Review: Family Bliss And 5-Star Magic In Glorious Greece

Looking to escape the crowds? As the world feels ever smaller, we look at one of the top untapped travel destinations for 2023 – the Atrium Prestige Hotel in Rhodes, Greece.

Our Experience

As we began our hour-long transfer journey to the Atrium Prestige, I couldn’t help but reflect on my days as a travel writer. It means I look more closely, listen more clearly and taste more carefully these days. Could be a sign I’m getting older too that I continually reflect on what I’m experiencing.

VIP Treatment

Having stayed at so many hotels in Rhodes and beyond over the years. I knew the quality I was expecting from the Atrium Prestige. However, what our little family received was far superior than anything I’d ever experienced on the island.

Captivating Atmosphere

On arrival it was almost as if someone had flicked a switch. It was so quiet and calm that I felt as if I was spending a night on a remote island where no one was supposed to be. There were no tavernas, no discotheques, no pleasure boats at anchor. Nor were there windmills, goatherds or even the chirp of a cricket!

Bubbles On Arrival

We selected the Prestige on the recommendation of Trip Advisor reviewers, who had raved about its operations manager, Katerina, the neatly manicured gardens and top quality food.

On arrival at midnight, we entered the gleaming marble reception area to be warmly welcomed by the night manager with a glass of bubbly. Despite opting for an All-Inclusive Premium deal, there were no tacky wristbands to have to wear for the duration. This was five-star after all. The icy bubbly washed down remarkably well after our hourlong drive from Rhodes airport.

Stunning Surroundings

Champers in hand, we were quickly checked in and escorted by buggy to our hotel room which was in the beautifully maintained garden area of the hotel. With 19 different room types across the accommodation, we knew we were in for a treat. Little C spotted a stag and it’s offspring en route to our accommodation which was a beautiful sight.

Whirlpool Bathing

There was such a vast selection of bungalow style rooms. Once inside, our son made a beeline for the indulgent whirlpool bath. My husband and I made straight for the complimentary bottle of red wine and cold platter that had been lovingly left for us free of charge.

Free Mini Bar

The free mini bar was also stocked with all kinds of beverages. Coca Cola, lemonade, orangeade, soda water, sparkling water, still water, red wine, white wine, Pringles and protein bars. There was something for everyone. Streaming sunlight awakened our little family on our first day as I forgot to close the curtains, so we hit the gymnasium.

Friendly Faces

As we walked there, we were warmly welcomed with ‘kalimera’ from the groundsman, the cleaners, the porters. Whether they were mopping the path, emptying the rubbish or just starting work, there was a real family feel to this hotel.

Something Special

The Prestige’s neat rows of white and blue bungalows cascade down the hillside and make for stunning surroundings. Despite the hotel being 14 years old, everywhere feels new and freshly painted.
As we worked out with our son in tow, he was fussed over by the cleaning team, given fresh orange juice and water every morning – much to his delight!

Well-equipped Gym

The gym equipment was decent and there was always a plentiful supply of fresh towels too. Alongside free weights, there were treadmills, bikes and weights machines and also decent space for stretching and warming up.

Relaxed Atmosphere

Breakfast was no exception as we were warmly greeted and asked where we would like to sit. There was no strict regime. In fact, there was a very relaxed atmosphere and the staff went above and beyond when it came to my son’s drinks. They brought him his own little bowl of ice every day for his glass of water which impressed him immensely. It’s the simple things sometimes.

Less Food Waste

The breakfast selection included fresh salmon and bubbly every day which was sheer indulgence. I opted for spinach and eggs most days, but the choice was endless and everything was really fresh. We noticed bowls were kept small on the buffet – so there was less food waste – a great touch in this day and age. As we left, each waiter wished us ‘kalimera’ again whether or not they’d been serving us. Such politeness! Although we observed that some guests could learn a thing or two from this very patient team of people.

Sandy Beaches

The winding path from the main hotel takes you down to a uncrowded, rocky beach with an adults only area alongside a family orientated sandy stretch. Our first stop. As we sat on the rocks, cocktail in hand, with waves lapping over our feet, nothing seemed to move but the sunlight, shimmering and glinting off the rocks. It was as if time stood still at the Prestige.

Elegant Hotel

Beach showers were really good quality and high pressure and there was a hot tap too! I am usually bitten by mosquitoes by this point, but for some reason I didn’t get one bite on this holiday. There weren’t the usual creepy crawlies either, and thankfully, no wasps. Inside the main hotel, pretty mosaics with metallic tiles adorned the floors and glass lifts.

Open Air Theatre

There were terracotta pots and planters neatly lining walkways and each open area flowed seamlessly into the next. We discovered an open air theatre used for weddings and a good selection of treatments on offer at the spa. The gym sessions also stopped us feeling guilty about all the culinary delights and evening bottle of Cair Knights Cellar – our absolute favourite tipple which we were delighted to see was part of the all-inclusive deal we were on.

Pool Bar and Terrace

There was a pool bar and terrace with brightly coloured orange and green chairs and elegant pergolas with chiffon sky blue curtains and cream silk cushions. Attention to decor and detail was everywhere. The heat hung in the air, smothering the palms and planted areas during the day, but the gardener was always on hand to ensure everything was well watered. This was a man truly passionate about his work and the planet. He spent hours, pruning, trimming and planting.

Walk On The Wild Side

Occasionally we’d spot frogs and a dusty brown lizard in the garden area late at night that would scuttle from one shadow to another. This was an absolute delight for our seven year old son. One of our highlights was time spent in the main ala carte restaurant thanks to Jani and the team who looked after us so very well.

Life In Rhodes

The team of waiters moved from kitchen to terrace like men who never waited, never worried about time, wiping off the tables, bringing wine, then calamari, fried potatoes and salad. They all talked animatedly with us about life in Rhodes, children, family and their background which was lovely. It’s good to build relations and learn new cultures to prevent you feeling like you’re ‘just’ another tourist.

Beyond The Terrace

Beyond the terrace, we looked out to the poolside, in the light and heat, it seemed like another world. A quaint little white-washed chapel lies on an island surrounded by a smaller, second swimming pool in the midst of an olive grove. This was the quieter of the two pools and more relaxing for those without young children. Outside the hotel’s exterior the setting sun cast the walkways in orange-pink light, and on an evening, the gardens seemed to take on a strange life of their own.

Flowers Of Every Shape

It was an intense timelessness with flowers of every shape and colour to admire en route back to our room. A figure appeared as we walked down the hill from the main hotel and we exchanged smiles. She was excitedly chatting to guests in all languages, swapping from one to the other so naturally. This was Katerina. We knew it was her without even checking out her name badge!

Ouzo And Meze

After this point, she made it her mission to look after us as much as she could talking of Ouzo, meze and inviting us on a tour of the more luxurious rooms. As we had a night flight, she surprised our son with a room and his own private pool for our last day – this was an absolute joy for him. A lovely heartfelt touch. He was elated and lapped up every minute.

Feast Fit For A King

During our stay, we feasted on fish, lamb, steak, rice, tomatoes and cucumbers across all four of the hotel’s fabulous restaurants. Everything was just perfect. Special mention to Jessie in the main restaurant and bar and Voula and Petros in the pool bar. The poolside team was so attentive to our needs – they never stopped and nothing was too much trouble.

Family Feel

Despite its vast scale, the Prestige has not lost its family feel. Everyone working long hours – but always with a smile on their face. They all know each other or are related and that is worth it’s weight in gold for such a big hotel. If you do get wanderlust, there is a bus stop outside the hotel with a coach to take you to Lindos, Rhodes town or Prasonisi beach for surfing.

Trip to Lindos

We opted to travel to Lindos which is around a 45-min one-way trip on an air conditioned coach, which was quiet. After walking to the Acropolis and trailing back down via its selection of winding white-washed shops, we left Lindos at 2.10pm and were back by the pool at around 4pm. It was a good day out – recommended by the hotel’s reception team.

Entertaining The Children

If you need to entertain small children at the hotel, there is a playground, kids’ club, indoor kids’ pool, two outdoor swimming pools, mini golf, table tennis, tennis courts, basketball and a large garden-sized chess set, which proved fun for us! There was also mini discos each night in the main bar, but our son was not having any of that. For the adults, daytime offered a variety of sports, including beach volleyball and circuit training which we didn’t have time to try.

Resident Rock Band

By night, the resident rock band was a real treat – happy to do requests too! Great guys. The Greek Night was also fantastic fun – really uplifting entertainment in a light, airy venue. We can’t thank the team at The Prestige enough for their passion, commitment and energy – catering for anything we asked for, at any time. Our cleaning lady whose son worked in the beach bar was a delight. She always left our son a little floral surprise on his bed each day.

Final Thoughts

My final thoughts about the Prestige is simply to beware as staying here too long, you won’t want to leave. I think I now need to ask for directions back to real life! We will definitely be back next year.

Top Tips for Your Prestige Family Getaway:

1. Early Check-In, Early Fun: Secure the perfect family-friendly bungalow with an early arrival. The early bird undoubtedly gets the comfort nest.
   
2. Kid-Friendly Breakfast Goals: Breakfast is a real treat, especially for the little ones. Let them indulge in the buffet, but remember, moderation is key.
   
3. Beach Day, Your Way: Tailor your beach day to suit both kiddo-approved sandcastles on the family-oriented stretch and adult serenity in the adults-only zone.
   
4. Late Night Garden Quest: Take a late-night stroll in the magical gardens. Discover frogs, lizards, and perhaps even encounter Katerina, the hotel’s superstar operations manager.
   
5. All-Inclusive Perks: Opt for the All-Inclusive Premium deal for a wristband-free experience. And yes, let the kids raid the mini-bar – for happy kids make for a happy holiday!
   
6. Bus to Lindos Fun: Choose the air-conditioned bus over taxis for a family chariot to Lindos. Being first on board? An added bonus to avoid the classic “are we there yet” meltdowns.

Prices for a Prestige Family Getaway:

Note: Prices are correct at the time of travel and may have changed.

1. Room Rate: Starting from £250 per night. Early booking ensures more savings and room choices.
   
2. All-Inclusive Fun: Add £100 per night for the All-Inclusive Premium. Kids will relish the perks, and so will your wallet.
   
3. Private Pool Upgrade: Feel a touch of luxury for an additional £50 per night, granting you a room with a private pool. Splash time, family-style!
   
4. Kid-Friendly Excursions: Plan £30-£50 per kiddo for exciting day trips. Family adventures, as they say, are priceless!

Date of Stay: August 2023. We flew with a Jet2 Premium All-Inclusive Package

For more travel reviews, check out our family trip to Corfu here.