Dom Pedro Madeira

Dom Pedro Madeira is a family-friendly property that has a great location across from the beach in the small village of Machico Bay, but it's let down by an aging building, dated furniture, and somewhat sparse decor. A quick and direct turnoff from the main road and you're searching for a parking spot along the long, steep pavement that leads to the hotel. On the outside, the building resembles an '80s tower resort with nine floors and a rooftop pool. To the hotel's back, past the public promenade, is the Atlantic Ocean. During our visit we had a few encounters with a faint musty smell, though this isn't entirely uncommon for old buildings by the sea. Reviews are mixed for this mid-range hotel, but thanks to its low rates and handful of varied features, there's no denying it is a good bargain. 

Dom Pedro Madeira is located in Machico Bay, directly across from the beach. The hotel is within walking distance of several bars, restaurants, shops, and conveniences like a pharmacy and gas station. There are two beaches within a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, one with sandy shore and one with a rocky beach. Madeira Island is just a 90-minute flight from Lisbon and the hotel is around a five-minute drive from the airport. 

All 218 rooms here are clean and well-maintained, but dated due to terra cotta-colored tile floors, rattan and bamboo wicker furniture, and travertine bathrooms. The bland neutral color schemes and lack of artwork add to the old-fashioned feel. Standard Rooms are quite basic, with no AC, and amenities limited to small sitting areas and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Upgrades to Club Rooms and Junior Suites will get coffee- and tea-making facilities and mini-fridges, plus balconies and/or ocean views in some. Bathrooms are also trim on the fixings, with just soap and shampoo for toiletries and hairdryers on request. They have bidets and either shower/tub combos or small showers. Old-school metal safes cost extra. Rooms overlook either the garden or the bay. Note that some past guests have complained of noise issues.

One of the hotel's more notable features is its on-site diving center. Along with diving excursions, boating, and snorkeling trips to the Desertas Islands., they hold free scuba demonstrations in the hotel's outdoor saltwater pool. The hotel's pool deck area has a towel hut, decent amount of loungers (umbrellas for fee), and a rectangular pool that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Just three steps off the deck, there's a small pool bar slinging light meals and drinks during summer season. Otherwise, libations can be found in the lobby Piano Bar, which also serves up nightly live entertainment and drinks. The Baia de Zarco Restaurant offers a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all-inclusive packages are available. 

The open-plan library is home to a ping-pong and pool table, or guests can use the somewhat rugged tennis, bocce, or volleyball courts. There's no spa, but there is a dated, almost-vintage, hair parlor. Other features include an internet point and large meeting room/event space for up to 180 people. Kids between six and 12 stay for free and get half off all meals. 

Wi-Fi is free, but it's only wired for the lobby and free parking is available wherever you can find it as you drive in. This is a no-pet property.