"The location of the hotel was good for us as we like to walk and the walk into Funchal and back was a good distance. There are steps and hills but it's good exercise.
There is a great supermarket almost next door. We booked our trips with the agent next door which was convenient. I would say the trips are somewhat on the expensive side, so be prepared.
We found a great restaurant to the right of the hotel called 'Window to Asia', very good food, we went twice. 10min walk.
The atmosphere in the hotel was miserable. The reception area is quite big with a few sofa's and chairs which are pretty dated. The decor is dowdy and scruffy. there was no welcome and it really didn't feel welcoming. Pleased to see their guests, mm I think not. There was an issue, when we were handed our key cards, it stated that we were B&B. When we tried to say it was not correct we were half board the receptionist was not interested in what it said on our phones etc, no, she wanted a voucher to print. she was adamant. Now considering that it was 5.30 in the evening we had been travelling since 2am, circling over Madeira and then having to go to another island to refuel. The wheels had been broken off my case but this lady was more interested in a VOUCHER! Not a welcome in sight and her college was just as po faced and unhelpful. I've stayed in many hotels in the middle of nowhere in Africa where the welcome is amazing. First impressions are important and this did not bode well.
Our room had a bedroom, tiny, tiny bathroom, kitchenette and a living space. We liked the space and the layout. (bathroom being the exception). If anyone tried to open the door whilst you were sitting on the toilet your toes would definitely be severed.
The furniture was mismatched and tatty. The furnishings looked grubby. We had the same sheets for the whole week. To make sure we had clean towels at least once we put them on the floor.
We did get a tea towel eventually even though we had asked for one on the second day. The cleaning of the room was hit and miss really and the extent as to which it was cleaned was dependant on the person who cleaned, some better than others.
The rooms needed redecorating and updating.
The bed was quite comfortable but looking under the sheets etc they were torn and stained.
There were two balconies which just about took a small round table and two chairs. These were a dirty white plastic, cheap and uncomfortable for sitting on for any length of time.
We had to pay for use of a safe in the room, 20 euros and you get 10 back when you hand in the key.
There was no information about anything, devoid of information. Never in all the hotels I've stayed in has there not been info about the hotel and all it has to offer etc.
The corridor we were on smelt of cigarette smoke continuously. The only no smoking sign I saw was in the lifts.
Food, well the only meal that was anywhere near decent was the breakfast cold choices, meats, cheese, fruits and bread. Cooked food were in heated trays which were not fit for purpose, beans, mushrooms, eggs etc were cold, although the bread was great.
Drinks, they make their Aperol spritz with white wine, no sparkle therefore. The best drink was the Gin & Tonic made by Elzsa Patricia. This lady was very sweet, happy to help and always smiling.
Evening meals were bland and unappetising which was a shame.
The sun loungers are plastic and so uncomfortable and you need to take a towel otherwise you are charged.
Would we go back, definitely not.
Having said all that Madeira is beautiful, we had a really nice time. If there were not so many other places in the world to visit we would definately return."
