My husband and I have stayed at this hotel 8/9 times now since 2016. It’s excellent value and a superb location for the old and new town. It shares a sea view equal to the Royal Savoy and the Reid’s Palace. I would agree that the 5* rating isn’t quite appropriate at the moment, as the rooms, particularly soft furnishings such as curtains and built in furniture are tired and dated. Rooms do need refurbishing, and understand that some of the main hotel areas, carpets etc are being replaced. The indoor pool has been a reason for holidays in January/ February for us, but have noticed that the heat has been turned down far too low (energy saving) that it is not comfortable for certain guests ie. Those on medications or older guests. We hardly used the indoor pool which was a shame, and this could eventually be a deal breaker or deterrent to visit in the winter months. Breakfast is enough for us, plenty of choice and the terrace is a happy place for myself and my husband. Staff we know have been there for many years are now starting to retire and we see new faces, not necessarily Madeira locals. Nearby No 2 bar, and Casa De Penha Italian restaurant is a must go to for us! Hemingways is nice with some live music, but food choices are plentiful. Reception managers are always keen to help improve your stay but they are unable speed up the refurbishment program as faded or worn curtains would put off many new customers. The trade off is once done, prices will increase. Either way, we won’t be put off booking a second sneaky trip when we get the opportunity later this year. 😊
Thank you for your comment! Glad to hear you’ve had some good experiences, and it’s always great to hear feedback of all types 🧡 Hope you enjoy your next Madeira holiday!
Stayed there. Time Share Hotel - seems to be their main focus. I have stayed in a lot of 5 Star Hotels but would not rate it higher than 3 Star. The Gym is very poor near wet floors next to the indoor swimming pool. This Gym doesn’t look like the former Gym photos prior to COVID. Poor choice Easyjet ,will view your 5 Star Hotels with suspicion. Note no mention of Time Share and the regulars booking up most of the treatment times.
Agree not 5 * and the timeshare, not interested and never a problem for us, we ignore it all and don’t use the free drinks voucher in the pub. Never use the hair salon or spa, eat out as lots of restaurants in Funchal or the lido area. The move of the gym equipment was an improvement to the day beds so perhaps some non slip grip mats might help. I’m looking forward to this old fine hotel to have her updates so she can be called a true 5* again, but I disagree with the 3* rating you have given it personally 😊
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My husband and I have stayed at this hotel 8/9 times now since 2016. It’s excellent value and a superb location for the old and new town. It shares a sea view equal to the Royal Savoy and the Reid’s Palace. I would agree that the 5* rating isn’t quite appropriate at the moment, as the rooms, particularly soft furnishings such as curtains and built in furniture are tired and dated. Rooms do need refurbishing, and understand that some of the main hotel areas, carpets etc are being replaced. The indoor pool has been a reason for holidays in January/ February for us, but have noticed that the heat has been turned down far too low (energy saving) that it is not comfortable for certain guests ie. Those on medications or older guests. We hardly used the indoor pool which was a shame, and this could eventually be a deal breaker or deterrent to visit in the winter months. Breakfast is enough for us, plenty of choice and the terrace is a happy place for myself and my husband.
Staff we know have been there for many years are now starting to retire and we see new faces, not necessarily Madeira locals. Nearby No 2 bar, and Casa De Penha Italian restaurant is a must go to for us! Hemingways is nice with some live music, but food choices are plentiful. Reception managers are always keen to help improve your stay but they are unable speed up the refurbishment program as faded or worn curtains would put off many new customers. The trade off is once done, prices will increase.
Either way, we won’t be put off booking a second sneaky trip when we get the opportunity later this year. 😊
Thank you for your comment! Glad to hear you’ve had some good experiences, and it’s always great to hear feedback of all types 🧡 Hope you enjoy your next Madeira holiday!
I stayed in the Pestana Carlton when I go there every year considering I’m Portuguese it is expensive but I would say it is worth it.
Thank you for your comment! We loved the Pestana Carlton 🧡
Great information
I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching :)
Per stay? Is that the price for one night?
That is the average price of a 7 night package holiday, which includes flights, hold luggage, and transfer from airport 😊
I had the cake the other day.
Stayed there. Time Share Hotel - seems to be their main focus. I have stayed in a lot of 5 Star Hotels but would not rate it higher than 3 Star. The Gym is very poor near wet floors next to the indoor swimming pool. This Gym doesn’t look like the former Gym photos prior to COVID. Poor choice Easyjet ,will view your 5 Star Hotels with suspicion. Note no mention of Time Share and the regulars booking up most of the treatment times.
Agree not 5 * and the timeshare, not interested and never a problem for us, we ignore it all and don’t use the free drinks voucher in the pub. Never use the hair salon or spa, eat out as lots of restaurants in Funchal or the lido area. The move of the gym equipment was an improvement to the day beds so perhaps some non slip grip mats might help. I’m looking forward to this old fine hotel to have her updates so she can be called a true 5* again, but I disagree with the 3* rating you have given it personally 😊