Akti Imperial Deluxe Resort & Spa Dolce by Wyndham

Located on the picturesque Rhodes Island, Greece, the Akti Imperial Deluxe Resort & Spa Dolce by Wyndham, situated at Ialisou, Ialisos 851 01, presents itself as a comprehensive hotel, convention center, and resort. User reviews offer a varied perspective on this establishment, highlighting both its strengths as a holiday destination and areas that warrant significant improvement.

The Positives: Staff Warmth, Impressive Pools, and Beach Access ✨

A consistent standout feature praised by guests is the exceptionally friendly and professional staff. Many reviewers noted their readiness to help, their warmth towards children, and the positive impact this had on their stay. Bar and waiting staff, in particular, received commendations for their service and ability to accommodate large groups.

The resort’s aquatic facilities are a major draw. The spacious, clean, and well-maintained pools, including an adults-only pool, a children's pool, and a family pool, were highlighted as perfect for unwinding and enjoying various activities like water polo. The private, pebbled beach, a short and lovely walk from the hotel, also garnered praise for its cleanliness, offering a beach bar with refreshments and comfortable beds.

Regarding dining, guests generally found the food to be good, with plenty of variety typical of an all-inclusive resort. Specific mentions include delicious and fresh options, enjoyable gyros at the pool bar for lunch, and the convenient self-pour wine and beer stations which helped avoid queues. Some rooms boast stunning sea views, and the hotel areas, including the rooms, were generally noted for being lovely and kept immaculately clean.

Other notable positives include a 5D cinema offering good value, a well-appreciated spa, and a rooftop bar preferred by some over the evening entertainment. The hotel's location is considered good by some for its proximity to beachfront restaurants and walkable areas, and its relatively short distance from Rhodes town by bus or taxi.

Areas for Improvement: Room Quality, Food Consistency, and Critical Incidents 🚧

Despite the positives, several significant concerns were raised, primarily concerning room quality and a serious first aid incident.

1. Room Comfort & Quality:

   • Mattresses: Multiple guests reported uncomfortable, worn-out mattresses, often consisting of two separate beds that slid apart, creating an uncomfortable gap.
   • Soundproofing: A major issue was poor soundproofing, with hallway noise and light penetrating rooms, and external noise (possibly from pool machinery) forcing windows to be kept shut.
   • Air Conditioning: While some rooms were fine, one guest experienced a non-functional AC upon arrival, leading to a room change where upgraded privileges were lost. Another review broadly stated a lack of AC.
   • Room Allocation: Family rooms were noted to be in a separate annex, sometimes overlooking car parks, with sea view requests reportedly dismissed by management. Rooms were generally described as basic, with limited storage space for larger families.

2. Food & Dining:

   • Repetitive Breakfast: The breakfast menu was reported to be exactly the same daily for a week, leading to repetitiveness.
   • Food Poisoning: A concerning incident involved two guests from the same party experiencing suspected food poisoning, including vomiting, highlighting potential issues with food safety.
   • While variety was generally good, some found the food "nothing outstanding."

3. Critical Incidents & Service Gaps:

   • Inadequate First Aid: A severe incident involved a guest breaking fingers in a sunbed. The hotel's first aid response was described as "completely inadequate," dismissive, and rude, requiring the guest to seek hospital treatment for stitches. This was a significant negative highlight.
   • Reception & Restaurant Staff Attitude: While bar staff were praised, the reception and main restaurant staff were described as exhibiting an "unwelcoming attitude" by one reviewer.

4. Other Facilities & Location Nuances:

   • Gym: The gym was noted to have significant issues, with much of its equipment being broken or very worn.
   • Children's Playroom: While appreciated, its accessibility was limited to specific two-hour slots, making it difficult for families to utilize consistently.
   • Elevators: Described as undersized, leading to long waits, especially for guests with strollers.
   • Hotel Ambiance: The lighting in some areas was perceived as cold and unwelcoming, contributing to a "cheap" feel.
   • Entertainment: While present, it was sometimes considered decent but not a highlight, resembling a children's club, and limited until 11 p.m. Seating options for entertainment were also scarce.
   • Location: While close to Rhodes town by bus/taxi, some found the immediate surrounding area lacking attractions, and local bus services were reported to be infrequent.

Final Thoughts: A Resort with Potential, But Inconsistencies Prevail

The Akti Imperial Deluxe Resort & Spa Dolce by Wyndham offers a beautiful setting with commendable staff service in many areas, excellent pool facilities, and convenient beach access. It can provide a fabulous holiday, particularly for large groups, and those seeking a relaxing beachfront stay.

However, prospective guests should be aware of reported inconsistencies in room quality, potential issues with food consistency (including a serious food poisoning claim), and concerns regarding the handling of guest incidents. While some found the location suitable, others felt it was less than ideal for exploring the immediate vicinity without relying on transportation.

Ultimately, while some guests had amazing stays and would definitely return, others experienced significant drawbacks that led them to not recommend the hotel, citing a disconnect between the 5-star rating and the actual guest experience in certain areas. It's a resort with strong positives, but some critical areas require attention to consistently meet guest expectations.

I stayed at the Akti Imperial Deluxe Resort & Spa Dolce by Wyndham for a week in early April. While the weather was a mix of wind, rain, and sunshine, I enjoyed my overall experience. However, be prepared for an unexpected €15 per day tourist tax at check-in, totaling €105.Location and RoomThe resort is ideally located with a private beach accessible via an underground walkway, avoiding a busy main road. Bus services to the Old Town and Elli Beach take about 20 minutes, and it’s only a 25-minute drive from Rhodes Airport.We booked the family annex, which had pull-out beds rather than two separate rooms. The room was clean, with fresh towels daily, ample storage, and a free safe and mini bar.Hotel and EntertainmentThe hotel is quite large and felt empty, likely due to the early season. Unfortunately, evening entertainment was lacking, with only kids' shows and karaoke. Many guests resorted to playing Uno in the lobby, and some even brought a boombox for makeshift entertainment.Food and ServiceThe staff were friendly and attentive, providing good service around the pool and lobby. The buffet dining hall had a decent selection, but it became repetitive after two days, and there were often queues for seating.Nearby AttractionsNearby attractions, such as the Old Town of Rhodes and Elli Beach, are easily accessible by bus.ImprovementsEvening entertainment needs improvement—live music or engaging activities would enhance the experience.ConclusionIn summary, while the Akti Imperial Deluxe Resort & Spa Dolce by Wyndham offers a great location and friendly service, the lack of evening entertainment and repetitive dining options diminished my overall enjoyment.

We really enjoyed our stay here - mostly due to location, helpful staff and great selection of food and drinks.The buffet has a great selection everyday (lots of fresh fruits and salads as well as cooked meats and veg etc.) The restaurants are kept super tidy and organised - they run a tight ship and staff are clearing and refilling constantly which is great. We enjoyed having the choice of locations to dine in everyday too.Location is perfect. Our hotel transfer took 20 minutes and you can catch a bus to Rhodes centre from outside the hotel which only takes 20 minutes too.The staff were always attentive and helpful, always making an effort to talk to guests and entertain children.The entertainment is ok - a short kids disco and then a show a little later in the evening.Unfortunately the outdoor pools are not heated so it was wasted on our toddler. There is 1 warm indoor pool that can be quite busy. We were told to be quiet as our toddler was laughing but there were adults talking loudly and drinking alcohol in the pool so that was odd.We found the spa staff very overbearing, everyday trying to sell us something and acting like our best friend but then being quite rude as soon as we declined. The spa itself is not very luxurious and quite overpriced compared to high end UK spas.

The hotel was good. Staff we encountered were all very polite and they do not stop!! They work so hard and have very long days so don’t be a prick if staying at the hotel. Our room was clean every day and fridge restocked. The restaurant has decent food, you will find something to eat and worth a stroll around. Breakfast gets very cold quickly so work in pairs! In the evening there can be a very long queue on/off, depends on how busy the hotel is. Be prepared to wait, luckily ours was no longer than 15 minutes (3 of us), however if you’re in a large group the wait will be longer as it’s not easy trying to get tables together, again depends on how busy it is. Split your party if needs be.Our weather was crazy, was warm second half of the week so we hired a car for 1 day (Rhodes Car Rental..deliver car to hotel, book for 8-8 as it’s cheaper than 9-9. Meet in reception then leave keys behind reception they sort it out) worth it for a drive to Old Town. It’s a very beautiful island. There’s not a lot near the hotel, main road turn left there’s a couple shops/bars.There is a tunnel to the beach, lots of seats and a bar but very stoney.There was no evening entertainment until Wednesday, it wasn’t bad. There is a Sports Bar behind Oliver’s Bar, go through grey metal gate to the right of the small church shows most football, opens at 4pm. (If not your team F.B.I’s down the road will.) The Loungebar was a nice place to chill, could have more seats or room for a band when the weather is bad. It leads to a veranda which has a good view.The pools are beautiful, however very cold at this time of the year, but people were in them when it got warmer. The indoor pool was not heated. Didn’t use the spa, however this is where you pick up your towels to use poolside at 10am.They offer to keep your room for €65 if leaving on a later flight. Originally we were told we could use the showers in the gym, however there is no lock on doors. Luckily we spoke to a different member of reception staff (we’re going to pay €65) and they told us there is a room you can use free of charge to shower and get ready. You must book 2 days before departure. Also you can’t stay any longer than allocated time as we were walking out and had a Phonecall as a reminder.There is a locker room you can leave your luggage, €1 for small locker, €2 for larger one you don’t get the money back.

I stayed last week with my teenage sons and we loved it! We ate different food every day in the main restaurant and it was always delicious. Staff were all friendly and helpful and the sea view room was lovely. I can't wait to come back. As now is the beginning of high season, the tourist tax is €15 per room per night. Bus stops are outside the hotel, bus fare is €2.50 single fare and you pay on card.

This is a nice hotel.The outside areas are spotlessly clean and the pools are great.The issue was the noise in the bedrooms. There was road noise almost constantly, now our room was facing the road but we were on the 5th floor but it was load with doors shut. You could also hear next door snoring and upstairs using the shower. Kind off took the shine off what they say is a 5 star hotel.The food was good and plenty of choice but the queue to the main restaurant was very long at times.We went in April at Easter time and it wasn't full, so in high season I expect it would be worse.Overall though a good place to stay.