Rua Estados Unidos da America 34, Funchal, Portugal | (937) 315-4602
Spectacular vistas of Funchal Bay and surrounding landscape
Free 10-minute hotel shuttle bus to town center
Rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and sitting areas
All rooms have furnished balconies, some with gorgeous sea views
Lovely water-view infinity pool with adjacent snack bar
All rates include a quality buffet breakfast
Buffet and a la carte restaurant offering well-reviewed food
Heated indoor pool, plus small spa offering massages and sauna
Well-maintained squash and tennis courts, and gym
Long and strenuous walk to most tourist sights
Dated rooms and common areas
Complaints of noise from nearby barking dogs
Fee for in-room safe
Limited selection of aging machines in the small gym
Spa has open layout limiting privacy
Free Wi-Fi only available in the reception area
As its name suggests, the three-pearl Madeira Panoramico Hotel is located on a steep road, providing gorgeous views of Funchal Bay. Though this means walking can be a bit strenuous, the hotel provides free shuttle service into town. The 132 dated rooms have mismatched patterned carpets and linens, but they feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, and furnished balconies -- some with sea vistas. Also overlooking the bay is the pretty infinity pool, though it's a bit small and there may be lounger shortages during peak season. Also on-site are quality restaurants, a small spa, and sports facilities. Travelers may prefer the Pestana Palms Ocean Aparthotel, which has direct access to the ocean and is just a four-minute walk to the Lido Promenade.
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Scene
Views are the best part of the property, which appeals to quiet-minded travelers
The hotel's tucked-away location and lack of bars and restaurants in the immediate area means the Madeira Panoramico Hotel is best for relax-minded travelers, who don't mind taking transportation to most area sites. Decor is bland in some areas and dated in others, from the lobby's green patterned armchairs to the bar's various seating in shades of orange. However, there are some attractive purple and gray couches by reception, and the restaurant has chic furnishings in a pink, gray, and white color scheme. Regardless, interiors are not the draw here, but rather the stunning vistas of Funchal Bay and the surrounding mountain-filled landscape from several vantage points.
Location
Removed from the main sights, but hotel offers free shuttle service
The hotel is located inland, along a main road away from tourist attractions. While its setting up a steep road make for excellent vistas, this also means walking to various sites can be strenuous and most guests opt for transportation. It's about a 27-minute walk to the Lido Promenade and about a 30-minute walk into town. ; There are taxis and local buses readily available, plus the hotel offers a free shuttle service into town -- though guests have to book in advance and the last one returns early in the evening. There isn't much to do within the immediate vicinity, so some guests have recommended renting a car.
Rooms
Dated but clean rooms have great sea and mountain views
The 132 rooms of Madeira Panoramico are dated but all are spotlessly clean. The design consists of old-fashioned, blonde-wood furniture, patterned blue carpet, and mismatched floral and striped linens. Some mountain-view rooms have more up-to-date furnishings in an attractive gray, white, and lime-green color scheme. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, with the best sea views from the higher floors; though, even rooms not facing the sea still offer great views of the town and mountain landscape. Standard amenities include small flat-screen cable TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and safes (for a fee). Bathrooms are similarly in need of a refresh, but all come with shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi is not available.
Features
Limited features are ideal for guests who prefer relaxation over activities
There are limited activities to do on-site, and they're geared toward relax-minded couples. The standout is the infinity pool with lovely views of Funchal Bay, though the peaceful vibe is slightly hindered by the fact that it also overlooks a main road. Additionally, some guests have complained of not enough loungers and umbrellas during peak season. Other leisure facilities include a heated indoor pool with adjacent whirlpool, a sauna, and steam room. The open-plan layout of the spa limits privacy, but massages are available. There are well-maintained tennis and squash courts, as well as billiards, but the gym is small and machines are showing their age.
There are two restaurants -- one buffet and one a la carte -- and the hotel offer multiple meal-plan options. Both receive good reviews, but the a la carte Palador serves particularly well-liked food, and its terrace provide gorgeous views. A snack bar is located by the pool, plus there's an indoor bar and live music in the evenings.
Wi-Fi is free, but only by reception.
