Pestana Miramar Garden & Ocean Resort

Catering to an older clientele, the Pestana Miramar Garden Resort Aparthotel is located across several buildings built around an old manor, which also forms part of the property. Part of a larger resort complex that includes the next door Pestana Village Garden Resort Aparthotel, the main building's exterior is lovely, with sweeping white-banister staircases and lush plants surrounding an impressive facade, which work to give the property a feeling of seclusion from the main road. The expansive grounds are immaculately maintained, with plenty of shaded walkways, loungers, tables, and tropical plants. Inside, decor is traditional with antique accents, and charming pieces such as gilded artwork, chandeliers, and a grandfather clock. However, blue carpet and mustard-yellow sofas in some areas look like they could use a refresh. 

Located off a main road and situated among other hotels, Pestana Miramar Garden Resort is halfway between Funchal's old town and another tourist strip farther west -- closer to the Lido Promenade and the popular Formosa Beach. The location is ideal for having easy access to both, rather than prioritizing beach over in-town activities or vice versa. In the immediate area are some of the area's best restaurants and bars, including Beef and Wines and the highly regarded Taj Mahal Restaurant (both a six-minute walk away).

Getting to the Lido Promenade, from which pedestrians can get to Formosa Beach, is just over a 15-minute walk, or a seven- to nine-minute bus journey. Farther east is Funchal's old town, where most of the area's dining and cultural attractions are, as well as a marina; it's an eight-minute direct bus journey. The bus stop is right across from the entrance to the hotel, which is also a stop for the hop-on-hop-off tour buses and the airport bus -- a 40-minute journey that's an excellent value. A taxi journey to and from the Madeira Airport takes half that time. 

The Studios and Junior Suites rooms are outdated and could use a refresh, outfitted with carpet or wood floors, heavy mustard-yellow drapes, tube-style TVs, and mismatched bed linens. However, wood furniture, wicker armchairs, and pretty mosaic side tables are attractive. Kitchenettes are equipped with microwaves, burners, mini-fridges, kettles, and necessary cookware. All rooms have furnished balconies with varying views -- the best being from sea-view or garden-view rooms on higher floors. Bathrooms are well-maintained, and have shower/tub combos, basic toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Bathrobes are only available for a fee, as are in-room safes. In-room Wi-Fi is not available.

Executive Suites are far more traditionally and cohesively styled, with floral textiles, classic wood furniture, and fine art. There are no kitchenettes; instead, rooms have mini-fridges and tea trays in the living rooms. Bathrooms are fitted with lovely traditional Portuguese tile, and come with shower/tub combos.

The resort's large unheated outdoor pool has loungers and an adjacent bar. Guests can also access a pool at the neighboring sister property Pestana Village, which is larger and has plenty of loungers. Shared with the Village is a small heated indoor pool with cushioned wicker chaises, steam baths, a sauna, and a whirlpool adjacent to the indoor pool. Indoor and outdoor massage treatments are available, as are a basic gym and hair salon. A game room has a couple of pool tables. Wi-Fi is patchy and only available in common areas.

A variety of board options are available, and a buffet breakfast is included in all rates. The Pizzeria Luigi serves good pizza and pasta dishes and makes for a convenient option for a takeaway meal. The Miramar Restaurant offers fine dining, although it's the Adega restaurant that's the most highly regarded. The cocktail bar, located in the original manor house, offers great drinks and a long happy hour.