A magnificently restored 15th-century Ottoman mansion within the walls of Rhodes medieval Old Town, with only 10 individually decorated rooms filled with antiques, kilims, and original artworks. The lush garden courtyard and warm hospitality make this one of the most memorable places to stay in Greece.
Marco Polo Mansion is an exceptional boutique hotel and restaurant occupying a meticulously restored 15th-century Ottoman mansion within the medieval walled city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the South Aegean. The property is located on Agiou Fanouriou Street in the historic Jewish Quarter, roughly 200 metres from the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes and within easy walking distance of the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Suleiman Mosque.
The mansion dates from the period of Ottoman rule on Rhodes (1522–1912) and retains original architectural features including barrel-vaulted ceilings, stone archways, and thick defensive-grade masonry walls that keep interior temperatures naturally cool through the summer. A careful multi-year restoration preserved the authentic fabric while introducing discreet modern comforts.
The hotel offers just ten individually named and decorated guest rooms, each furnished with a personal collection of antiques, kilims, handwoven textiles, original artworks, and objects accumulated from across Greece and the Ottoman world. No two rooms are identical; the aesthetic combines historical depth with an idiosyncratic cultural richness uncommon in the Aegean hospitality landscape.
The centrepiece of the property is a lush walled garden courtyard planted with roses, jasmine, and mature citrus trees — a rare private garden within the densely built Old Town walls. A restaurant serving traditional Greek and Ottoman-influenced cuisine operates in the garden during summer. Breakfast, included in most rates, is served in the garden or by arrangement in-room.
Service is intimate and personal, typical of a carefully maintained owner-operated property. The owners are deeply knowledgeable about Rhodes's layered Hellenic, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman history and can recommend hidden archaeological details, artisan workshops, and local dining spots known primarily to island residents. The Old Town is entirely pedestrianised; the nearest car parks are outside the medieval walls.
Amenities
- garden courtyard
- wifi
- antique furnishings
- library
- terrace
Location
Agiou Fanouriou 42, Old Town, 851 00, Rhodes
36.4432, 28.2259 View on map
Highlights
- Ten individually decorated rooms in an authentic 15th-century Ottoman mansion within Rhodes's UNESCO World Heritage medieval city
- Rare private walled garden courtyard with roses, jasmine, and citrus trees within the densely built Old Town
- Collection of antiques, kilims, and original artworks creating a genuine sense of historical residence
- Steps from the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Archaeological Museum
- Garden restaurant serving Greek and Ottoman-influenced cuisine in summer
Tips for visiting
- Rhodes Old Town is pedestrianised; guests arriving by car should park at the New Town car parks near D'Amboise Gate and walk in with luggage
- The mansion's thick stone walls keep rooms naturally cool even in July and August, but air conditioning is also available
- Book garden restaurant tables early in the evening as seating fills quickly in peak season
- Explore the Old Town lanes at dawn — the cobbled streets are crowd-free before 9 am and dramatically atmospheric in early morning light
- Ask the owners for their personal recommendations; their knowledge of Old Town history and local dining is unmatched
When to visit
April through October offers the best conditions; May, June, and September provide warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak and a more relaxed Old Town atmosphere.
Accessibility
Marco Polo Mansion is a 15th-century building with uneven stone floors, narrow doorways, and steep internal staircases; the property is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with significant mobility limitations, as these constraints are inherent to the historic fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Marco Polo Mansion suitable for families with children?
The property's intimate, antique-furnished rooms and medieval setting are more suited to adults and older children with an interest in history. Young children may find the uneven stone floors and narrow staircases challenging.
Does Marco Polo Mansion have a swimming pool?
There is no swimming pool. The property offers a garden courtyard for relaxation; the nearest swimming is at the public beaches adjacent to Rhodes Old Town walls, a short walk away.
Is Marco Polo Mansion open year-round?
The mansion typically operates a seasonal calendar from approximately April through October. Guests should confirm availability directly for winter stays.
How do guests access the mansion from the Old Town gates?
The mansion is approximately 300 metres from the Pili Agios Athanassiou gate on the southern side of the Old Town. The team provides precise directions and can arrange luggage assistance from the nearest accessible entry point.