VIDAMAR Resorts Madeira

"During our recent stay at what is advertised as a five-star hotel, we were particularly disappointed by the buffet restaurant, which fell far short of expectations in both food quality and variety. The buffet’s “hot” food section was especially underwhelming. Each morning and evening, the selection consisted of nine warming trays on either side of a central chef station, but both sides offered identical items, limiting the actual choice to just nine dishes plus whatever the chef was preparing. Unfortunately, the food in these trays was never truly hot—at best, it was lukewarm, regardless of when we arrived. Only the food served directly by the chef was properly heated. Breakfast was monotonous, with the same options every day: pears in tepid juice, small pancakes, waffles, warm porridge, sliced peppers, baked beans, cooked tomatoes, and bacon so thin it was nearly transparent and rock hard when crisp. The grey chipolata sausages were unappetizing laid on white bread that quickly became soggy. The chef could poach or fry eggs and make omelettes, but when we requested scrambled eggs, the cook simply whisked two eggs in a bowl and heated them until congealed, rather than preparing them in the traditional creamy style we’ve enjoyed at other hotels. The continental breakfast selection was equally repetitive, featuring melon slices, orange segments, pineapple chunks, a few cheeses, cold meats, crackers, and runny yogurt. The cakes were a highlight, and there was muesli and bran flakes available, but overall, the variety was lacking. Dinner options were similarly limited and heavily skewed towards fish and rice dishes. Some nights there were three fish dishes, one meat option, and the rest were accompaniments—often rice, with potatoes only occasionally making an appearance. I never saw chips (French fries) and when mashed potatoes were offered, they were lumpy. One night there was beef stew, but it was fatty and l left it. The salad bar was sparse, with just one type of lettuce, grated carrot, and small chopped cubes of chicken, but no pasta or substantial alternatives. The only truly enjoyable meals we had were at the hotel’s specialty restaurants, which can be booked at reception at no extra cost. Mamma Mia offered a good selection of pastas and pizzas, while Casa das Espetados served excellent quality meats and fish on skewers, cooked to order. Both restaurants provided generous portions, attentive service, and a much higher standard of food than the buffet. These venues are well worth visiting repeatedly during your stay. In summary, the buffet restaurant does not live up to the hotel’s five-star rating or pricing. The food is repetitive, lukewarm, and lacks variety, especially for those who do not eat fish. While the specialty restaurants are excellent, the hotel buffet was a major letdown. I cannot recommend this hotel if you are expecting a high-quality buffet dining experience."

"Stayed here for 10 nights, the hotel is in a very enviable position overlooking the sea with panoramic views. Lovely staff amazing rooms we were on the top floor (10th) absolutely spotless and well serviced room well worth upgrading, so high up the views were unobstructed and spectacular. The food was buffet service for breakfast and dinner and what a spread there was something for all tastes and the desserts were exemplary! It is positioned close to shops, bars and restaurants. All in all a wonderful stay on a beautiful island would highly recommend….."

"What a lovely hotel from start to finish all the staff were so polite and helpful.we had a lovely room a junior suite room the only small problem was when you went down for your evening meal sometimes you had to wait to be taken to your table.but I can say myself I thought the meals were excellent every night was different so much choice to choose from and the sweets were delicious.the gym just across the road was a nice gym it’s a shame it wasn’t in the hotel itself.the swimming pools down by the front were lovely loads of sun lounges to catch the sun.the walk into Funchal took us about 40mins that’s a slow nice walk the bus stops just outside the hotel which cost 2 euros that’s all.sometimes that is busy at peak times which is understandable.if you want to catch a taxi back to the hotel it costs between 8 and 10 euros"