"I recently stayed at Vidamar Resort Madeira. While there were some positive aspects, my overall experience was not consistent with the expectations set by a 5-star rating.
Positives:
Staff Service: The staff were consistently polite, friendly, and welcoming. Every interaction was professional and courteous.
Location: The hotel is well-situated, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.
Food Presentation: The cold buffet was fresh and well presented, and the dessert pastries were very good.
Facilities: The outdoor pool area is attractive and has good potential for relaxation. The gym’s spin bike studio and cardio equipment are modern and well maintained.
Areas of Concern:
First Impressions: Upon arrival, there was a strong unpleasant odour near the front entrance, reminiscent of decay, which immediately created a negative impression.
Room Condition: My room showed clear signs of deferred maintenance. I observed a broken shower handle, black mould in the shower, large cobwebs, holes in the curtains, broken glass lightbulbs, and walls that were filthy and smeared with black stains and marks. When the balcony door was left open, mosquitoes were a constant issue. I understand mosquitoes are common in tropical environments, but the addition of mosquito screens would allow guests to enjoy the ocean breeze and the sound of the sea safely.
Maintenance Practices: I did not observe any maintenance personnel during my stay. In a property of this classification, regular upkeep and visible maintenance are expected, and their absence likely explains the general state of disrepair.
Facility Condition: While the spin studio and cardio equipment are good, the free weights are outdated. The sauna in the pool area and the spa jacuzzi were out of service. Around the pool, I noticed rust, cracked or broken glass, and other signs of neglect, which felt unsafe.
Safety Issues: A tile in the restaurant area broke under my feet, causing me to stumble. It was hollow and clearly not secure, which is a serious safety concern.
Food Quality: The hot evening buffet was lukewarm and bland, suggesting minimal care in preparation. Breakfast was underwhelming; the juices felt watered down, and there was no proper barista coffee — only coffee from an automatic machine. I had to visit a café nearby each morning to get a decent cup. In fairness, I did not try the hotel’s other restaurants, as the buffet experience had put me off.
Transparency: I was informed during my stay that the hotel is scheduled to close next year for refurbishment. This was not disclosed at the time of booking, and had I known, I would have reconsidered my choice.
Conclusion:
While the staff, location, spin studio, cardio equipment, and dessert pastries are definite strengths, the overall condition of the hotel—including deferred maintenance, closed or unsafe facilities, filthy and damaged rooms, unpleasant odours, and poor food quality—falls short of a 5-star standard. In its current state, I would classify the property as a very good 3-star to mid 4-star hotel. Significant refurbishment and attention to detail would be required to bring it up to true luxury standards.
Given the significant disparity between advertised standards and my experience, I will also be contacting Turismo de Portugal, the body responsible for hotel star classifications, to formally report my findings"
