25 Rue de Cabrestante, Funchal, Portugal | (937) 315-4602
Quiet resort with a romantic setting and solid amenities
Knockout ocean views from a rooftop terrace and garden promenade
Modern decor throughout that's fresh and inviting
Streamlined guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles
Suites and Apartments add seating areas and fully equipped kitchenettes
Stylish restaurant and cocktail bar with a peaceful outdoor deck
Large outdoor lap pool and poolside bar, plus an indoor pool
Full-service spa with a sauna, hot tub, and a Turkish bath
Well-equipped fitness center
Business center and small library
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Far from Funchal's historic center
No direct beach access
No shuttle service to town
All units have two twin-size mattresses pushed together
Bathrooms lack toiletries
Fee to use safes
Golden Residence Apartment Hotel is a four-pearl resort located on the outskirts of Funchal. The property has attractive, modern decor and boasts stunning ocean views from its perch high above the water. All 142 units have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles, and private balconies, but beds are two twin mattresses pushed together, and bathrooms lack toiletries. Suites and Apartments add living rooms and kitchenettes. The rooftop terrace and garden promenade are among the resort's top features, and there's an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and free breakfast. No direct beach access and a hike into town are drawbacks. Though dated by comparison, travelers seeking a beachfront hotel may wish to consider Pestana Bay Ocean Aparthotel.
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Scene
Couples and other leisure travelers hit the outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, and garden promenade
The resort's dramatic setting and stunning vistas is a magnet for couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway. The hotel attracts some families, too, given its extensive amenities, and the space that apartment-style accommodations afford. Most days, guests can be found lounging around the delightful pool, which has a courtyard with an ivy-covered wall facing the ocean. Another favorite spot is the garden promenade -- a great place to watch the sunset -- with panoramic views of the ocean and distant cliffs. Guests also frequently head off on day trips to Funchal. Less time is spent in the resort's on-trend common areas, which include a chic restaurant and an airy lobby.
Location
Set high above the ocean, on the outskirts of Funchal's historic center
Perched on the Ponta da Cruz with a backdrop of the steep cliffs of Cabo Girao, the hotel sits at the southernmost point of Madeira. This is a quiet, somewhat residential setting, and there are also a few restaurants and a shopping mall (Forum Madeira) within an eight-minute walk from the hotel. Funchal's historic center, with its pretty streets and numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes, is 15 minutes away by car. The hotel doesn't have direct access to Praia Formosa (Madeira's largest beach), and the hike is just beyond walking distance for most travelers. The beach is also accessible by local bus in about 15 minutes, or just under 10 minutes away by car. Madeira Airport is a 20- to 25-minute drive.
Rooms
Sleek and stylish, with flat-screen TVs, but twin mattresses only, and no toiletries
Guest rooms are bright and comfortable, with details like tapered-leg tables, cane-backed armchairs, and single orchids that coordinate with throws making spaces feel elegant and pulled together. Furnished balconies with ocean or countryside views are a bonus. Units are also all equipped with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, china cups and saucers, free Wi-Fi, and safes that are available for a fee, but beds are two twin-size mattresses pushed together. Bathrooms are basic and streamlined, with large walk-in showers and bidets, but they lack toiletries. Suites and Apartments add separate living rooms with sofas, and fully equipped kitchenettes with cooktops and microwaves.
Features
Rooftop terrace, garden promenade, and an outdoor pool, but no beach access
This resort boasts a solid lineup of amenities, and its rooftop terrace and garden promenade -- both with panoramic ocean views -- are its crowning jewel. The outdoor lap pool is a close second. It has a narrow, grassy area, as well as a concrete sundeck with loungers and umbrellas. The resort also has an indoor pool with an accessible ramp and a hot tub. No direct beach access is the hotel's main drawback in terms of features, and the property doesn't offer shuttle service into town.
For dining, the buffet restaurant serves international cuisine and has an outdoor terrace. Breakfast is free, and all-inclusive rates are also available. An attached cocktail bar has two sections; a sunny lounge that opens to a deck with pool views, and a more casual (and less exciting) space off the lobby with a billiards table. There's and additional poolside bar at the far end of the property.
Wellness amenities include a spa with several treatment rooms, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, plus a fitness center with free weights and a row of cardio machines. There's also a hair salon, a business center, and a small library, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.
