Olympic Palace Resort Hotel & Convention Center: Beach & Airport

Planning a stay at the Olympic Palace Resort Hotel & Convention Center? This guide answers the most common pre-booking questions using verified property data and guest reviews. Based on the hotel’s address at Iraklidon Avenue, Ixia (85100), this 5-star Rhodes resort earns an 8.5/10 aggregate score on Booking.com (182 reviews). The article covers distance to the airport, beach access, confirmed amenities, dining options, and recurring guest patterns—so you can weigh your options before booking.

Last checked: 2026-05-25

Hotel Class: 5-star · Location: Ixia, Rhodes, Greece · Private Beach: Yes · Notable Guests: President JFK, John Wayne

How far is the Olympic Palace from the airport and the beach?

Distance to Rhodes International Airport

The hotel sits on Iraklidon Avenue in Ixia, Rhodes, approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car from Rhodes International Airport. Multiple travel providers and guest reviews confirm the short transfer time. The property markets itself as conveniently positioned for arriving guests, and the westward location on Rhodes means the airport drive typically runs through less congested roads compared to eastern routes.

Proximity to Ixia Beach

The Olympic Palace occupies a seafront position on Ixia beach. According to the official website, the resort has a private section on Ixia beach—going further than listings that simply describe the property as “close to the beach.” This means hotel guests have a reserved area rather than sharing the full beach with outside visitors. The beachfront location places sun loungers and the sea within steps of the main building.

What this means: Guests prioritising minimal transit hassle and immediate beach access will find the Olympic Palace’s location works well for both airport transfers and seaside relaxation. The private beach section distinguishes this property from nearby hotels that only offer proximity rather than exclusivity.

Is the Olympic Palace Hotel a 5 star hotel?

Official Star Rating

Yes. The Olympic Palace Resort Hotel markets itself as a 5-star luxury hotel on its own website. The property description emphasises Greek hospitality combined with refined elegance and a curved architectural design with sea views. This self-classification is corroborated by independent booking platforms including Love Holidays and Travelmyth, both of which list the property at the 5-star level.

Guest Perception of Luxury

Aggregate review data supports the luxury positioning. Booking.com displays an 8.5/10 score based on 182 reviews, placing the property in the upper tier of Rhodes accommodations. Tripadvisor reviewers describe the facilities as “impressive” and note that the hotel is “modern, spotlessly clean and well maintained.” Travelmyth characterises the property as a “true 5-star hotel” with “exceptional facilities and amenities.”

Some reviewers flag areas for improvement. Hotels.com guests note that rooms and elevators may need a small renovation. Travelmyth mentions that “some guests reported issues with decor.” These individual critiques do not contradict the overall 5-star classification but indicate that maintenance standards may vary across specific rooms or facilities.

The pattern: The 5-star claim holds across official and third-party sources. Guest reviews broadly align with the luxury positioning, though minor maintenance concerns appear in a subset of reviews. Prospective guests checking recent photos of specific room types may help set expectations.

What amenities does the Olympic Palace offer?

Leisure Facilities

The resort provides multiple leisure options beyond the beach. Love Holidays lists tennis and billiards among the sports facilities. Evening entertainment includes themed dinner nights, a mini disco, and live music. The official reviews page on the hotel’s own website includes guest praise for daily swimming pool entertainment, confirming that organised activities are a regular feature. These offerings position the hotel for both couples seeking relaxation and families looking for structured entertainment.

Private Beach and Pools

The property operates three outdoor swimming pools and one indoor pool, according to Love Holidays. A spa centre offers massage, beauty treatments, and a Jacuzzi. However, access to the spa and indoor pool is restricted to guests aged 18 and over—a policy worth noting for families travelling with teenagers. The outdoor pool area receives consistent praise in guest reviews; Booking.com reviewers specifically call out that “the pool area is great.”

Hotels.com reviewers flag that the island side can be windy and that pool water may feel cold until later in the day—regional factors tied to Rhodes’ position in the Aegean. Expedia notes that the hotel beach does not offer food or drinks, unlike some neighbouring beaches. Guests who plan to spend full days by the sea should factor in the nearest beachside refreshment options outside the hotel.

Dining Options

The hotel operates multiple dining venues. Love Holidays confirms a buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside à la carte restaurants including Mexican cuisine. A lobby bar and rooftop bar round out the drinking venues. Guests staying a minimum of 7 nights receive two à la carte meals per stay in selected restaurants—a perk that applies when booking certain package types.

Branded drinks and specialty coffees carry an extra charge according to Love Holidays, a common practice at half-board or bed-and-breakfast rates. Seasonal variations, weather, occupancy levels, and the time of year can affect which restaurants are open, so guests should confirm dining availability upon check-in.

Guest reviews on Tripadvisor describe the buffet and à la carte restaurants as offering “excellent quality food,” while Booking.com reviewers note that “food options around the pool are good.” The combination of variety and guest satisfaction suggests dining is a strength of the property.

Are there restaurants at the Olympic Palace in Rhodes?

On-Site Dining Venues

Yes, multiple restaurants operate on the property. The main buffet covers all three daily meals, while à la carte options add variety. The Mexican restaurant and rooftop bar provide distinct atmospheres—one focused on cuisine, the other on views and cocktails. The lobby bar offers a more casual setting for afternoon or post-dinner drinks. For guests on all-inclusive or half-board packages, these venues are part of the inclusive offering, though some premium items carry additional charges.

Cuisine and Atmosphere

Greek gastronomy features among the dining highlights, consistent with the property’s positioning as a destination for experiencing Rhodes’ culinary identity. International options—Mexican cuisine among them—provide alternatives for guests seeking familiar flavours. The rooftop bar adds a scenic element not always available at beachside resorts, particularly during sunset hours common in the summer season.

What to watch: Restaurant availability fluctuates by season and occupancy. Guests with dietary restrictions or specific dining preferences should contact the property directly to confirm current offerings before arrival or upon check-in.

Staff and Service Quality

Guest reviews consistently highlight staff performance. The hotel’s own reviews page includes praise for staff who are “fantastic, always smiling, and saying hello.” Tripadvisor reviewers echo this, noting that “the staff were consistently attentive—nothing was ever too much trouble.” Booking.com reviewers add that “hotel facilities are good and very clean.”

The pattern: Across multiple platforms, service standards emerge as a standout feature. The combination of cleanliness, attentive staff, and daily pool entertainment suggests the property prioritises guest experience beyond physical amenities alone.

Getting There and Around

Rhodes International Airport (RHO) is the primary gateway, with the hotel approximately 10–15 minutes away by car or taxi. Taxi services in Rhodes commonly accept multiple payment methods, though cash is widely used. Private airport transfers can be arranged through the hotel or independent providers. Within Rhodes, car rental is useful for visitors planning to explore the island’s beaches, archaeological sites, and villages beyond Ixia. Local bus services connect Ixia to Rhodes Town and other coastal areas, though schedules may be less frequent outside peak summer months.

Alternatives Worth Considering

For travellers comparing options in the Ixia and Rhodes area, several comparable properties offer similar luxury resort features. Maleme Mare Beach Resort Hotel: Reviews, Photos & Prices provides a comparable Mediterranean beach resort experience on Crete, sharing the same resort-style amenity model with pools, dining, and beach access. Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel: In-Depth Review offers an in-depth review format with extensive spa and wellness facilities similar to the Olympic Palace’s convention-style amenities.

“The hotel facilities are good and very clean.”

— Verified Booking.com reviewer, guest

“The pool area is great and the food options are good around the pool too.”

— Verified Booking.com reviewer, guest