The Jardins d’Ajuda Suite Hotel

On a day-to-day basis, The Jardins d’Ajuda Suite Hotel is well cared for, with manicured lawns and spotlessly clean interiors. Disappointingly, the same can’t be said of the bigger picture, and there’s an urgent need for renovation at this hotel. The light marble lobby makes a good first impression, and the outdoor pool area is a pleasant, uncrowded spot to relax. But the rooms are dated -- and not in a charmingly classic or trendy retro way; think overbearing patterned fabrics and lots of varnished mahogany. The vibe is quiet for a large hotel, as most guests use it as a pit-stop in between sightseeing. The hotel attracts more mature couples and groups, plus a few families taking advantage of the bargain rates.

The Jardins d’Ajuda Suite Hotel sits next to the Forum Madeira shopping center, across the road from the seafront on the outskirts of the Lido neighborhood. There are plenty of tourist-friendly bars and restaurants in easy walking distance, and it's 10 minutes on foot to the rugged pebble beach at Formosa. The beach there is too rough for swimming, but it’s fine for a walk along the seafront. There are good transport links outside the hotel and it’s a 15-minute journey -- by taxi, car, or free shuttle bus -- into the center of Funchal. Madeira’s airport is a half-hour drive away.

Traditional rooms are in desperate need of renovation; the decor is tired and dated. Comparisons can be drawn with cabins on a vessel that has spent decades at sea: mahogany-varnished wardrobes and headboards, worn carpets, and old-fashioned patterned fabrics. The redeeming features here are that rooms are large and impressively clean -- previous guests commend the regular housekeeping. In terms of comfort, there's air-conditioning, though beds are on the firm side. Small, old TVs are mounted high on the walls, hospital-style, and some guests have noted that remote controls were missing. There’s no in-room Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are well laid-out, with a marble sink and shower/tub combo. All rooms have a small balcony with views of the hillside, a neighboring hotel, or across the road to the sea. Suites and Junior Suites add a basic kitchenette with a fridge, two cooktops, and a sink. Rooms at the back of hotel, overlooking the pool and away from the main road, are quieter.

Of the basic facilities, the outdoor pool area is the highlight. There are lots of sun loungers and the pool is surrounded by manicured lawns. There’s also a separate kids’ pool. Towels are issued down at the pool, which appears to solve the potential issue of sunbed-saving. For guests who aren’t out exploring, the poolside coffee shop is a pleasant spot for lunch. Occasional private events are held by the pool. As this is one of the hotel’s best features, it’s worth asking if any events are planned during your stay. Indoors, a second pool and a gym, whirlpool, and sauna are useful on rainy days but, like much of the hotel, are incredibly dated. 

The restaurant feels like an extension of the lobby, and serves buffet breakfasts where the quality reflects the price – simple fruits, cheese, meats and pastries plus some warm options. There’s the option of all-inclusive, but as there are far better options in easy walking distance of the hotel, and it’s not worth the upgrade. The bar has a generous happy hour plus evening entertainment, ranging from live music to folk dancing. Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby, where it’s free. A free shuttle bus service runs between the hotel and Funchal’s old town, and there’s also private parking.