activities, meals and excursions.

We arrived at Atrium Prestige after dark, following a transfer of approximately an hour from Rhodes Airport. By that point, the novelty of travelling had worn off and we were all ready to find our room, unpack the essentials and go to bed. It is exhausting travelling as a family, especially when you’ve spent much of the journey keeping track of passports, luggage and a child who has already begun asking whether he can buy a Lilo and when he can go swimming.

The reception was quite a sight. Polished marble gleamed beneath the lights, the ceilings seemed to stretch upwards forever and everything had that immaculate, expensive appearance you expect from a proper five-star hotel. It was grand without being ostentatious, although I doubt any of us was in the mood to appreciate the finer points of Greek hotel architecture at that hour. We were tired, hungry and more interested in finding somewhere comfortable to sleep.

Then someone handed me a glass of Champagne, which improved matters considerably. It was cold, delicious and precisely what I needed after a long day of travelling. The staff were friendly and efficient, and checking in was refreshingly straightforward. I was also pleased to discover that we wouldn’t be wearing all-inclusive wristbands. I appreciate their practicality, but I’ve never been fond of spending a holiday with a band attached to my arm that gets grubbier by the day, especially when I’ve gone to the trouble of packing a few nice dresses.

With the formalities complete, we were taken by buggy through the resort to our garden bungalow. Even in the darkness, I could make out the landscaped grounds, paths winding between the accommodation and occasional glimpses of the illuminated swimming pools. The place felt peaceful, with none of the bustle I associate with some of the larger Mediterranean resorts. After the journey, that was a welcome change.

Our bungalow was spacious, comfortable and rather lovely. A bottle of red wine and a cold platter were waiting for us, which was a thoughtful touch considering how late we’d arrived. I was delighted that we could have something to eat without getting dressed and heading off in search of a restaurant. After travelling, the prospect of sitting down with a glass of wine while somebody else dealt with the food was enormously appealing.

The accommodation had its own patch of garden, giving us a little privacy and somewhere to escape the busier parts of the resort. Inside, everything was beautifully presented without feeling so precious that I worried about Cyrus touching anything. That matters more than you might think when travelling with children. I’ve stayed in hotels where the rooms look magnificent in photographs but are so full of delicate furnishings that you spend half your time making sure nobody goes near them. This was somewhere we could actually settle into for the week.

The minibar was another surprise. It was stocked with Coke, sparkling water, Pringles, protein bars and other refreshments, all included as part of our stay. There was something enormously satisfying about opening the fridge and helping ourselves without having to calculate whether a small bottle of water was going to cost more than lunch. It’s a minor detail, but one that makes life easier when you’re travelling with a child who regards snacks as an essential part of any holiday.

Cyrus, however, had found something far more exciting. The Whirlpool bath had immediately captured his attention, and within minutes he’d decided it was the finest feature of the entire hotel. Forget the landscaped gardens, the swimming pools and the beautiful Greek island waiting outside. He had a bath that produced bubbles, and nothing else was going to compete with that. I could hardly blame him. After years of family holidays involving various compromises over sleeping arrangements, bathroom space and where to put the luggage, having a proper bungalow with room to spread out felt wonderfully indulgent.

Atrium Prestige sits near Lachania, on the southern coast of Rhodes, away from the island’s busier tourist centres. The resort is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, with palms, flowering plants and winding paths connecting the accommodation, restaurants and swimming pools. Beyond the grounds, the sea stretches towards the horizon, and there is a sense of space that makes the hotel feel less crowded than many large resorts.

During the day, the gardens were full of birdsong, while the evenings brought a different collection of visitors. Lizards appeared along the paths and garden walls, and after dark there were frogs to investigate too. Cyrus was absolutely fascinated by them. Every walk through the grounds became a wildlife expedition, with frequent stops to inspect something disappearing into the undergrowth or scuttling across a wall. I rather enjoyed his enthusiasm, although I preferred the creatures to remain outside our accommodation.

It was lovely watching him become so absorbed in something that cost absolutely nothing. We spend a small fortune taking children to attractions and organising activities, yet give them a garden full of interesting creatures and they’re perfectly capable of entertaining themselves. Cyrus was quite content to investigate the local wildlife, and we often found ourselves stopping to look at something we’d otherwise have walked straight past.

The hotel itself was wonderfully peaceful. There was no relentless music around the pools, no crowds pouring through the grounds and no sense that we were expected to join organised activities from morning until night. For some people, that might sound a little too quiet. If you enjoy walking out of your hotel and finding bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and a lively resort centre, Atrium Prestige probably isn’t the place for you. We loved it, although I can understand why someone looking for a more traditional resort atmosphere might find the location rather isolated.

Breakfast is one of my favourite parts of a hotel holiday, although I’ve experienced enough all-inclusive buffets to know that they can occasionally resemble a competitive eating event. There’s always somebody building a small mountain of food on their plate, as though the kitchen might close permanently before they’ve had a chance to return for seconds. And I never quite understand the people who take six croissants, eat half of one and leave the rest behind.

At Atrium Prestige, the breakfast buffet was extensive but beautifully presented. There was fresh salmon, eggs, spinach, fruit, pastries, cereals and plenty of other choices, along with fresh juices and sparkling wine for anyone who fancied beginning the day in a particularly civilised fashion. I particularly appreciated the quality of the food and the more considered approach to portions. There was plenty available, but without the enormous piles of food that sometimes make hotel buffets look more like feeding stations than restaurants.

What really made breakfast special, though, was the staff. After the first couple of mornings, they remembered Cyrus and his usual ice bowl order. He was greeted with smiles, fresh juice and the sort of friendly attention that makes children feel important. It became a lovely little routine. We’d arrive for breakfast, Cyrus would be recognised by the staff and he’d settle down as though he were a regular at his favourite restaurant.

Those small gestures make such a difference when you’re travelling with children. A hotel can have the finest furnishings and most elaborate facilities in the world, but if the staff make your child feel welcome, that’s what you remember. Cyrus enjoyed the attention, and it made breakfast something we all looked forward to rather than simply another meal to fit into the day.

Lunch and dinner were equally enjoyable. We ate beautifully prepared fish, lamb and steak, along with dishes inspired by Greek cuisine. I particularly enjoyed discovering wines from CAIR, the Rhodes producer, which made a pleasant change from automatically ordering something familiar. H and I enjoy trying different food and wine, and having the opportunity to sit down together over a proper meal without worrying about cooking or clearing up was one of the pleasures of the holiday. At home, dinner often involves juggling everyone’s preferences, checking what’s in the fridge and deciding whether we can get away with something quick before the evening disappears. In Rhodes, somebody else had taken care of all that.

I’ve stayed in some beautiful hotels over the years, but expensive surroundings don’t always guarantee a particularly warm atmosphere. Some five-star establishments can feel rather formal, with staff so carefully trained in the art of hospitality that every interaction seems rehearsed. Everything runs smoothly, but you never quite feel comfortable enough to relax.

Atrium Prestige had none of that stiffness. The gardeners, porters and restaurant staff regularly greeted us with a cheerful kalimera, and there was a genuine friendliness throughout the resort. Cyrus was treated with particular kindness, something that always matters to me when we’re away. Children can sometimes be regarded as an inconvenience in expensive hotels, but that certainly wasn’t our experience here.

Katerina, the operations manager, was especially lovely with him. Her name appears frequently in reviews of Atrium Prestige, and I can understand why. She had a way of making guests feel that their comfort mattered, without hovering or turning every conversation into a formal customer-service exercise. On our final day, we were given access to a room with a private pool, which was a wonderful gesture and one that made the final hours of our stay particularly enjoyable.

Anyone who has travelled with children knows that the last day of a holiday can be rather awkward. You’ve checked out of your room, your luggage is packed and you’re left trying to fill several hours before the airport transfer arrives. Everyone is hot, tired and increasingly aware that the holiday is coming to an end. Having somewhere comfortable to spend those final hours made an enormous difference. We could enjoy the pool, relax and make the most of our remaining time instead of sitting around reception watching the clock.

Atrium Prestige has two large swimming pools, along with a quieter pool near the chapel. The pools are surrounded by sun loungers and landscaped gardens, with enough space to enjoy the sunshine without feeling that you’re sharing your afternoon with half the population of Rhodes. I particularly appreciated having a choice of places to sit. Sometimes we wanted to be close to the action, with Cyrus swimming and enjoying himself. At other times, I was quite happy somewhere quieter, preferably with a book and a cold drink.

And then there was the gym. Yes, I went to the gym while on holiday, although I appreciate that some people find this faintly ridiculous. Why spend time exercising when you’re on a beautiful Greek island, surrounded by swimming pools and restaurants? Surely the whole point of going away is to abandon your usual routine? But I genuinely enjoy working out, and having the time to exercise without rushing off somewhere afterwards is one of the things I appreciate most about being on holiday.

I’ve always loved fitness classes and strength training, and exercise has become increasingly important to me as I’ve moved through midlife. Between work, family commitments and the unpredictable business of perimenopause, going to the gym is one of the few things I do entirely for myself. At home, I often have to squeeze exercise into an already busy day. On holiday, I can take my time, enjoy a workout and then wander off for breakfast without thinking about emails, school arrangements or the washing machine.

The gym at Atrium Prestige was well equipped, with treadmills, free weights and plenty of space. I wasn’t there to follow a strict fitness programme or compensate for what I’d eaten the night before. I simply wanted to move because I enjoy it. There was something rather satisfying about finishing a workout and knowing that the rest of the day could involve swimming, eating and sitting in the sunshine. If only every gym session could end with a Greek breakfast and a view of the sea.

The resort also has a spa, kids’ club, playground, mini golf, table tennis and a giant chess set. There was enough to keep us occupied, although we never felt the need to work our way through every facility. Cyrus was perfectly happy swimming, exploring the gardens and enjoying the bungalow. H was equally content with the slower pace, and I could alternate between being active and sitting down with a drink. It was a very agreeable arrangement.

The beach beside Atrium Prestige is beautiful, although it’s worth knowing that the shoreline is partly rocky. There’s a more family-friendly sandy stretch nearby, but anyone expecting a vast expanse of soft white sand directly outside the hotel may be disappointed. Personally, I rather liked the rocks. The coastline felt more natural and less developed than some of the busier beaches I’ve visited, with clear water and lovely views across the sea.

One afternoon, I sat on the rocks with a cocktail and let the water wash over my feet. The sun was warm, the sea was calm and there was very little happening beyond the occasional wave breaking against the shore. I wasn’t reading, checking my phone or trying to work out what we should do next. I was simply sitting there, enjoying the surroundings and the unusual sensation of having nowhere in particular to be.

It was one of my favourite moments of the holiday, which probably says something about how my priorities have changed. When you’re constantly juggling work, family and the ordinary demands of life, it’s surprisingly rare to sit somewhere without thinking about what you ought to be doing next. Even on holiday, I can find myself mentally organising everyone else’s day. But for a little while, sitting beside the sea in Rhodes, there was absolutely nothing I needed to organise.

Although we were perfectly happy spending most of our time at Atrium Prestige, I couldn’t visit Rhodes without seeing a little more of the island. We booked the hotel’s recommended coach excursion to Lindos, around 45 minutes away. It was an easy way to explore without having to hire a car or work out the route ourselves, and it gave us a welcome change of scenery.

Lindos is one of the most recognisable places in Rhodes, with its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and ancient Acropolis overlooking the village. It’s the sort of place that appears on postcards and travel brochures, usually photographed from an angle that makes everything look impossibly beautiful. In reality, it is every bit as attractive, although rather hotter and hillier than the photographs suggest.

We wandered through the narrow streets, admiring the traditional buildings and exploring the little shops. The village has a lovely atmosphere, with white walls reflecting the sunlight and glimpses of the sea appearing between the buildings. We also walked uphill towards the Acropolis, which is where I began to appreciate the importance of sensible footwear. If you’re planning to visit Lindos, particularly in summer, take plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. The heat can be intense, and the uphill sections are not particularly forgiving if you’ve chosen your sandals for appearance rather than practicality.

It was worth the effort, though. Lindos gave us a chance to experience a different side of Rhodes, away from the polished surroundings of our hotel. I enjoy places with a sense of history, and there’s something wonderful about wandering through streets that have been part of everyday life for generations. We returned to Atrium Prestige by late afternoon, pleased that we’d made the trip but equally pleased to be heading back to the swimming pool.

Evenings at the resort were fairly relaxed, with a resident band playing requests, a Greek Night and a mini disco for younger guests. Cyrus wasn’t particularly interested in the mini disco, although plenty of other children seemed delighted by it. He was far happier exploring the grounds or spending time with us, which suited our evenings perfectly.

I liked the fact that the entertainment was available without being forced upon everyone. Some family resorts seem determined to keep guests occupied from the moment they wake up until the final song of the evening. There’s music around the pool, organised games, enthusiastic announcements and occasionally somebody with a microphone encouraging everyone to join in when all you really want is another glass of wine.

Atrium Prestige was much more restrained. We could listen to the music, enjoy the atmosphere and join in when we fancied it. Equally, we could disappear back to our bungalow without feeling that we were missing the main event. The quiet location made the evenings particularly pleasant, with no traffic, noisy bars or busy streets to negotiate on the way back to our room.

Atrium Prestige is a beautiful hotel, but I wouldn’t recommend it indiscriminately. Its peaceful location is one of its greatest strengths, although that same seclusion could be frustrating for anyone who enjoys exploring independently on foot. There are no busy resort streets immediately outside the hotel, and you won’t find a collection of bars, restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. If you want to see more of Rhodes, you’ll need to arrange excursions, use transport or hire a car.

The beach is another consideration. Although the coastline is attractive, the rocky sections may not suit families with very young children who want to spend their days building sandcastles and paddling in shallow water. I’d recommend packing water shoes if you plan to spend much time exploring the shoreline. The entertainment is also relatively gentle, so families with children who enjoy organised games, large water parks and constant activities might prefer somewhere livelier.

For us, those things weren’t drawbacks. We wanted a quieter holiday, and Atrium Prestige delivered exactly that. But I’d rather explain the hotel’s limitations than suggest it’s perfect for everyone, because the right resort for one family can be entirely wrong for another.

I would happily recommend Atrium Prestige to families who want the convenience of a luxury resort without feeling as though they’ve moved into a children’s entertainment complex for a week. The accommodation was excellent, the food was consistently good and the facilities gave us plenty of choice. More importantly, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome, and their kindness towards Cyrus was one of the things I appreciated most.

I also think it would be a lovely hotel for couples, particularly those who enjoy peaceful surroundings, good restaurants and spending time beside the sea. The spa, swimming pools and attractive grounds make it an appealing place to escape for a week. The main question is whether you enjoy a quiet holiday. If you want nightlife, busy streets and lots of independent exploring, I’d look elsewhere in Rhodes. But if your idea of a lovely holiday involves beautiful surroundings, good food and the freedom to spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing, Atrium Prestige is well worth considering.

Hotel: Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas

Location: Lachania, South Rhodes, Greece

Rating: Five-star resort

Nearest airport: Rhodes International Airport

Transfer: Approximately one hour

Accommodation: Rooms, bungalows, suites and villas

Facilities: Swimming pools, spa, gym, kids’ club, playground, mini golf, table tennis and evening entertainment

Beach: Partly rocky shoreline with a sandy stretch nearby

Nearby excursion: Lindos, approximately 45 minutes away by coach

Best for: Families, couples and anyone looking for a peaceful luxury holiday

Less suited to: Travellers wanting nightlife, a lively resort centre or restaurants and shops within walking distance

There are plenty of reasons why Atrium Prestige deserves its five-star reputation. The accommodation is comfortable, the gardens are beautiful, the food is excellent and the staff clearly take pride in looking after their guests. But when I think about our holiday in Rhodes, it isn’t the marble reception or the swimming pools that come to mind first.

I remember arriving tired and being handed a glass of Champagne. I remember Cyrus discovering the whirlpool bath and deciding it was the greatest thing he’d ever seen. I remember the restaurant staff greeting him every morning, the lizards scuttling around the gardens and H and I enjoying a glass of Rhodes wine over dinner. I remember going to the gym because I wanted to, rather than because I felt I ought to, and sitting on those rocks beside the sea with a cocktail in my hand.

There was nothing particularly complicated about our holiday. We swam, ate, explored a little and spent time together. Cyrus had his whirlpool bath, his swimming pools and his collection of lizards. H had good food, wine and some much-needed time away from the usual routine. And I had the rather unfamiliar pleasure of sitting down without immediately wondering what everybody else needed.

Would I return? Yes, particularly if I wanted another quiet family holiday rather than a week of sightseeing and busy evenings. Atrium Prestige won’t suit everyone, but it suited us, and that’s what matters when you’re spending your own money on a family holiday. Besides, any hotel that can keep a child entertained with a whirlpool bath and a few garden lizards, while his mother enjoys a glass of Champagne, is doing something right.

Do you prefer somewhere with activities and entertainment from morning until night, or would you rather escape to a quiet corner of Greece with a good book and a glass of wine? And if you’re a mum, have you ever returned from a family holiday feeling as though everyone had a wonderful time except you?

Occasional stories, experiments, discoveries and questions from Saffron & Cyrus.