Hotels in Funchal, Portugal
25 of 25 hotels in Funchal
Wait until the building work has finished before booking a holiday at this hotel
3 Reviews
95 Reviews
Traveller Rating
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Excellent3
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Very Good23
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Good50
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Average15
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Poor4
Review Overview
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Eating Out
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Nightlife
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Beaches
17 years 11 months ago
Third time in Funchal and it did not disappoint again.
First time we have been there for Christmas and New Year but will not be the last. The lights are fantastic but the thing to do before you die is New Year there. DonAmaro has some excellent videos of the fireworks on Youtube, but nothing can compare to being there. It's not just that the fireworks are amazing and timed to perfection but it's the setting of Funchal itself that makes it so special.
The East of the Island trip from Strawberry World is worth doing. A nice trip is to get the free shuttle bus to the new cable car at the botanical gardens, buy a return for the cable car up to Monte for 15 euros, then it's only 3 euros to get into the botanical gardens (parrot park included) and use the free shuttle back.
First time we have been there for Christmas and New Year but will not be the last. The lights are fantastic but the thing to do before you die is New Year there. DonAmaro has some excellent videos of the fireworks on Youtube, but nothing can compare to being there. It's not just that the fireworks are amazing and timed to perfection but it's the setting of Funchal itself that makes it so special.
The East of the Island trip from Strawberry World is worth doing. A nice trip is to get the free shuttle bus to the new cable car at the botanical gardens, buy a return for the cable car up to Monte for 15 euros, then it's only 3 euros to get into the botanical gardens (parrot park included) and use the free shuttle back.
18 years ago
Best buy bus pass for 7days 16 euros this is essential to go up and down to Funchal and go all over the city.
Use bus to go to Nuns valley 2.40 euros.
Sa supermarket cafe centre Funchal 3.50euros a beer, a coke, cheese toastie and pineapple flan.
Botanical garden excellent 3 euros for it and parrot park.
Very green island.
Plenty of flowers even in November.
Use bus to go to Nuns valley 2.40 euros.
Sa supermarket cafe centre Funchal 3.50euros a beer, a coke, cheese toastie and pineapple flan.
Botanical garden excellent 3 euros for it and parrot park.
Very green island.
Plenty of flowers even in November.
18 years 3 months ago
The resort was spotlessly clean. There are many places to eat in Funchal with lots of restaurants on the sea front. There are no sandy beaches in Madeira which is why the hotels tend to have great pools. Would definitely visit the resort again.
18 years 3 months ago
Funchal itself is a very clean, attractive town with many hidden gems. In particular, the old town and market area. The walk along the harbour area is very pleasant and there are a few bars/cafes to choose from.
There is very little nightime entertainment but for those who like strolling amongst lush vegetation, visiting botanical gardens or enjoying scenic views then Madeira would probably suit you.
With rocky outcrops,Funchal has one very small beach area, the hotels which we saw, all had swimming pools, (ours had 5 including a sea water one.)and you could dive into the sea.We went on holiday to chill out however, when we return in 2007 (taking some friends with us)we shall be seeing more of this beautiful island.
There is very little nightime entertainment but for those who like strolling amongst lush vegetation, visiting botanical gardens or enjoying scenic views then Madeira would probably suit you.
With rocky outcrops,Funchal has one very small beach area, the hotels which we saw, all had swimming pools, (ours had 5 including a sea water one.)and you could dive into the sea.We went on holiday to chill out however, when we return in 2007 (taking some friends with us)we shall be seeing more of this beautiful island.
18 years 4 months ago
This resort is beautiful cleaned to a high standard, always pleanty to do and plenty to see. We went on the day trips round the island which was very interesting the west coast and the east coast the scenery and views are breath taking, make the point of seeing the A shaped houses so pretty. The cable cars and toboggans are funny but good and the trip to the embroidery factory is quite interesting. Don't miss the trip to the maderia wine brewery to get a taste and may be buy some they also have the vintage bottles. The old town is good for shopping and eating, also has some of the designer names. There's new shopping mall if that what you like thats quite interesting with the designer names also. The marina is beautiful to walk along we took a ride up in the balloon to see the site's it's picturesque. We had a night at the casio the show was great, well done to the entertainers. We would definitley visit this fabulous resort again.
18 years 5 months ago
Funchal is a town of many sides which makes it an interesting place to spend a holiday.
It is very cosmopolitan with lots of lovely shops, a busy market and the marina. There is no litter or graffiti anywhere. The old town is charming and it was good to stroll around the narrow, cobbled streets. Many of the churches and buildings are very old.
The restaurants in this part of the town were of a very high standard and we enjoyed the fine food and wine (excellent fish) for very reasonable prices. There are no bars to speak of but they are in no hurry for you to leave after your meal and we lingered at our table for a couple of more drinks most nights.
In the hotel district there are also many good quality restaurants and here you will find a few bars - none of them rowdy.
The cable car up to Monte is a must and there are many trips on offer from the various information offices throughout the town. These are a lot cheaper than the tour operators.
You can also make an arrangement with the taxi drivers to take you out and about and this seemed quite popular although from a personal point of view I would be a bit wary about this due to insurance etc.
There are a couple of nice parks and gardens but only a small strip of black sand that nobody seemed to use as a beach. However the public lido is huge and children would love it as a change from the hotel pool.
All in all I would sum up Funchal by saying that if you are looking for an 18-30 style holiday or a holiday spent trawling the pubs and discos then this is not for you. If, however you enjoy leisurely meals in good quality restaurants with good wine and at reasonable prices and strolling around stopping at a street cafe for a beer or a coffee then you will love it.
We would certainly hope to return in the future.
It is very cosmopolitan with lots of lovely shops, a busy market and the marina. There is no litter or graffiti anywhere. The old town is charming and it was good to stroll around the narrow, cobbled streets. Many of the churches and buildings are very old.
The restaurants in this part of the town were of a very high standard and we enjoyed the fine food and wine (excellent fish) for very reasonable prices. There are no bars to speak of but they are in no hurry for you to leave after your meal and we lingered at our table for a couple of more drinks most nights.
In the hotel district there are also many good quality restaurants and here you will find a few bars - none of them rowdy.
The cable car up to Monte is a must and there are many trips on offer from the various information offices throughout the town. These are a lot cheaper than the tour operators.
You can also make an arrangement with the taxi drivers to take you out and about and this seemed quite popular although from a personal point of view I would be a bit wary about this due to insurance etc.
There are a couple of nice parks and gardens but only a small strip of black sand that nobody seemed to use as a beach. However the public lido is huge and children would love it as a change from the hotel pool.
All in all I would sum up Funchal by saying that if you are looking for an 18-30 style holiday or a holiday spent trawling the pubs and discos then this is not for you. If, however you enjoy leisurely meals in good quality restaurants with good wine and at reasonable prices and strolling around stopping at a street cafe for a beer or a coffee then you will love it.
We would certainly hope to return in the future.
18 years 5 months ago
Funchal has an excellent climate. The people are friendly and the Casa do Cha in the centre of town does excellent tea and cakes, or afternoon tea at Reid's Hotel if you want to push the boat out. It is not a beach holiday location, but if you want relaxation in a great climate at almost any time of the year, coupled with walks along the levadas (irrigations channels) or forays into the rugged interior - this is the place for you.
18 years 6 months ago
Funchal is a nice place if you enjoy incredible views and long walks. It is very safe to walk out at night and we were never hassled by anyone.
This resort was perfect for myself and my daughter as we felt completely relaxed as they do not have thumping discos or rowdy bars.
If you go, make sure you catch a boat trip to see the dolphins. It was the highlight of our holiday and very well organised by the Sea Born group. the boat was spotless and well maintained. The crew were informative and hell bent on making sure you see the dolphins. They even stopped so we could have a swim in the sea and the Captain swam with us to make sure we were all safely back on board.
I would definatley visit the Island again, and look forward to seeing the new improved Raga.
This resort was perfect for myself and my daughter as we felt completely relaxed as they do not have thumping discos or rowdy bars.
If you go, make sure you catch a boat trip to see the dolphins. It was the highlight of our holiday and very well organised by the Sea Born group. the boat was spotless and well maintained. The crew were informative and hell bent on making sure you see the dolphins. They even stopped so we could have a swim in the sea and the Captain swam with us to make sure we were all safely back on board.
I would definatley visit the Island again, and look forward to seeing the new improved Raga.
18 years 7 months ago
Maderia is a superb island the food is great, good local wine and all reasonably priced. The POrtugese people are polite and always willing to help. The James Dean couple could not have been in Maderia and obviously not gone to the true Maderian restaurants as i have not encountered any of there problems in 6 visits to the island and i am also in my early forties and travelled all around the world on buisness and pleasure. Maderia is a truly marvellous, safe place.
18 years 7 months ago
We were surprised how far the hotel zone was from the resort centre so we tended to stay in the hotel zone apart from when we went on excursions as Ii was travelling with my 83 year old mother.
The promenade was lovely and a trip on the sea born catamaran to watch the dolphins is a must.I would love to come back to this resort as we were unable to see everything in a week.
We found that the bus service was cheap, reliable and a good way to get around.
The promenade was lovely and a trip on the sea born catamaran to watch the dolphins is a must.I would love to come back to this resort as we were unable to see everything in a week.
We found that the bus service was cheap, reliable and a good way to get around.
Location
Recent reviews
Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa
Funchal, Portugal
Good for families of all ages, regular entertainment,
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