Quintinha São João

Quintinha Sao Joao was designed to replicate a traditional Portuguese manor house, giving guests a peek into the area's culture. As such, some of its decor can either come off as charming or dated. The antique furniture resembles items one would likely find in a grandparent's home, from the several wooden bookcases and patterned armchairs. Gold-framed paintings, woven rugs, and lace-edged linen cloths draped over accent tables add the finishing details. The hotel's quiet and residential -- though walkable -- location and verdant garden grounds attract guests, though some may disappointed by the purposefully outdated decor. The happiest guests -- primarily older couples -- are those interested in having a homey experience. 

Quintinha Sao Joao is located in a quiet residential neighborhood with beautiful views over the ocean from some spots. The hotel's location gives guests access to a secluded, romantic vibe while still being a 15-minute walk from downtown Funchal's museums, restaurants, shops, garden, and public square. Once in town, travelers can easily walk to the Madeira Casino, Tourist Information Center, Funchal Cathedral, Farmer's Market, and Bazaar. While the walk down is pleasant, anyone not looking for a strenuous workout might want to opt for the hotel's free shuttle service or five-minute taxi on the way back up. Madeira Airport is around a 20-minute drive or 45-minute journey via the Aerobus. 

Rooms here are large with natural light from sliding glass doors that lead to balconies facing the hotel gardens. Some rooms have full balconies with a table and chair set, while others are just Juliet balconies. Reflective of the old manor houses the hotel is modeled after, all 42 rooms have traditional, homey decor featuring hardwood floors, antique turn-of-the-century wood furniture and headboards, built-in armoires, ruffled bedskirts, and patterned throw pillows and loveseats. Modern-day conveniences include quality toiletries (including bath salts), air-conditioning, flat-screen LED TVs with DVD players, and minibars. Standard Rooms have shower/tub combinations and a partitioned sitting area, while upgrading to a Junior Suite will come with walk-in showers and separate tubs, as well as Nespresso machines. Suites offer wholly separate living areas. All rooms come with turndown service, firm mattresses, safes, and bathrobes. 

Quintinha Sao Joao is a boutique that goes big on small services and is packed with on-site features. The pools and spa are easily the most contemporary spaces in the hotel. The latter has deck-style lacquered wood floors, simple and serene treatment rooms, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that reveal twisted trees and vines from an enclosed garden area. It's also home to a sauna, whirlpool, hammam, and a “wet” area with both tropical and Vichy showers. 

There are two heated pools at the hotel: An outdoor pool and an indoor rooftop pool filled with saltwater, both with modern padded loungers. The outdoor pool has bar service and nice views of the surrounding gardens and over the town, while the glass dome above the indoor pool lets in tons of light and treetop views. For more active recreation, there are a game room outfitted with a pool table, ping-pong, and chess, and a small fitness room with cardio machines, free weights, and an all-in-one machine. 

Family-friendly services include cribs, cots, and highchairs for free and babysitting service for an extra fee. Thoughtful hotel extras include free underground parking, a 24-hour reception, free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, a 24-hour airport shuttle (fee), free daily snacks, turndown service, and a free shuttle to/from downtown Funchal that runs twice a day.

Pastries, cakes, fruit, and hot cooked-to-order items line the free breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner, A Morgadinha restaurant serves up a variety of regional and international dishes with an emphasis on Goan cuisine. However, not all menus are created equal: People have noted that the a la carte menu is much more expansive than those given to guests on the hotel's meal plan. A popular spot before dinner is the Vasco da Gama Bar, which offers rattan wicker bucket chairs, a cocktail happy hour, and a live piano player twice a week.