Casino Rodos - Grande Albergo delle Rose

How would one describe Rhodes?  The island of the knights, the emerald island, the island of the sun?   An architectural symphony of breathtaking buildings and landmarks?  Perhaps it could all be summed up in one simple word: magic. This mysterious quality of enchantment can be felt in its luscious forests, on its golden beaches, on every street corner and in every “medieval” alley. A crossroads of nations and civilisations, Rhodes cast its spell on all: Phoenicians, Dorians, Persians, Venetians, Knights of St. John and Turks, just to name a few.  They all left their mark.

The final battle for this corner of paradise took place in 1912 between the Turks and the Italians, bearing a new period of occupation that lasted until 1947, when Rhodes was incorporated into Mother Greece

In 1924 he commissioned the design of a deluxe hotel by the Venetian construction company, SAGAR, probably the largest of its kind at the time.  The architectural trend during this period was a combination of Byzantine, Arabian, Ottoman and Venetian lines and was thus applied to this structure.  The construction was undertaken by the company G. SPAINI – M. URBAN

On the 26th of March 1925 construction began and after a little more than two years, on the 24th of May 1927, the spectacular inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of local authorities and important personalities from Italy and Egypt.

A legend was born.

This masterpiece was named the Grande Albergo delle Rose, Italian for Grand Hotel of Roses, attributing its name to the glorious rose garden found on its premises.  Rhodes had acquired one of its most historic and symbolic structures, being the allegro of the unique architectural composition. Needless to say, the hotel contained the best that technology had to offer, the finest furniture from famous houses such as PUCROT, ZANIOL and PALEARI, and the most sought after comforts and amenities, as well as a casino that was officially opened in 1929.

On the 22nd of November 1936 a new commander of the Dodecanese was appointed.  Cesare Maria de Vecchi Conte di Val Gismon was not very fond of the architectural design that his predecessor used and demanded that immediate renovation be done on all buildings. This, of course, applied to the Grande Albergo delle Rose, being subjected to a more modest and simple line called, “rurale”, similar to its present form.

In 1937, the hotel’s administration was taken over by the Italian hotel company, SAVIA and the casino was taken over by the companies SAN REMO and CAMPIONE (still in existence today).

The Grande Albergo delle Rose was christened the “Dream of the East”, as it became the top attraction of the international jet set of the time.

Eleftherios Venizelos, Aristotle Onassis, Constantine Karamanlis, George Papandreou, Tito, Winston Churchill and Moshe Dayan are but a few of the great names to have graced the halls of the hotel with their presence.  Many historic events took place at this hotel, one of the most important being the signature of the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948.

After the incorporation of the Dodecanese into “Mother Greece”, the Grande Albergo delle Rose offered its services to the Greek State.  In September 1955 its administration was given to the company Astir S.A and then eventually conceded to the Municipality of Rhodes. A glorious and enviable era came to an end when the doors of this hotel were closed in the mid 1970’s.

Casino Rodos S.A. eventually undertook its usage in the beginning of 1999, promising to give back the glamour, beauty and distinction that it epitomised in the past. This promise was upheld with the rebirth of the legend, the Grande Albergo delle Rose, which will certainly create a new era for itself by continuing on the same brilliant path of the past and uphold the revolutionary standards that it has set for the service and tourism industry.

Located in the historic setting of the Grande Albergo delle Rose building, Casino Rodos offers the excitement of its 34 gaming tables and 300 slot machines. Casino Rodos and the Grande Albergo delle Rose boutique hotel complex is situated in Rhodes town, found on the northern tip of Rhodes Island, Greece. It is only a 15-minute drive from Diagoras International airport and a five-minute drive from Rhodes harbour.

Guests will go home saying that they have stayed in “Aphrodite”, in “Athena”, in “Odysseus” or in “Apollo” as the 33 suites have borrowed their names from Greek mythology.

Each immaculate Suite contains a Jacuzzi, DVD Player with a selection of over 100 films, Satellite & Cable television, Maxi Bar, personal Safe, Air-conditioning, and lighting that is fully adjustable, to suit the mood. The Suite is discretely refreshed each time the guest exits. The scent of fresh roses lightly fragrance the Suite, while a daily replenishment of luscious seasonal fruit tempts a guest’s taste buds. A guest will be taken one step closer to total relaxation by making use of the complete bath care range from the house of Bvlgari, which is available in every Bathroom.

The pinnacle of the Hotel’s services is certainly that of the personal Butler. This attentive, tactful person will willingly and promptly serve the guest 24 hours a day. From the minute that a guest arrives at the Hotel until the minute that he leaves, the Butler will anticipate every need and fulfil each and every desire. He will see to room service, the prompt laundering of guest’s clothing, housekeeping, and will ensure that the guest wants for nothing throughout the duration of his stay.

The Imperial Suite : The imperial suite can be described as noble and exquisite, being the epitome of true luxury. Breathtaking design and decor, and endless views of the Aegean Sea and Rhodes town surely enhance the pleasure of being accommodated in this glorious suite. With an area of 138m², this spacious suite offers a dining room, lounge, master bedroom, guest bedroom, and two full en-suite bathrooms. It further extends onto a 200m² balcony, perfect for private functions. The imperial suite facilities are :

• Private elevator
• Swivel large-screen television system with surround sound & headphones
• In lounge & dining room
• Plasma television in master bedroom
• Television in guest bedroom
• Cordless telephone & personal fax machine

The King Suite: The enchantment of the Grande Albergo delle Rose can be felt in beautiful hues of blue, being the colour of choice for the décor of this spectacular suite.  The soft sound of waves and the uninterrupted sea views cause a sense of serenity. Spaciously designed (79m² in area),  it consists of an open-plan lounge and dining room, a bedroom with a full en-suite bathroom, and a walk-in closet. The King' Suite facilities are :

• Plasma television system with surround sound & headphones
• Large-screen television in bedroom
• Cordless telephone & personal fax machine
• Fully customisable lighting

The Queen Suite: Whether looking out over the Aegean sea or the beautiful town of Rhodes, each of our five queen suites have been impeccably designed to suit every guest’s need and desire.  Ranging in dimension from 51 – 74m², each suite consists of an open-plan lounge and dining room, a bedroom with a full en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet .All of  the Queen Suite contains :

• Plasma  television system with surround sound & headphones
• Satellite & cable television & radio channels
• Cordless telephone & personal fax machine

The Grand Suite: Nine magnificent grand suites of varying dimensions (44 – 58m²) have been meticulously designed in hues of either yellow, red or blue, each with its own character and charm. The suites offer a lounge and bedroom with a full en-suite bathroom, emphasising luxury and discretion.  Guests may choose between sea view or town view. Each of nine Grand Suites contains :

• Large-screen television system with surround sound & headphones
• Cordless telephone & personal fax machine

Junior Suite: Cosily designed with all the comforts and amenities one can desire, each of the 10 junior suites encompass the high standards of the Grande Albergo delle Rose.  Endless views of the sea or Rhodes town are combined with brilliant colour schemes of red, yellow or blue.   The suites offer a lounge and a bedroom with a full en-suite bathroom within a ranging area of 35 - 45m².The  Junior Suites are equipped with the following facilities :

• Large-screen television system with surround sound & headphones
• Cordless telephone & personal fax machine

Classic Room: Any of the six classic rooms makes for the perfect choice for a romantic getaway from the everyday routine.  The rooms, ranging between 23 – 29m², comprise of a large bedroom with a full en-suite bathroom and sitting area.  Uninterrupted sea or town views add to the charm of delicate décor. The facilities of the Classic Rooms are :

• Large-screen television system with surround sound & headphones
• Satellite & cable television & radio channels

The following services are co-ordinated on a 24 - hour basis by your Personal Butler:

• Private check-in and check-out
• 24-hour room service
• Massage, beauty therapy & hairdressing services
• Secretarial services
• Express laundry service
• In-house doctor
• Full information covering sightseeing, shopping & recreational activities

Rodon Caffé: Take a journey down memory lane as the black & white photographic gallery takes guests back in time through a rich depiction of Rhodian history. Soft piano tunes, international cuisine and excellent service are the trademarks of this fine Restaurant. Open daily from 20:00 - 02:30.

Diagoras Amphitheatre Restaurant: This summer dream offers fine cuisine, quality live entertainment and an unforgettable ambience. Amphitheatrically shaped and the romantic lighting create a perfect backdrop for dancing and dining until late into the night. Open daily, during the summer season from 20:00 - 02:30.

Andromeda Lounge & Bar: The combination of classical luxury, comfort and friendliness creates an unequalled ambience that surrounds guests as they enjoy delicious light meals and decadent sweets. Open from 11:00 - 03:00, all year round.

Socrates Garden Café: With the lapping waves as a canvas, the Socrates Garden Café’s imaginative menu of finger meals, desserts, drinks and coffee will paint a picture of total relaxation. Gentle melodies complete this piece of art. Open daily, during the summer season from 11:00 - 01:00.

Rodon Veranda: The breathtaking views of the sparkling Aegean Sea, the shady pergolas and ample flower boxes make for the perfect choice for a superbly prepared lunch. This delightful venue is open daily, during the summer season from 11:00 - 16:00.

La Rosa Gourmet Restaurant: The impeccable décor, the endless arches, the antique mural and the meticulous cuisine describes the La Rosa completely. This combination makes it one of the best of its kind. Winter or summer, this culinary wonder will totally dazzle its guests.

Sports Bar: Located at the centre of the Live Games floor, the Sports Bar is the perfect place to take in the action and excitement, enjoying a coffee or a drink. Open daily from 20:00 - 03:00.