Madeira Regency Cliff

It's all about calm and quiet at this seaside hotel, where an adult-only policy keeps everyone under the age of 17 away. A pristine entrance in cool grays framed by tropical plants and sculpted shrubbery welcomes guests to the Madeira Regency Cliff. Inside, the lobby is similarly smart, with a tasteful combination of contemporary velour-covered seating, polished wood and granite floors, and a colorful splash of modern art. Integrated into the reception area is a bar that opens to a spacious outdoor terrace with sea foam-green tile and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. As the name suggests, this hotel is set against a cliff side and extends both upwards and down to another sea-view terrace with a circular pool. At just 59 rooms, it's one of the smaller boutique properties in the area, providing a peaceful and more intimate atmosphere that attracts plenty of return customers among the mostly mature clientele. 

The hotel features a superb cliffside setting overlooking the Atlantic on the most southerly point of the island of Madeira. Set in Funchal's Lido area, it has direct access to a pleasant promenade that runs along the coast and is lined with attractive gardens and dotted with eateries.  The exclusive Naval Club is also next door on the promenade, and guests have access for a small fee. A five-minute drive to the west is the pebble and black-sand beach of Praia Formosa -- the longest on the island. Funchal's historic center with its pretty streets and numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes, is around 15 minutes away by car (the hotel operates a free shuttle bus service four times a day). Santo da Serra Golf Club is about 30 minutes away by car. Madeira Airport will take 20 to 25 minutes to reach by car.

The hotel's 59 rooms are decorated in light, breezy tones with carpeted floors and smart and simple wooden furnishings. The look is modern and bright, with just a piece of abstract art hanging on the wall. All rooms have glass doors that slide open to spacious terraces or balconies with superb sea views (as well as some neighboring buildings). Electric kettles and minibars (with bottled water only) come standard. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs with cable channels, though TVs are on the small side. Free Wi-Fi is available, but the coverage can be patchy and even non-existent in some rooms. Each room has a small safe, but a deposit is required for use. A handful of Suites and Junior Suites are available and feature upgraded amenities like capsule coffeemakers, wireless speakers, cushioned balcony furniture, and/or kitchenettes with two-burner stovetops. Bathrooms are well-maintained, if compact, with bathrobes, shower/tub combos, and wall-mounted hairdryers (that typically provide little more than a warm gust). 

There's a nice array of features on offer here, which is helpful given the fairly isolated setting of this hotel. A free buffet breakfast is served in the hotel's Mistral Restaurant and includes a typical mix of hot and cold dishes, including fresh fruit, eggs, and pastries. Breakfast can also be taken outside on the terrace to be enjoyed with sea views. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, as well, though most guests have preferred nearby dining. Light meals are also served in the poolside Oceanus Bar (the Mistral Bar also extends poolside for cocktails). Limited room service is available. 

The hotel has both heated indoor and outdoor pools, both with sea views, though they are equally small and only useful for soaking or cooling off. Guests have complained of too few sun loungers and umbrellas at the outdoor pool. The small fitness center has only a few pieces of cardio equipment and a weight bench -- it's pretty underwhelming. A likewise limited spa offers a steam bath, and massage treatments. The hotel runs a shuttle into Funchal four times a day for free. Wi-Fi is also free, but spotty.