Quinta Jardins do Lago

Entry to the Quinta Jardins do Lago hotel is by way of a simple-looking, drive-up portico at the back of the building, which gives little clue to the historic grandeur of the place. Built in 1750 as a family residence, the original building is an elegant, three-story mansion with shuttered windows, a columned balcony, and a red-tile roof. The front of the house overlooks the hotel’s spectacular botanical gardens with over 500 species of tropical plants and flowers, many of which are rare. Vine-covered walkways lead through the heavily scented gardens to the hotel’s large freeform pool, with a footbridge over one end and a partially covered area beside the bistro. Bright and airy communal areas are elegantly styled with antiques, gilt-framed pictures, parquet floors, and decorative rugs. A grand piano resides in the bar area, which has an impressive columned atrium. The hotel has a quiet grandeur about it, while elegant interiors and lush surrounds give a boutique feel. The refined yet sedate ambience tends to attracts more mature travelers as well as families -- kids are particularly fond of the hotel's 58-year-old resident tortoise, Colombo.

The hotel is set on a peaceful hillside in a mainly residential neighborhood with distant views of the sea. Being in one of the quieter areas of the city, however, can feel a little isolated in terms of restaurants and other amenities. Funchal’s marina and most of the museums, art galleries, and other tourist attractions are a six- to seven-minute drive. The hotel offers a free shuttle service during the day as the steep walk down into the historic town center can be a challenge on the way back up (it's at least a 20-minute trip on foot). Drives to the island's iconic Pico de Arieiro take a little over 30 minutes, while the popular Caminho Sao Lourenco cliff-top hike takes 45 minutes to reach by car. Madeira Airport is around a 15-minute drive from here.

Rooms and suites are all individually and elegantly styled with period hardwood furniture that includes impressive antique beds in most rooms. Many suites are in the original historic part of the hotel, including the Presidential Suite, which has a large columned balcony furnished with sun loungers overlooking the gardens and sea. Off-white walls are hung with gilt-frame etchings and classic prints, and there are shiny brass sconces that provide lighting. The look is a bit frilly and Old World, and the abundance of pastel hues won't suit everyone. Standard amenities include well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and balconies overlooking the large botanical garden (rooms on higher floors have distant sea views). Free Wi-Fi is available, but can be patchy in some rooms. Modern bathrooms are mostly finished in orange and tan marble and have shower/tub combos (most tubs have hydro-massage jets), bathrobes, and quality bath products. The outdated hairdryers aren't the nicest we've seen in a hotel of this caliber. Reports suggest some ground floor rooms can be prone to mosquitoes due to the surrounding gardens. 

This small hotel has a good number of features, including a large heated outdoor pool that's surrounded by a wide deck with areas for relaxing in the sun and shade. It's surrounded by attractive tropical landscaping and there's a hot tub as well. The hotel has a bright fitness room with wood floors and windows, but the selection of equipment is thin for a hotel of this caliber. There's also a sauna and Turkish bath. The hotel's game room offers and adult-centric alternative way to kick back over cards or billiards. The botanical gardens, with over 500 species of plants and flowers, is something special, as is the resident giant desert tortoise -- it's a fine place to spend an afternoon reading or taking a short walk.

A breakfast buffet with a la carte options is included in the room rate and served in the Pink Room, which has a large verandah overlooking the gardens -- there are plenty of options in the buffet and eggs are made to order. Drinks, snacks, and light meals are offered outdoors in the Colombo Bistro next to the pool as well. Relaxed evening drinks are served in the grand O Visconde Bar with live piano music most evenings. Excellent fine-dining is offered in the Beresford Restaurant, though it can be pricey and might feel overly formal to some (kids under eight are not allowed in the evenings). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.