Suite Hotel Eden Mar

A stay at this mid-range hotel is all about relaxing by the sea. The 13,000 square meters of fragrant, subtropical gardens (home to 500 unique botanical species) are a good indication of the ambience here -- quiet and calm, with a sense of space. Aside from the well-kept gardens and marble lobby, there’s nothing groundbreaking about the neutral and largely functional decor, with bland rooms and carpeted hallways that have seen better days. However, things are clean and mostly well-kept -- and at least more modern than some of the competition -- which explains the impressively high numbers of returning guests. With its quieter setting and choice of on-site facilities, the Suite Hotel Eden Mar mainly attracts families with younger children, and the retirement-age market. 

On a hillside overlooking the sea, the Suite Hotel Eden Mar belongs to the Vila Porto Mare resort, which includes sister hotels The Residence Porto Mare and the Porto Mare Hotel. The resort sits in an area dominated by hotels, a five-minute walk along the seaside promenade to the popular Lido area. There are plenty of restaurants nearby. A free 10-minute shuttle bus runs several times a day into Funchal’s old town, but it’s also possible to walk into the center in around half an hour, with just one steep section. The pebble beach at Praia Formosa is within a five-minute drive, and there’s a supermarket outside the resort for stocking the kitchenette. It’s a half-hour drive to Madeira’s airport. 

The hotel has been sensibly designed so that all rooms have double balcony doors that allow plenty of light and at least partial views of the sea -- although on the lower floors, it may be a glimpse through the palm trees. Third-floor rooms (and higher) have the best views. The decor is uninspiring, but inoffensive -- think identikit chain hotel, with shades of beige and brown and functional furniture. Basic room amenities are covered: coffee- and tea-making facilities, desks, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. The additional features are particularly handy for families with younger children, like the small kitchenette with mini-fridges, electric burners, and microwaves. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi costs extra in the rooms. Bathrooms have marble sinks with a decent amount of counter space, plus toiletries and shower/tub combos. All rooms have twin beds pushed together to make a double and there's space for extra guests on a rollaway bed (three people max in all rooms). Junior Suites and Suites have a separate living area -- the Suites are more than double the size of the Studios.

There’s plenty on-site at the Vila Porto Mare resort, and some guests only leave the grounds occasionally to go sightseeing. Each of the three hotels at the larger development has its own reception, while the facilities and grounds are shared. The Suite Hotel Eden Mar is the original property and the middle of the hotels in terms of size (The Residence Porto Mare has 99 rooms; Porto Mare Hotel has 198 rooms). The gardens are the most beautiful aspect here, sprawling along the hillside with little hidden pockets dedicated to everything flora, from orchids to medicinal herbs. The figure-eight pool, surrounded by a large sun terrace, is the outdoor hub, and in peak season can get a little livelier with children playing. The most action the resort sees is during the weekly summer Pink Party, which is hosted at the resort and includes live music. The poolside Atlantida Restaurant hosts themed dinners and quickly fills up at breakfast; the Alfama Restaurant is a quieter breakfast spot. There are two other dining options as well as an ice cream parlor, and half-board rates are available. A good-size gym, games room, and indoor pool make sure there’s something to do on the odd rainy day. Guests also have access to the facilities of the wider resort, including tennis and a spa. Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's public areas, but not in rooms. Parking is also free.