Spirit of the Knights is a small hotel on Alexandridou Street in the Old Town, tucked beneath the ramparts. With only a handful of rooms, it feels like staying in a private house: a garden and terrace, a library, a bar and a hot tub, with massage available. Breakfast is a free continental spread, made to order by the owners and served in the garden, or in the breakfast lounge when it is cool.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands inside the medieval walls, so every sight in the Old Town is on foot: the Street of the Knights, the Palace, the Archaeological Museum and the lanes of the bazaar. The harbour and the port are about a kilometre away, and the airport is roughly seventeen kilometres to the south-west, a short taxi ride. Because cars are restricted in the walled town, arrive by taxi and let the owners advise on the final walk.
The rooms
With only about six rooms, each is individual, and the hotel is known for its warm, personal service rather than for a long list of facilities. Rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, a safe, a kettle and bathrobes. There is no pool, but there is a hot tub and a spa treatment service. Expect stone walls, high ceilings and quiet nights, because the hotel sits away from the main bar streets.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers and anyone who wants to wake up inside the medieval city. It is an excellent choice outside summer because the hotel is open all year, while many other small places inside the walls close for the winter. It is less suited to travellers with heavy luggage or limited mobility, since the lanes are cobbled and a few are stepped.
Good to know
Check-in is from 2pm to midnight, and after-hours check-in is not available, so tell the hotel your arrival time. Check-out is at 11am. The front desk can arrange tour and ticket help, luggage storage and car rental. As with most walled-town hotels, book early for weekends in spring and autumn.
Why stay here
- ✓Free made-to-order breakfast
- ✓Garden and terrace
- ✓Hot tub and massage
- ✓Library and bar
- ✓Free WiFi and air conditioning
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
- ✓Open all year
Good questions
Is Spirit of the Knights open in winter?+
Yes. The hotel is reported to be open all year round, which is unusual among small hotels inside the walls.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
No, but it has a hot tub, a garden, a library and massage on request.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes. A free continental breakfast is made to order by the owners and served in the garden or the lounge.
