Big Hotel and timeshare resort that has recently been refurbished. In a good cliff top location, walkable to Funchal centre with plenty of good restaurants locally. We did not eat in the Hotel itself but the Bar prices are expensive (normal for a 5*) and the entertainment not much. Pub No 2 across the road was lively with reasonable prices and good bar snacks.

There are two pool areas one at Sea level with access to the sea and the Garden area at road level, plenty of Sunbeds and a lift to take you down the cliff to the lower Pool area. They had just opened a very nice indoor Pool area at sea level.

Having originally booked the Edenmar, we were informed a few days before that it was overbooked and we were being put in the Carlton instead, with complimentary half board instead of the b and b we had booked.

We were happy to accept this deal! On arrival we were informed that the hotel had only recently reopened after a refurb.

Although our room was only on the second floor, we fell in love with the view at first sight! Straight out over the pool to the sea. And what a pool- it is beautiful, set in immaculate grounds with a very swish poolside bar and snack bar.

There are plenty of sunloungers, but parasols have to be rented for 2 euros a day. There is also a sea level pool, indoor pool, gym and spa, and tennis court. There are three beautiful terraces, full of flowers, stunning views.

The room was lovely- huge beds, loads of pillows and cushions, settee, flat screen tv, minibar, bathrobes and pool towels.

The balcony was quite big, table and 2 comfortable new loungers, sunny for nearly the whole day.

Location was better than our original choice, closer to Funchal town, about 15 minute walk, but quite a steep hill to climb coming back. There were a few bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Downside- the food. Half board was buffet and was rather hit and miss. Some of it was lovely, some of it was dire, mainly due to looking neglected and poorly presented. The a la carte restaurant was only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday- you could offset your half board allowance in there (the 17 euros wouldn't buy you a lot!). Breakfast buffet was quite good, and you could eat outside both at breakfast and dinner. lunchtime snacks in "The Pub" or poolside bar were really nice, but expensive.

The service throughout the hotel was very good, though one or two of the bar staff were a bit surly, and a couple of people were asked to sign twice for the same drinks, and were not believed until they insisted on all the stubs being checked.

There was "easy listening" entertainment most nights for an hour or 2. The Pub bar had a large screen tv, and there was a good library with games and books. Free wifi if you had your own laptop, and two computers, internet access charged per minute.

There were about 4 shops selling newspapers, sweets, gifts, designer sportswear etc.

The whole hotel is immaculately kept with beautiful flower arrangements. It was extremely comfortable with very good facilities, and it was a real wrench to leave!

The view from this hotel is stunning. Be warned though, if you have young children, the railings have very wide spaces between them and it's a sheer drop down the cliff ! Some of the terraces, including the dining terrace have no railings at all so nerve racking if you have a youngster.

The location was great but the entertainment is pretty poor. Within the space of 3 days, the same lady sang the same set of songs and not particularly well.

The pool staff in the food area weren't particularly friendly and snacks were expensive. Other staff were friendly in other areas of the hotel though.

The rooms were spacious with great sea views. The food in general is mediocre for the cost.

We have just got back from a fabulous week in Madeira to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

It was our first time to Madeira and we were very impressed with our hotel.

Food was brilliant and the location of the hotel was ideal!

Staff could be a little more helpful though!

Entertainment was ok at the hotel itself and our highlight of our stay was to see a hypnotist performing in their club by the swimming pool. He was absolutely fabulous so we saw him on two nights running! Steve Owens was his name and definately worth seeing!

Can't wait to go back in March Next Year.

Whilst the hotel is very nice, I would not describe it as 5 star. Some of the fixtures and fittings look decidedly tired.

We had a top floor superior room with fantastic views and a lovely constant breeze...well worth the extra money.

Entertainment in the evening was dire, with no expense spent. Mostly a singing duo.

Pool areas are nice but you do have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas.

You can also charge everything you spend within the hotel to your room and settle up on departure which is good.

There is also direct access to the sea which is lovely and clean for a swim.

Overall we wouldn't go back to this hotel as there are much better one's around for the money.

We stayed in a room in the tower block, with a fantastic sea view. A nice spacious clean room, bath robes were provided and were essential as we were constantly going down to the spa!
We had the breakfast in the hotel but we thought their prices were very expensive for evening meals, in the pub and in the main restaurant, so we explored Funchal restaurants instead. The breakfasts were delicious with plenty of choice.
We loved the spa. In January it was a little cold for swimming outside, even though the pool was heated, as it was windy, so the indoor pool was very welcome. There was a HOT jacuzzi that seats about 4-6 next to the pool. The sauna, scottish shower and a steam room were mixed and in a nudist area, so not for the more faint hearted Brits!!!

We loved this hotel, and may go back again, the brochure prices seemed cheaper than the other 5 star hotels in the area.

The Hotel is pure luxury. Built on a cliff side with sea views on one side and mountain views on the other. You are welcomed at the door and from then on nothing is too much trouble. We have stayed here several times now and have been happy each time with all aspects of the place. Rooms are large, comfy, well decorated and cleaned every day. We have stayed in a one bedroom apartment in the tower with a mountain view and it was fantastic. We have stayed in a studio with a sea view, that was excellent, we have stayed in a studio in the tower with a corner view and in the front with a mountain view, we were not disapointed with any of them.

The location is on the cliff side of Funchal, next to the Savoy and Reids hotel. A leisurly walk down to the town of Funchal for about 30 mins through the parks is lovely with a taxi ride back, unless you are young and or fit.
There are a large number of restaurants outside the hotel and The Red Lion is well worth a visit.

The food in all the restaurants at the Hotel is of the best quality and choice, about the same price that you would pay in the UK. Themed nights, include dinner and are good value for money too. We are going back to this hotel in October and we highly recommend it.