The Vidamar Resort Madeira is a sleek, contemporary, upscale resort set on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Clever design means that superb views can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points, including in the 300 bright, minimalist guest rooms. Three swimming pools are rarely crowded and the spa is particularly stylish. Dining options are aplenty and a half-board rate is standard, and though there's a sushi restaurant the buffet choices can get dull. Vidamar is certainly one of the chicer options on the island, but it's a 10-minute drive to the sands of Praia Formosa. For traditional luxury and more history check out Belmond Reid's Palace, just up the coast.
The Vidamar Resort Madeira is a sleek, contemporary, upscale resort set on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Clever design means that superb views can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points, including in the 300 bright, minimalist guest rooms. Three swimming pools are rarely crowded and the spa is particularly stylish. Dining options are aplenty and a half-board rate is standard, and though there's a sushi restaurant the buffet choices can get dull. Vidamar is certainly one of the chicer options on the island, but it's a 10-minute drive to the sands of Praia Formosa. For traditional luxury and more history check out Belmond Reid's Palace, just up the coast.
One of the best-positioned properties on Madeira, the upscale, 76-room Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel is located along the water and a 20-minute walk from Funchal's center. It boasts private, direct access to the sea from the large pool area, as well as an on-site dive center. A spa, sauna, whirlpool, and full gym with a sea view add to the property's relaxation factor. The generously sized rooms are admittedly aging -- think brown striped carpet, honey-toned wood furniture, and plaid throws on the bed. However, many offer sea-view balconies and all have basic kitchenettes. The two restaurants and bars receive positive reviews, and meal plans are available. Note, however, that in-room safes and umbrellas by the pool require fees. Travelers looking for a bit more modern property may prefer the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa.
One of the best-positioned properties on Madeira, the upscale, 76-room Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel is located along the water and a 20-minute walk from Funchal's center. It boasts private, direct access to the sea from the large pool area, as well as an on-site dive center. A spa, sauna, whirlpool, and full gym with a sea view add to the property's relaxation factor. The generously sized rooms are admittedly aging -- think brown striped carpet, honey-toned wood furniture, and plaid throws on the bed. However, many offer sea-view balconies and all have basic kitchenettes. The two restaurants and bars receive positive reviews, and meal plans are available. Note, however, that in-room safes and umbrellas by the pool require fees. Travelers looking for a bit more modern property may prefer the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa.
An upper-middle-range, village-style complex set in beautiful gardens, the Pestana Village Garden Resort Aparthotel certainly lives up to its name. Though set off the main coastal road, this 92-room property feels secluded and peaceful and it's just 10 minutes on foot to the beach. Rooms are spacious and bright, with simple country decor, kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. However, there is no air-conditioning and some bathrooms look a bit dated. Shared facilities with a neighboring sister hotel means access to at least two of everything (and beach access), though the resort's own pool, spa, and dining options are ample. For something a little different there's also Ocean Gardens, a small, family-owned property set in a garden that offers better vistas, too.
An upper-middle-range, village-style complex set in beautiful gardens, the Pestana Village Garden Resort Aparthotel certainly lives up to its name. Though set off the main coastal road, this 92-room property feels secluded and peaceful and it's just 10 minutes on foot to the beach. Rooms are spacious and bright, with simple country decor, kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. However, there is no air-conditioning and some bathrooms look a bit dated. Shared facilities with a neighboring sister hotel means access to at least two of everything (and beach access), though the resort's own pool, spa, and dining options are ample. For something a little different there's also Ocean Gardens, a small, family-owned property set in a garden that offers better vistas, too.
Pestana Casino Park Hotel is a 379-room upscale property occupying a landmark piece of iconic modernist architecture. Its location is excellent, too, set on a cliff top overlooking the harbor and with Funchal's pretty, historic center within walking distance. Rooms are spacious and bright -- with a few exceptions -- and while most have sea views, others overlook a large building site. The style throughout is thankfully contemporary, which isn't always the case with the Pestana chain. The colorful spa is a highlight, an infinity pool has superb sea views, and eating and drinking options are excellent. A buffet breakfast is included, with sparking wine. Rates are reasonable for the category, although families with kids are probably better off in the neighboring Pestana Carlton Madeira.
Pestana Casino Park Hotel is a 379-room upscale property occupying a landmark piece of iconic modernist architecture. Its location is excellent, too, set on a cliff top overlooking the harbor and with Funchal's pretty, historic center within walking distance. Rooms are spacious and bright -- with a few exceptions -- and while most have sea views, others overlook a large building site. The style throughout is thankfully contemporary, which isn't always the case with the Pestana chain. The colorful spa is a highlight, an infinity pool has superb sea views, and eating and drinking options are excellent. A buffet breakfast is included, with sparking wine. Rates are reasonable for the category, although families with kids are probably better off in the neighboring Pestana Carlton Madeira.
Funchal is known for its steep hills, but this 317-room, upper-middle-range all-inclusive is in a walkable area with access to the oceanfront promenade. The hotel's exterior resembles a cruise liner, and the large outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and massive deck all face the ocean. The spa's saltwater pool has romantic cave-style designs and the spacious gym offers spin classes. The hotel stands out as one of the only all-inclusive options in Funchal (and the best); in addition to the main buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, there are Japanese, Italian, and Madeiran theme restaurants. Bars offer live entertainment. Rooms are modest with simple (but comfy) design and all have full or partial sea views from balconies; some suites have kitchens. The Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa offers more modern rooms, but doesn’t have all-inclusive rates.
Funchal is known for its steep hills, but this 317-room, upper-middle-range all-inclusive is in a walkable area with access to the oceanfront promenade. The hotel's exterior resembles a cruise liner, and the large outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and massive deck all face the ocean. The spa's saltwater pool has romantic cave-style designs and the spacious gym offers spin classes. The hotel stands out as one of the only all-inclusive options in Funchal (and the best); in addition to the main buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, there are Japanese, Italian, and Madeiran theme restaurants. Bars offer live entertainment. Rooms are modest with simple (but comfy) design and all have full or partial sea views from balconies; some suites have kitchens. The Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa offers more modern rooms, but doesn’t have all-inclusive rates.
Travelers are drawn to this mid-range, 99-room hotel for two key reasons: the beautiful sea-facing gardens and the warm, comfortable atmosphere. Together with the Suite Hotel Eden Mare and Porto Mare Hotel, The Residence belongs to the Vila Porto Mare resort. The relaxed vibe and non-city center location appeals to more mature couples, and the high number of time-share holders and returning guests gives it a communal vibe. Facilities across the development include four restaurants and a spa. There’s no pool at The Residence itself but it shares use of the resort’s four pools. Spacious studios and apartments all have kitchenettes, plus direct access to the gardens or a sea view. For a slightly chicer stay in a similar setting, the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has comparable rates.
Travelers are drawn to this mid-range, 99-room hotel for two key reasons: the beautiful sea-facing gardens and the warm, comfortable atmosphere. Together with the Suite Hotel Eden Mare and Porto Mare Hotel, The Residence belongs to the Vila Porto Mare resort. The relaxed vibe and non-city center location appeals to more mature couples, and the high number of time-share holders and returning guests gives it a communal vibe. Facilities across the development include four restaurants and a spa. There’s no pool at The Residence itself but it shares use of the resort’s four pools. Spacious studios and apartments all have kitchenettes, plus direct access to the gardens or a sea view. For a slightly chicer stay in a similar setting, the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has comparable rates.
Golden Residence Apartment Hotel is a four-pearl resort located on the outskirts of Funchal. The property has attractive, modern decor and boasts stunning ocean views from its perch high above the water. All 142 units have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles, and private balconies, but beds are two twin mattresses pushed together, and bathrooms lack toiletries. Suites and Apartments add living rooms and kitchenettes. The rooftop terrace and garden promenade are among the resort's top features, and there's an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and free breakfast. No direct beach access and a hike into town are drawbacks. Though dated by comparison, travelers seeking a beachfront hotel may wish to consider Pestana Bay Ocean Aparthotel.
Golden Residence Apartment Hotel is a four-pearl resort located on the outskirts of Funchal. The property has attractive, modern decor and boasts stunning ocean views from its perch high above the water. All 142 units have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles, and private balconies, but beds are two twin mattresses pushed together, and bathrooms lack toiletries. Suites and Apartments add living rooms and kitchenettes. The rooftop terrace and garden promenade are among the resort's top features, and there's an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and free breakfast. No direct beach access and a hike into town are drawbacks. Though dated by comparison, travelers seeking a beachfront hotel may wish to consider Pestana Bay Ocean Aparthotel.
Apartamentos Sao Paulo e Alegria is a bargain option nestled in a quiet and historic area of Funchal, outside Lido. This lower-middle-range, family-owned property feels more like a guest house, and has 31 contemporary apartment-style units spread among three beautiful buildings with views over the neighborhood's narrow cobblestone streets. Expect gorgeous parquet wood floors, antique furniture, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, but no air-conditioning; some rooms add balconies. On-site, there are two outdoor terraces, a small breakfast room, cafe serving snacks and drinks, and a small tropical garden with a barbecue area and hammocks. Babysitting, parking, and in-room massages are available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers willing to pay more can snag rooftop pool views at Hotel Madeira.
Apartamentos Sao Paulo e Alegria is a bargain option nestled in a quiet and historic area of Funchal, outside Lido. This lower-middle-range, family-owned property feels more like a guest house, and has 31 contemporary apartment-style units spread among three beautiful buildings with views over the neighborhood's narrow cobblestone streets. Expect gorgeous parquet wood floors, antique furniture, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, but no air-conditioning; some rooms add balconies. On-site, there are two outdoor terraces, a small breakfast room, cafe serving snacks and drinks, and a small tropical garden with a barbecue area and hammocks. Babysitting, parking, and in-room massages are available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers willing to pay more can snag rooftop pool views at Hotel Madeira.
The Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa is an upscale chain hotel with stylish contemporary interiors set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its Lido neighborhood is pleasant and largely residential, with restaurants, a pebble beach, and the coastal promenade within easy reach. However, it's a 15-minute drive from Funchal's center. Most of the 220 understated rooms feature sea views, with some higher balconies providing superb panoramas. Indoor and outdoor pools, decent dining, and a deluxe spa combine to make this hotel a great pick for vacationing couples. However, families with kids should look elsewhere -- the nearby Four Views Monumental Lido is a good option that offers a kids' club and nightly entertainment.
The Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa is an upscale chain hotel with stylish contemporary interiors set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its Lido neighborhood is pleasant and largely residential, with restaurants, a pebble beach, and the coastal promenade within easy reach. However, it's a 15-minute drive from Funchal's center. Most of the 220 understated rooms feature sea views, with some higher balconies providing superb panoramas. Indoor and outdoor pools, decent dining, and a deluxe spa combine to make this hotel a great pick for vacationing couples. However, families with kids should look elsewhere -- the nearby Four Views Monumental Lido is a good option that offers a kids' club and nightly entertainment.
The adult-only Porto Santa Maria Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl property popular for its amazing beachside location in the heart of Funchal's old town. There's plenty to do nearby: Some of the island's best restaurants are within walking distance, along with cultural and tourist attractions such as the marina and the famous Mercado dos Lavradores. On-site, there are an outdoor pool, rooftop terrance with a whirlpool, spa with indoor pool and treatment rooms, and a generally well-reviewed restaurant. The 146 rooms are comfortable, albeit with some dated furnishings, and equipped with kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces -- some with sea views. It's worth comparing rates with Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel, which has a few more features, including an on-site diving school.
The adult-only Porto Santa Maria Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl property popular for its amazing beachside location in the heart of Funchal's old town. There's plenty to do nearby: Some of the island's best restaurants are within walking distance, along with cultural and tourist attractions such as the marina and the famous Mercado dos Lavradores. On-site, there are an outdoor pool, rooftop terrance with a whirlpool, spa with indoor pool and treatment rooms, and a generally well-reviewed restaurant. The 146 rooms are comfortable, albeit with some dated furnishings, and equipped with kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces -- some with sea views. It's worth comparing rates with Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel, which has a few more features, including an on-site diving school.