Wow what a hotel! On arrival we were met by Pierre I have to mention him as he went through everything in great detail. The room was upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite as they could not allocate us a high floor as we requested but the views were still Immense. Sea view is defiantly worth the extra cash.

Food was excellent in hotel pool bar and madeira restaurant. Great variety every night from around the world. Pool and gardens were spotless! Staff so friendly and attentive to your every needs. Beach was only 10 min walk.

Room and bathroom spotless - bonus was beach towels provided. Would have loved to use tennis courts but was just too warm every day. I have to give a big mention to yellowfishtransfers.com that we used for private transfers - book them if you looking for a reliable and friendly service. Great prices and we were even picked up 10 minutes early by our driver on return - what a service!

We enjoyed Porto Bay so much we are returning again at Easter.

We have had a fantastic week at the Porto Bay Falesia.

This is most definately not a hotel for those that want lively nightlife! The hotel was probably no more than 15% full and therefore most evenings even when there was entertainment there were literally only a handful of people in the bar - sometimes only myself and my husband. My worry is that if bookings are not up for next winter then they will probably not open during Jan/Feb. It was great to sleep really well without being disturbed by doors opening and closing in the the early hours. The beds are very firm but also very comfortable.

We were on half board and the meals were really good - all buffet style and because not many in the hotel no queues!! Pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup for breakfast suits me fine!

We had a sea view room and what a fantastic view down the cliff to the beach and out to sea. Rooms were spotlessly clean and very well looked after by the maids. Tea and Coffee replenished daily.

Staff were very, very friendly and you got the feeling that they would go out of their way to help you should you need it.

There are 134 steps down to the beach but they are wide flat concrete steps so even for the not so fit me they were not a problem. Well worth it once you are down there as it is a fabulous beach.

The little village of Olhos is slightly scruffy but then so are many Portuguese villages - it just adds to the charm

The bar prices are quite high and because of the sterling/euro rate even more so but they were a similar price in the nearby Rui Palace.

Internet access is available at 0.20 euros a minute - not too bad and enabled us to be able to check in online for our return flight home. It would cost a fair amount if you wanted to check your emails and work etc. but I don't go on holiday to do that!

This is most certainly a hotel we will return to. A high standard classy hotel but without being stuffy.

If, like us, you have stayed at the Porto Mare in Madeira, you may find the Porto Bay a little disappointing in comparison. It is also 4 star but it lacks the style and ambience and our room was a lot smaller, although adequate for our needs. We paid extra for a sea view which we think was worth it.

Breakfast is good with a wide choice. We had an awful meal in the Basilico restaurant though. Staff are friendly and helpful and the hotel and grounds are very clean and well maintained.

The location on top of the cliff is impressive. It is a steep climb down to the beach and be prepared to pay 15 euros per day for a sunbed when you get there. The sea was quite rough and drops away quickly so you have to be a very confident swimmer. At the hotel the outdoor pool is large, but indoor pool almost non-existent! Be prepared to get up early to put your towel on a sunbed!

We liked the cosmopolitan feel of the place - i.e it's not all Brits! The entertainment is as awful as everywhere else in resort hotels. As we were on the 1st floor we could not escape it!

Overall, we liked the hotel but not the area!

This hotel used to be part of the Riu chain but was acquired last year by the Porto Bay Group.

It reopened in March 08 and we have just come back from a weeks BB there.

Hotel:
Very Clean, mostly Brits and Germans there. Spacious lobby with loads of comfy seats, big LCD telly etc. Staff very helpful and reception well organised. Lower ground floor has indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, all of which we used and were in good order. Dining room was large with outside terraces, waiting staff were plentiful and attentive. Food was normal 4 star quality, though we were only on a BB basis.

Rooms:
We had a standard room which was spacious and modern decor, nice samsung LCD telly - they even had ITV on it! Bathroom was well equipped and of a good standard.

Pool area was good, large pool, with a separate kiidies one. Plenty of loungers and also loads on a grassed area.

Tennis courts looked good though my g/f resisted the temptation to get a whipping from myself!!

2 excellent lookout seating areas overlooking the beaches below. The hotel is set on a clifftop and the views are amazing - this aspect is the one which will stay with me for years and the one thing I would most recommend staying here for.

Entertainment was usual continental fayre - cheesy cabaret but you have to take it or leave it.

Some building work going on nearby for a new mega Riu hotel but this looks like it will finish in the next couple of months.