Porto Mare Hotel

The Porto Mare Hotel is actually at the center of the larger three-property Vila Porto Mare complex; though each has its own lobby and room types, they all share the abundant features. Despite that it's a rather large resort, the atmosphere is peaceful and the lovely grounds aren't too big to be unmanageable. This is probably because, although there are some kid-friendly facilities, guests tend to be couples of retirement age. Interiors are well-maintained, but some furnishings are dated and in need of a refresh. This is particularly evident in the lobby, which has orange carpeting, traditional red and yellow sofas, and bland light-wood furniture. Other areas, however, are modern and stylish, such as the Med Restaurant with chic wicker seating, blue-tinted glasses, and Moroccan lanterns. The more attractive feature is certainly the grounds with an abundance of gardens, pools, and quiet nooks, not to mention sea views. 

Porto Mare is located just off the main Lido promenade, which is lined with restaurants and shops, plus leads to Formosa Beach. Though the hotel is just a few minutes' walk to the sea, the nearest beach is Formosa, about a 30-minute walk away. A free shuttle takes guests into Funchal throughout the day, although it stops running early in the evening (book in advance). Local buses into town also pass directly outside the hotel's doors (journey time is 10 minutes). Plenty of local restaurants are also within a five-minute walk, many with excellent sea views for an alfresco meal. The hotel is about 20 minutes from Madeira Airport by taxi.

Rooms are well-maintained and spacious, although the rust-colored carpet and honey-toned wood make them look dated. Red bedding with a leaf motif and multiple pieces of artwork are pleasant touches. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, many with stunning sea views, while others overlook the grounds. Across the board, beds are two twins pushed together, which may not be ideal for couples. Sitting areas and work desks are standard, and Junior Suites have separate living and dining areas with kitchenettes. Kitchenette come with two-burner stoves, toasters, coffeemakers, and necessary cookware. 

Rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen cable TVs, iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and safes for a fee. Beige-stone bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Higher rooms are quieter, and those on the reception side of the hotel are the sunniest.

One of the stand-out features of the property is its almost three-and-a-half acres of immaculately maintained gardens, which includes more than 500 types of plants such as fruit trees. Some of the gardens surround the property's two unheated outdoor pools and kiddy pool, which have ample loungers and a smattering of umbrellas. There are also two whirlpools, an indoor/outdoor pool, and fully indoor pool available. A poolside bar serves drinks and light meals until early evening.

Near the indoor pool is the spa with treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam room. The sunny gym has floor-to-ceiling windows and has a decent amount of modern machines, plus free weights and mats. For those traveling with children, there's a colorful kids' club, a basic but adequate playground, and game room with foosball, billiards, and ping-pong. Mini-golf and tennis courts round out the sports facilities. Wi-Fi is free but can be slow in certain spots.

The resort's four restaurants and six bars offer a ton of options for guests. Breakfast in the property's buffet-style restaurant, Atlantida, is generally good, with a wide variety of choice. Vegetarians, however, might find the options somewhat limited at the themed dinner buffets. There's a great happy hour at the inviting Portofino Bar in the early evening with live music, although it does cater toward an older clientele. The more informal Italian Il Basilico, serves lunch, tapas, and dinner on a terrace next to the Lido Promenade. The Med Restaurant's dinners are some of the property's best and feature Mediterranean cooking (mostly Greek, Moroccan, and Italian). The Alfama serves Portuguese and Madeiran food during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.