The Madeira Regency Cliff is a three-and-a-half-pearl, 59-room hotel set into the cliff face in Funchal's Lido area. The setting provides stunning ocean panoramas from all guest rooms, which are clean, modern, and have balconies. Sea views are also available at the two pools, as well as the bar and restaurant terraces, where free breakfast is served. A few restaurants are in walking distance, but the hotel is far from Funchal's historic center. A no-children policy makes it a particularly peaceful spot to enjoy the views, and most guests love having direct access to the pleasant coastal promenade. Swimmers, however, may be disappointed with the tiny pools and should consider the lti Pestana Grand Hotel just along the coast -- it has one of Madeira's largest outdoor saltwater pools.
The Madeira Regency Cliff is a three-and-a-half-pearl, 59-room hotel set into the cliff face in Funchal's Lido area. The setting provides stunning ocean panoramas from all guest rooms, which are clean, modern, and have balconies. Sea views are also available at the two pools, as well as the bar and restaurant terraces, where free breakfast is served. A few restaurants are in walking distance, but the hotel is far from Funchal's historic center. A no-children policy makes it a particularly peaceful spot to enjoy the views, and most guests love having direct access to the pleasant coastal promenade. Swimmers, however, may be disappointed with the tiny pools and should consider the lti Pestana Grand Hotel just along the coast -- it has one of Madeira's largest outdoor saltwater pools.
The 163-room Belmond Reid’s Palace is a historic luxury hotel perched dramatically on a clifftop a short drive from the center of Funchal. Awash with antiques and period touches, this traditionally elegant property has lost little of its original 19th-century elegance -- though some might find the overall vibe a little stuffy. The classic vibe extends to the bright rooms, complete with furnished balconies or patios; some suites have kitchenettes. Stunning sea views are found from numerous vantage points, the property offers extensive dining options, and leisure facilities include several outdoor pools, lovely gardens with lounge chairs, outdoor tennis courts, and a spa. For top-notch amenities and sea views without the old-fashioned formality, check out The Cliff Bay nearby.
The 163-room Belmond Reid’s Palace is a historic luxury hotel perched dramatically on a clifftop a short drive from the center of Funchal. Awash with antiques and period touches, this traditionally elegant property has lost little of its original 19th-century elegance -- though some might find the overall vibe a little stuffy. The classic vibe extends to the bright rooms, complete with furnished balconies or patios; some suites have kitchenettes. Stunning sea views are found from numerous vantage points, the property offers extensive dining options, and leisure facilities include several outdoor pools, lovely gardens with lounge chairs, outdoor tennis courts, and a spa. For top-notch amenities and sea views without the old-fashioned formality, check out The Cliff Bay nearby.
Fresh, style-conscious hotels like The Vine have helped create a younger vibe in Madeira in recent years. This 79-room, four-pearl hotel is done in urban-chic decor, with bold design that oozes glamour. It’s set above one of Funchal’s shopping complexes in the city center, allowing for easy sightseeing combined with relaxation on the swish rooftop terrace with heated infinity pool. The richly hued, wine-inspired rooms have amenities like air-conditioning and sometimes tricky touch-panel lighting, but views onto the hotel's atrium from some rooms are disappointing. A decadent spa solidifies the romantic, couples-centric vibe. For a cool, low-key city stay, it’s reasonably priced, but travelers looking for a more classic high-end hotel experience might prefer the Quintinha De Sao Joao, even though it’s 10 minutes farther from the center on foot.
Fresh, style-conscious hotels like The Vine have helped create a younger vibe in Madeira in recent years. This 79-room, four-pearl hotel is done in urban-chic decor, with bold design that oozes glamour. It’s set above one of Funchal’s shopping complexes in the city center, allowing for easy sightseeing combined with relaxation on the swish rooftop terrace with heated infinity pool. The richly hued, wine-inspired rooms have amenities like air-conditioning and sometimes tricky touch-panel lighting, but views onto the hotel's atrium from some rooms are disappointing. A decadent spa solidifies the romantic, couples-centric vibe. For a cool, low-key city stay, it’s reasonably priced, but travelers looking for a more classic high-end hotel experience might prefer the Quintinha De Sao Joao, even though it’s 10 minutes farther from the center on foot.
The 40-room Quinta Jardins do Lago is a refined luxury hotel set in a historic 18th-century mansion in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Funchal. While the hilltop setting is peaceful and affords distant sea views, it's a bit removed from most of the city's attractions. The hotel's botanical gardens, however, are truly impressive, with balconied guest rooms and terraced eateries taking full advantage of the wealth of flora. Facilities are excellent, with a heated pool and choice of casual or formal dining, as well as a fitness room, sauna, and hot tub. Rates, though, are pricey, and the Old World style won't be everyone's cup of tea. The Quinta Das Vistas Palace Gardens is a cheaper alternative and also offers stunning views, though it lacks this hotel's gardens.
The 40-room Quinta Jardins do Lago is a refined luxury hotel set in a historic 18th-century mansion in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Funchal. While the hilltop setting is peaceful and affords distant sea views, it's a bit removed from most of the city's attractions. The hotel's botanical gardens, however, are truly impressive, with balconied guest rooms and terraced eateries taking full advantage of the wealth of flora. Facilities are excellent, with a heated pool and choice of casual or formal dining, as well as a fitness room, sauna, and hot tub. Rates, though, are pricey, and the Old World style won't be everyone's cup of tea. The Quinta Das Vistas Palace Gardens is a cheaper alternative and also offers stunning views, though it lacks this hotel's gardens.
The mid-range Pestana Miramar Garden Resort Aparthotel is situated between the Lido tourist area and Funchal's old town. Rooms are dated (think tube TVs and mismatched linens), but most have kitchenettes, pretty mosaic tables, and furnished outdoor spaces. In addition to having access to facilities at the sister property next door, guests can keep busy at an indoor and outdoor pool, spa offering treatments and a whirlpool, and a gym. For dining, the on-site restaurant serves excellent local cuisine, plus there are a cocktail bar and free breakfast buffet. It caters toward an older clientele, and doesn't have much for children. Families should consider the Pestana Carlton Madeira, which has a lot of kid-friendly features.
The mid-range Pestana Miramar Garden Resort Aparthotel is situated between the Lido tourist area and Funchal's old town. Rooms are dated (think tube TVs and mismatched linens), but most have kitchenettes, pretty mosaic tables, and furnished outdoor spaces. In addition to having access to facilities at the sister property next door, guests can keep busy at an indoor and outdoor pool, spa offering treatments and a whirlpool, and a gym. For dining, the on-site restaurant serves excellent local cuisine, plus there are a cocktail bar and free breakfast buffet. It caters toward an older clientele, and doesn't have much for children. Families should consider the Pestana Carlton Madeira, which has a lot of kid-friendly features.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is an upscale resort dating from 1801, with 300 acres of gardens, nature trails, and an 18-hole golf course with sea views. The 37 rooms are done in classical country style, and while they include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, they lack air-conditioning. Suites provide sitting areas, and some have whirlpool tubs. The property itself is relaxing country retreat with a garden pool and elegant spa. Dining is a laid-back affair, with a glass-enclosed cafe, library for afternoon tea, a classic restaurant, and bar lounge. The hotel has a modern gym and tennis court. Travelers might want to also consider the Enotel Lido Madeira, which has air-conditioning and oceanfront views, though rates there are generally higher.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is an upscale resort dating from 1801, with 300 acres of gardens, nature trails, and an 18-hole golf course with sea views. The 37 rooms are done in classical country style, and while they include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, they lack air-conditioning. Suites provide sitting areas, and some have whirlpool tubs. The property itself is relaxing country retreat with a garden pool and elegant spa. Dining is a laid-back affair, with a glass-enclosed cafe, library for afternoon tea, a classic restaurant, and bar lounge. The hotel has a modern gym and tennis court. Travelers might want to also consider the Enotel Lido Madeira, which has air-conditioning and oceanfront views, though rates there are generally higher.
The Four Views Monumental Lido is a large three-and-a-half-pearl resort connected to a small shopping mall, a 10-minute walk from the Lido Promenade. The 262-room resort’s outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and multi-level sundecks overlook the Atlantic, and the spa has a beautiful indoor pool and one of the best gyms in the area. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available and the resort has one restaurant, a poolside snack bar, and a bar with live music. Clean, bright rooms have mini-fridges and balconies or terraces with many overlooking the ocean. Studios and Apartments offer kitchenettes, though expect fees for safes and use of certain spa features. The Enotel Lido Madeira might be a better choice for families, with a nicer kids' club and outdoor play area, though rooms are less attractive.
The Four Views Monumental Lido is a large three-and-a-half-pearl resort connected to a small shopping mall, a 10-minute walk from the Lido Promenade. The 262-room resort’s outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and multi-level sundecks overlook the Atlantic, and the spa has a beautiful indoor pool and one of the best gyms in the area. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available and the resort has one restaurant, a poolside snack bar, and a bar with live music. Clean, bright rooms have mini-fridges and balconies or terraces with many overlooking the ocean. Studios and Apartments offer kitchenettes, though expect fees for safes and use of certain spa features. The Enotel Lido Madeira might be a better choice for families, with a nicer kids' club and outdoor play area, though rooms are less attractive.
The Four Views Baia is a three-and-a-half-pearl property with a stunning cliff-side setting that's a steep 15-minute walk from Funchal's old town. The hotel offers stunning Funchal Bay views from many of its 261 modern rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. Suites have full kitchens and the most dramatic views of Fortaleza de Pico from rooftop terraces. The sleek outdoor pool, casual restaurant, and poolside bar also have bay views, and there's live music in the bar. Other features include a spa with an impressive indoor pool, a modern gym, and a paddle-ball court -- all of which come with fees. The similarly priced Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has similar features (and fees), but is only a short walk from the beach.
The Four Views Baia is a three-and-a-half-pearl property with a stunning cliff-side setting that's a steep 15-minute walk from Funchal's old town. The hotel offers stunning Funchal Bay views from many of its 261 modern rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. Suites have full kitchens and the most dramatic views of Fortaleza de Pico from rooftop terraces. The sleek outdoor pool, casual restaurant, and poolside bar also have bay views, and there's live music in the bar. Other features include a spa with an impressive indoor pool, a modern gym, and a paddle-ball court -- all of which come with fees. The similarly priced Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has similar features (and fees), but is only a short walk from the beach.
The three-pearl Orca Praia Hotel cuts a dramatic figure, seemingly hewn out of the cliffside that tumbles down to a beach with black volcanic sand. Inside, the 124 long and narrow rooms -- which get wider the farther down you go -- have large, furnished terraces looking out over the bay, but no air-conditioning or fridges. A steep sloping path passes through a garden dense with desert plants and leads to the beachfront pool, however, the incline may be difficult for those with mobility issues. A spa offers massages, a hydrotherapy tub, and steam room, while the restaurant serves local and international cuisine. There's not a ton in the immediate surrounding, so travelers looking to be closer to town might want to consider Enotel Lido Madeira.
The three-pearl Orca Praia Hotel cuts a dramatic figure, seemingly hewn out of the cliffside that tumbles down to a beach with black volcanic sand. Inside, the 124 long and narrow rooms -- which get wider the farther down you go -- have large, furnished terraces looking out over the bay, but no air-conditioning or fridges. A steep sloping path passes through a garden dense with desert plants and leads to the beachfront pool, however, the incline may be difficult for those with mobility issues. A spa offers massages, a hydrotherapy tub, and steam room, while the restaurant serves local and international cuisine. There's not a ton in the immediate surrounding, so travelers looking to be closer to town might want to consider Enotel Lido Madeira.