Enotel Quinta do Sol

A city-center hotel with a no-children policy, the Enotel Quinta do Sol attracts a crowd looking to capitalize on Madeira’s charm while retaining the conveniences that come with staying in an urban location. The large lobby is a bright and contemporary one, decorated with plush, silvery velvet armchairs, tree stump coffee tables, and rich shades of teal and violet. A feature wall of glowing lamps separates the hotel’s lobby from the bar and restaurant -- a more sedate space where floor-to-ceiling windows are covered by gauzy fabrics in muted lilacs and neutral tones, alongside lime-green and pink dining chairs and dark-wood tables. Outside, a neatly kept lawn gives way to a large and bright pool terrace set above street level, with views of the mountains out beyond Funchal and the Atlantic.

Set within view of the sea in the Funchal suburb of Sao Martinho, the Enotel Quinta do Sol is a 30-minute walk from the center of the city, or between six and 10 minutes by car. A six-minute drive, or a 20-minute walk, in the other direction leads to Funchal Lido -- both the city center and Lido are home to a number of shops, bars, and restaurants. Funchal’s sandy beach and the promenade are a 30-minute walk or a six-minute drive away. It is a 15-minute drive to the Palheiro Golf Club, where guests at the hotel can benefit from reduced fees. Expect a 20-minute drive to Madeira Airport.

Rooms here are spacious, bright, and decorated in a chic styling. The design consists of wood floors, dark-wood furniture, and neutral-tone linens, plus attractive pops of blue and green in blue-leather headboards, diamond-print throw pillows and stools, and a couple of random stripes along the walls. The adjacent walls have vertical stripes in shades of brown. All rooms have at least one wicker armchair, and many have furnished balconies -- either overlooking the grounds and mountains or sea. Bathrooms are small but modern, with shower cubicles, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Also standard are free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes, although the latter requires a fee. Note that guests have complained of rooms suffering from road noise.

The Enotel Quinta do Sol has a lengthy list of amenities directed at guests looking a relaxing city center break. A small spa offers massage and wellness treatments, as well as the use of a sauna and indoor pool. Outside, a large and sunny pool terrace is set a few stories above ground level, with views of the mountains beyond Funchal and the sea. A small gym with a few pieces of cardio equipment is available as well. Breakfast and dinner are both served buffet-style in the hotel’s restaurant, while the bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day. Food, however, receives mixed reviews. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there's free and secure parking on-site. Guests at the hotel get reduced fees and guaranteed tee times at the nearby Palheiro Golf Club.