Hotel Riu Palace Madeira

The Rui Palace certainly tries to live up to its name -- like most Riu properties around the world -- and makes a grand (if gaudy) first impression that includes its trademark palatial interiors. Situated on a hillside right by the beach, the property offers gorgeous views of the ocean and has an away-from-it-all atmosphere. Upon arriving at the hotel, guests enter through a lobby decked in classic Victorian-style decor and soft yellow tones. Bright floral displays, big wood-paneled columns, red antique-style armchairs, and traditional artwork and sculpture don't do much to modernize the appeal, though the property remains nonetheless perpetually bustling with guests. The hotel's outdoor areas are impressive, with two free-form swimming pools surrounded by sun loungers and tropical palm trees. It sits right by a tranquil pebbled beach with the horizon in the distance, making it a great spot for sundowners as well as for relaxing in the daytime. The hotel mostly attracts mature travelers and families seeking a sunny break, though some young couples also stay here. 

The hotel is located in Canico de Baixo, on Madeira's southeastern coastline. The hotel sits right by a small pebbled beach, with direct access for guests, and there are a couple of supermarkets, restaurants, and a beach bar nearby. The historic capital of Funchal is a 10-minute drive away, and a free daily bus service stops right outside the hotel. Two golf courses are a short drive from the hotel, and the Botanical Gardens and Jardim Tropical Monte Palace are a 15-minute drive away. Madeira Airport is about 10 minutes away by car.

This large-scale hotel has a total of 327 rooms and suites. Unfortunately, you're not getting a swish and modern space here, as rooms are quite tired and dated. Expect details to include soft yellow walls, dark wood furniture, two-poster beds, floral drapes, separate seating areas, and classic gold-framed paintings on the walls. Each room has a furnished balcony, while some offer lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean. Suites are larger and add separate living areas. Some inter-connecting rooms are available. Standard in-room amenities include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, phones, safes, empty mini-fridges (minibars are available on request), and free Wi-Fi. Marble-finish bathrooms are spacious and clean, and all include shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and pump-dispensed toiletries. 

The Riu Palace offers a generous amount of facilities and services, plus half-board and all-inclusive rates. There's a buffet-style restaurant serving generally well-liked and varied cuisines, plus a steakhouse with a live cooking station. The free breakfast buffet has a wide variety of hot and cold options, plus plenty of options for kids. There are several on-site bars with indoor and outdoor seating, including a poolside bar and salon-style bar with nightly entertainment and music. Most guests find the all-inclusive rates to be generous, including many top-shelf liquors and round-the-clock free drinks, though there are some exclusions.

There are two large free-form pools with sun loungers in the main outdoor area, plus an indoor pool and a separate children's pool. While the hotel sits on a beach, it's rocky and the water is often rough. Guests can relax at the full-service spa and sauna that provides massages, or get pampered at the beauty and hair salon (fees apply). Sports facilities include a spacious fitness room, game room with table tennis and billiards, and a hard-surface tennis court. There are also daily activities including Portuguese lessons, and an outdoor playground and kids' club for children. 

Although facilities are geared toward tourists rather than business travelers, the hotel has a computer station and spacious conference room for corporate guests. Other facilities include a souvenir shop and reading room. There's also a 24-hour front desk, room service, laundry service, free self-parking, and free Wi-Fi. A free shuttle runs to Madeira throughout the day.