The Vidamar Resort Madeira is a sleek, contemporary, upscale resort set on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Clever design means that superb views can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points, including in the 300 bright, minimalist guest rooms. Three swimming pools are rarely crowded and the spa is particularly stylish. Dining options are aplenty and a half-board rate is standard, and though there's a sushi restaurant the buffet choices can get dull. Vidamar is certainly one of the chicer options on the island, but it's a 10-minute drive to the sands of Praia Formosa. For traditional luxury and more history check out Belmond Reid's Palace, just up the coast.
The Vidamar Resort Madeira is a sleek, contemporary, upscale resort set on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Clever design means that superb views can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points, including in the 300 bright, minimalist guest rooms. Three swimming pools are rarely crowded and the spa is particularly stylish. Dining options are aplenty and a half-board rate is standard, and though there's a sushi restaurant the buffet choices can get dull. Vidamar is certainly one of the chicer options on the island, but it's a 10-minute drive to the sands of Praia Formosa. For traditional luxury and more history check out Belmond Reid's Palace, just up the coast.
One of the best-positioned properties on Madeira, the upscale, 76-room Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel is located along the water and a 20-minute walk from Funchal's center. It boasts private, direct access to the sea from the large pool area, as well as an on-site dive center. A spa, sauna, whirlpool, and full gym with a sea view add to the property's relaxation factor. The generously sized rooms are admittedly aging -- think brown striped carpet, honey-toned wood furniture, and plaid throws on the bed. However, many offer sea-view balconies and all have basic kitchenettes. The two restaurants and bars receive positive reviews, and meal plans are available. Note, however, that in-room safes and umbrellas by the pool require fees. Travelers looking for a bit more modern property may prefer the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa.
One of the best-positioned properties on Madeira, the upscale, 76-room Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel is located along the water and a 20-minute walk from Funchal's center. It boasts private, direct access to the sea from the large pool area, as well as an on-site dive center. A spa, sauna, whirlpool, and full gym with a sea view add to the property's relaxation factor. The generously sized rooms are admittedly aging -- think brown striped carpet, honey-toned wood furniture, and plaid throws on the bed. However, many offer sea-view balconies and all have basic kitchenettes. The two restaurants and bars receive positive reviews, and meal plans are available. Note, however, that in-room safes and umbrellas by the pool require fees. Travelers looking for a bit more modern property may prefer the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa.
Funchal is known for its steep hills, but this 317-room, upper-middle-range all-inclusive is in a walkable area with access to the oceanfront promenade. The hotel's exterior resembles a cruise liner, and the large outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and massive deck all face the ocean. The spa's saltwater pool has romantic cave-style designs and the spacious gym offers spin classes. The hotel stands out as one of the only all-inclusive options in Funchal (and the best); in addition to the main buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, there are Japanese, Italian, and Madeiran theme restaurants. Bars offer live entertainment. Rooms are modest with simple (but comfy) design and all have full or partial sea views from balconies; some suites have kitchens. The Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa offers more modern rooms, but doesn’t have all-inclusive rates.
Funchal is known for its steep hills, but this 317-room, upper-middle-range all-inclusive is in a walkable area with access to the oceanfront promenade. The hotel's exterior resembles a cruise liner, and the large outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and massive deck all face the ocean. The spa's saltwater pool has romantic cave-style designs and the spacious gym offers spin classes. The hotel stands out as one of the only all-inclusive options in Funchal (and the best); in addition to the main buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, there are Japanese, Italian, and Madeiran theme restaurants. Bars offer live entertainment. Rooms are modest with simple (but comfy) design and all have full or partial sea views from balconies; some suites have kitchens. The Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa offers more modern rooms, but doesn’t have all-inclusive rates.
The Four Views Monumental Lido is a large three-and-a-half-pearl resort connected to a small shopping mall, a 10-minute walk from the Lido Promenade. The 262-room resort’s outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and multi-level sundecks overlook the Atlantic, and the spa has a beautiful indoor pool and one of the best gyms in the area. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available and the resort has one restaurant, a poolside snack bar, and a bar with live music. Clean, bright rooms have mini-fridges and balconies or terraces with many overlooking the ocean. Studios and Apartments offer kitchenettes, though expect fees for safes and use of certain spa features. The Enotel Lido Madeira might be a better choice for families, with a nicer kids' club and outdoor play area, though rooms are less attractive.
The Four Views Monumental Lido is a large three-and-a-half-pearl resort connected to a small shopping mall, a 10-minute walk from the Lido Promenade. The 262-room resort’s outdoor pool, kiddy pool, and multi-level sundecks overlook the Atlantic, and the spa has a beautiful indoor pool and one of the best gyms in the area. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available and the resort has one restaurant, a poolside snack bar, and a bar with live music. Clean, bright rooms have mini-fridges and balconies or terraces with many overlooking the ocean. Studios and Apartments offer kitchenettes, though expect fees for safes and use of certain spa features. The Enotel Lido Madeira might be a better choice for families, with a nicer kids' club and outdoor play area, though rooms are less attractive.
The Four Views Baia is a three-and-a-half-pearl property with a stunning cliff-side setting that's a steep 15-minute walk from Funchal's old town. The hotel offers stunning Funchal Bay views from many of its 261 modern rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. Suites have full kitchens and the most dramatic views of Fortaleza de Pico from rooftop terraces. The sleek outdoor pool, casual restaurant, and poolside bar also have bay views, and there's live music in the bar. Other features include a spa with an impressive indoor pool, a modern gym, and a paddle-ball court -- all of which come with fees. The similarly priced Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has similar features (and fees), but is only a short walk from the beach.
The Four Views Baia is a three-and-a-half-pearl property with a stunning cliff-side setting that's a steep 15-minute walk from Funchal's old town. The hotel offers stunning Funchal Bay views from many of its 261 modern rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. Suites have full kitchens and the most dramatic views of Fortaleza de Pico from rooftop terraces. The sleek outdoor pool, casual restaurant, and poolside bar also have bay views, and there's live music in the bar. Other features include a spa with an impressive indoor pool, a modern gym, and a paddle-ball court -- all of which come with fees. The similarly priced Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has similar features (and fees), but is only a short walk from the beach.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is an upscale resort dating from 1801, with 300 acres of gardens, nature trails, and an 18-hole golf course with sea views. The 37 rooms are done in classical country style, and while they include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, they lack air-conditioning. Suites provide sitting areas, and some have whirlpool tubs. The property itself is relaxing country retreat with a garden pool and elegant spa. Dining is a laid-back affair, with a glass-enclosed cafe, library for afternoon tea, a classic restaurant, and bar lounge. The hotel has a modern gym and tennis court. Travelers might want to also consider the Enotel Lido Madeira, which has air-conditioning and oceanfront views, though rates there are generally higher.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is an upscale resort dating from 1801, with 300 acres of gardens, nature trails, and an 18-hole golf course with sea views. The 37 rooms are done in classical country style, and while they include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, they lack air-conditioning. Suites provide sitting areas, and some have whirlpool tubs. The property itself is relaxing country retreat with a garden pool and elegant spa. Dining is a laid-back affair, with a glass-enclosed cafe, library for afternoon tea, a classic restaurant, and bar lounge. The hotel has a modern gym and tennis court. Travelers might want to also consider the Enotel Lido Madeira, which has air-conditioning and oceanfront views, though rates there are generally higher.
Apartamentos Sao Paulo e Alegria is a bargain option nestled in a quiet and historic area of Funchal, outside Lido. This lower-middle-range, family-owned property feels more like a guest house, and has 31 contemporary apartment-style units spread among three beautiful buildings with views over the neighborhood's narrow cobblestone streets. Expect gorgeous parquet wood floors, antique furniture, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, but no air-conditioning; some rooms add balconies. On-site, there are two outdoor terraces, a small breakfast room, cafe serving snacks and drinks, and a small tropical garden with a barbecue area and hammocks. Babysitting, parking, and in-room massages are available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers willing to pay more can snag rooftop pool views at Hotel Madeira.
Apartamentos Sao Paulo e Alegria is a bargain option nestled in a quiet and historic area of Funchal, outside Lido. This lower-middle-range, family-owned property feels more like a guest house, and has 31 contemporary apartment-style units spread among three beautiful buildings with views over the neighborhood's narrow cobblestone streets. Expect gorgeous parquet wood floors, antique furniture, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, but no air-conditioning; some rooms add balconies. On-site, there are two outdoor terraces, a small breakfast room, cafe serving snacks and drinks, and a small tropical garden with a barbecue area and hammocks. Babysitting, parking, and in-room massages are available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers willing to pay more can snag rooftop pool views at Hotel Madeira.
An upper-middle-range, village-style complex set in beautiful gardens, the Pestana Village Garden Resort Aparthotel certainly lives up to its name. Though set off the main coastal road, this 92-room property feels secluded and peaceful and it's just 10 minutes on foot to the beach. Rooms are spacious and bright, with simple country decor, kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. However, there is no air-conditioning and some bathrooms look a bit dated. Shared facilities with a neighboring sister hotel means access to at least two of everything (and beach access), though the resort's own pool, spa, and dining options are ample. For something a little different there's also Ocean Gardens, a small, family-owned property set in a garden that offers better vistas, too.
An upper-middle-range, village-style complex set in beautiful gardens, the Pestana Village Garden Resort Aparthotel certainly lives up to its name. Though set off the main coastal road, this 92-room property feels secluded and peaceful and it's just 10 minutes on foot to the beach. Rooms are spacious and bright, with simple country decor, kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. However, there is no air-conditioning and some bathrooms look a bit dated. Shared facilities with a neighboring sister hotel means access to at least two of everything (and beach access), though the resort's own pool, spa, and dining options are ample. For something a little different there's also Ocean Gardens, a small, family-owned property set in a garden that offers better vistas, too.
Pestana Casino Park Hotel is a 379-room upscale property occupying a landmark piece of iconic modernist architecture. Its location is excellent, too, set on a cliff top overlooking the harbor and with Funchal's pretty, historic center within walking distance. Rooms are spacious and bright -- with a few exceptions -- and while most have sea views, others overlook a large building site. The style throughout is thankfully contemporary, which isn't always the case with the Pestana chain. The colorful spa is a highlight, an infinity pool has superb sea views, and eating and drinking options are excellent. A buffet breakfast is included, with sparking wine. Rates are reasonable for the category, although families with kids are probably better off in the neighboring Pestana Carlton Madeira.
Pestana Casino Park Hotel is a 379-room upscale property occupying a landmark piece of iconic modernist architecture. Its location is excellent, too, set on a cliff top overlooking the harbor and with Funchal's pretty, historic center within walking distance. Rooms are spacious and bright -- with a few exceptions -- and while most have sea views, others overlook a large building site. The style throughout is thankfully contemporary, which isn't always the case with the Pestana chain. The colorful spa is a highlight, an infinity pool has superb sea views, and eating and drinking options are excellent. A buffet breakfast is included, with sparking wine. Rates are reasonable for the category, although families with kids are probably better off in the neighboring Pestana Carlton Madeira.
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Travelers are drawn to this mid-range, 99-room hotel for two key reasons: the beautiful sea-facing gardens and the warm, comfortable atmosphere. Together with the Suite Hotel Eden Mare and Porto Mare Hotel, The Residence belongs to the Vila Porto Mare resort. The relaxed vibe and non-city center location appeals to more mature couples, and the high number of time-share holders and returning guests gives it a communal vibe. Facilities across the development include four restaurants and a spa. There’s no pool at The Residence itself but it shares use of the resort’s four pools. Spacious studios and apartments all have kitchenettes, plus direct access to the gardens or a sea view. For a slightly chicer stay in a similar setting, the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has comparable rates.
Travelers are drawn to this mid-range, 99-room hotel for two key reasons: the beautiful sea-facing gardens and the warm, comfortable atmosphere. Together with the Suite Hotel Eden Mare and Porto Mare Hotel, The Residence belongs to the Vila Porto Mare resort. The relaxed vibe and non-city center location appeals to more mature couples, and the high number of time-share holders and returning guests gives it a communal vibe. Facilities across the development include four restaurants and a spa. There’s no pool at The Residence itself but it shares use of the resort’s four pools. Spacious studios and apartments all have kitchenettes, plus direct access to the gardens or a sea view. For a slightly chicer stay in a similar setting, the Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa has comparable rates.