Porto Santa Maria Hotel

Popular predominantly with older couples, the adult-only Porto Santa Maria Hotel has a relaxed, quiet vibe. Even though it's in the heart of Funchal's old town, it maintains a sense of solitude thanks to its own beach and plenty to do on-site away from the tourist crowds. There are many return visitors who enjoy a warm relationship with staff. The lobby and surrounding common area of the hotel are traditional and in need of a facelift due to the mismatched upholstered furniture and wood paneling. The bland decor is more businesslike than resort, though the sea-inspired restaurant -- with beachy blue fabrics and nautical artwork -- has a more appropriate design. 

The Porto Santa Maria is situated in the historic heart of Funchal, with the added bonus of being situated on the beach. There's plenty to do nearby within walking distance: The property is a five-minute walk from Funchal's famous cable car and practically adjacent to the Museu de Arte Contemporanea. It's also directly in front of the marina, and a seven-minute walk from the popular Mercado dos Lavadores. Given its location, there are also ample dining and bar options easily reachable on foot. Guests wanting to check out the popular Lido area, where there's direct access to Formosa Beach via the promenade, can take local buses down the coast; a bus stop is five minutes away on foot.

The 146 rooms are pleasant and clean but have some dated furnishings. The design consists of blue carpeting, attractive light-wood furniture, blue-fabric seating, and mustard-yellow bedding and curtains. A couple pieces of artwork hang on the walls. Most notable is that all rooms have a kitchenette with a sink, two-burner stove, mini-fridge, kettle, teapot, and the necessary cookware and crockery. Tea and coffee isn't provided. Also of note is that rooms have a furnished balcony, some with stunning sea views. Sea-View Studios on the third and fourth floors have a clear view of the marina, where cruise ships come in to port. Most Garden-View Studios face a public park instead of the property's actual gardens, and some of the Junior Suites are in the corners of the hotel, which also means restricted views. 

Like many other resorts on the island, the double beds are actually two twin beds pushed together. Suites have separate living rooms with larger tables and an additional flat-screen cable TV. Standard amenities include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, but use of the safes require a fee. Bathrooms across the board have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, bathrobes, and quality toiletries.

The property certainly doesn't lack for places to relax: There are two sun terraces on the first floor, and another one on the third, plus the loungers situated throughout the grounds. But easily the most scenic spot to sunbathe is on the rooftop terrace, which has a whirlpool tub, sunbeds, and gorgeous views of the bay and cruise ships that come into port. Both the outdoor an indoor pool are quite shallow, and the former is smaller than what some guests might expect. They each have adjacent hot tubs, and regular aquatic fitness classes take place at the indoor pool. In addition to the aqua aerobics classes, there are Pilates instruction and a small gym with a handful of equipment. Spa treatments and a sauna are available as well. Wi-Fi is free and runs smoothly across the property. 

The main restaurant, the Arsenal, offers well-reviewed food and gives guests the choice of a themed buffet, a la carte menu, and a weekly "Gourmet Flavors" dinner. The breakfast is also notably good, with lots of options both cold and cooked. The Saturday barbecues organized by the hotel are immensely popular. There's also a poolside Promenade Bar, which offers lighter meals and drinks from late morning until early evening. An early evening happy hour takes place at the Captain's Bar. The bar tends to be quiet throughout the evening, except when there's live music.