Kokkini Porta Rossa: A Portal to Rhodes’ Rich Past
Immerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of Kokkini Porta Rossa, a boutique hotel meticulously restored from a 14th-century knight’s residence within the historic walls of Rhodes Old Town. This gem harmoniously blends medieval charm with contemporary elegance, offering an exquisite escape that transcends ordinary hospitality.
At Kokkini Porta Rossa, each guest is welcomed with heartfelt care reminiscent of a bygone era, fostering friendships amid an atmosphere of warmth and genuine affection. The hotel boasts six luxuriously spacious suites, each a masterclass in comfort and style, adorned with fine antiques, vibrant art, and dramatic, modern bathrooms. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the shining silverware and colorful courtyards to the meticulously curated pieces of history that grace the space.
Guests begin their days in the sun-dappled courtyard, where a creative, multi-course breakfast featuring the finest regional flavors awaits. Evenings reveal a softly lit garden setting, perfect for enjoying complimentary wines and shared stories under the stars, often accompanied by impromptu piano melodies.
Beyond the walls, Kokkini Porta Rossa serves as a gateway to Rhodes, offering tailored itineraries and insightful recommendations that ensure a deeply personal and unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of the island’s heritage and beauty.
What we liked the most
- Restored 14th-century knight's residence oozing historical charm
- Boutique luxury blending old-world aesthetics with modern comforts
- Heartfelt hospitality, reminiscent of visiting a cherished family home
- Spacious, exquisitely decorated suites offering ultimate relaxation
- Artful antiques and artifacts enrich every corner
- Colorful, serene courtyards perfect for unwinding
Photo credits and all rights reserved to: https://kokkiniporta.com/
Rooms Overview
At Kokkini Porta Rossa, six uniquely named suites—Katina, Orhan, Michalis, Irini, Deniz, and Gülbin—offer a blend of individual character and serene ambiance. Each space whispers tales of its 700-year legacy, enveloping guests in an atmosphere of tranquil light and quiet. Despite their distinctiveness, all suites share a warm, inviting essence, marrying historic charm with modern elegance.
Gülbin
Gülbin Suite, a two-level sanctuary for up to two guests, marries charm and elegance in its 46 sq.m. space. Featuring a loft bedroom with a convertible king bed, high ceilings, and a cozy sitting area with a large sofa, this suite’s unique decor includes a whirlpool bathtub and collectible mirrors, creating an enchanting retreat.
Deniz
Deniz Suite, an epitome of romance, spans 54 sq.m. across two levels, accommodating up to three guests. This suite features a distinctive wooden balcony, “hayat,” offering views of the sea, castle wall, and chapel entrance. The open-plan layout includes a loft bedroom with a romantically lit headboard and a living area enriched by the building’s original 13th-century wall.
Irini
Irini Suite, bathed in sunlight and elegantly spacious, accommodates up to four guests across its 54 sq.m. multi-level, open-plan layout. Featuring a master loft bedroom with adaptable king-size bedding and an adjacent loft with a single sofa bed, this suite also offers a large living area downstairs. The luxurious bathroom includes a freestanding bathtub and a rainfall shower, with views overlooking the serene garden.
Michalis
Michalis Suite, nestled within the ancient Knight’s house foundations from 1350, offers a 37 sq.m. sanctuary for two. This ground-level suite features a vaulted roof, stone walls, and an oakwood gate, encapsulating medieval charm. Its private garden, complete with a plunge pool and surrounded by aromatic herbs, provides a secluded retreat under the castle’s shadow.
Orhan
The Orhan Suite, comfortably accommodating up to three guests, spans 52 sq.m. on the ground floor. This suite features a silk-canopied king bed and an Art Nouveau headboard. Its luxurious bathroom boasts a freestanding bathtub and a rainfall shower. Guests can enjoy their own garden space under a century-old mulberry tree, blending accessibility with timeless elegance.
Katina
The Katina Suite, set on the first floor, hosts up to three guests in its 52 sq.m. of elegantly appointed space. This suite features a cozy fireplace in the living area and a king bed with twin options. Large south-facing windows offer views of the castle and Old Town, while the expansive bathroom boasts a freestanding bathtub and a rainfall shower.
Services and facilities
Taste the flavors
Breakfast
Begin each day at Kokkini Porta Rossa with a journey through Mediterranean culinary history. Enjoy a breakfast that surprises with dishes inspired by the grandeur of Greek mansions from Chania to Istanbul, lovingly prepared and presented to evoke memories and tastes of a bygone era.
Garden – Bar
As dusk falls, Kokkini Porta Rossa’s garden bar comes alive. Guests return from their adventures to refreshing mint lemonade or cold hibiscus tea, easing into the evening with the art of savoring Greek coffee. Nights unfold with favored wines, ouzo, and tsipouro, accompanied by traditional “mezé” of olives, cheese, and rusks—perfect for leisurely conversations under the stars.
About sustainability
Like the roots of the fig tree, the property is constantly addressing many sustainable tourism areas and excelling in most fields.
- 45% of energy needs met through solar systems for lighting and water purification
- Utilizes LED bulbs, energy-efficient equipment, and automatic light/AC control for conservation
- Eco-friendly transport with bicycles and cars, sourcing locally to minimize transportation mileage
- Committed to local employment, preservation of heritage buildings, and promoting regional culture
- Water-saving practices include a multi-stage filtration system and efficient irrigation techniques
- Waste management focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and redistributing resources
- Food sourcing prioritizes local, organic producers, minimizing waste and repurposing excess
- Gardens maintained with native plants, organic fertilizers, and sustainable water systems, supporting local biodiversity
Explore the location
Just 120 meters from St. John’s Gate, Kokkini Porta Rossa marks your entry into the historic heart of Rhodes Town with its striking red door and white balcony. This gateway leads you into the Medieval Town, a place steeped in the rich tapestry of history shaped by the Knights of St. John after their arrival in 1309. Here, the walls, the moat, and the bridges tell tales of sieges and resilience, standing as proud relics of the Knights' 200-year reign.
The character of Old Town is a palimpsest of histories, from the imposing battlements to the minarets that rose with the Ottoman conquest in 1522, transforming the skyline and introducing the evocative calls of the muezzin. These layers of history culminate in a vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Site, bustling with over 5000 residents and workers, its lifeblood flowing through narrow streets lined with grand wooden doors and the inviting aromas of the bazaar.
Today, Medieval Town offers a blend of past and present, inviting visitors to explore its rich heritage at numerous museums and historical sites while also enjoying the contemporary pleasures of music, cuisine, and lively market streets. Relax in quaint café courtyards, indulge in local mezé with ouzo, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere where every corner offers a story.