We have just returned from a 20 day holiday in Funchal. As usual when in Funchal we thoroughly enjoyed or holiday. 18 days of brilliant sunshine what can you say at this time of year.
We where delighted to have chosen the self catering option (something we don't usually do) as in this hotel you got the best of both worlds. Large room, excellent balcony, the other bedrooms only have a half balcony that you have to sit sideways on, didn't look too comfortable to me. The kitchen area was well fitted out and absolutely spotless, the housekeeping staff where excellent and so very friendly. Its a shame we cant say the same for the rest of the staff, I've never seen such a miserable group of staff ever, very few smiled none made you feel welcome. The beds and linen were spotlessly clean but of very poor quality. We had to ask for extra duvets as they where paper thin man made fibre, and mattress toppers because the mattresses seemed to be made of compacted straw. Although we were given these very quickly, you got the impression that you shouldn't have asked. The beautiful pool was a disaster, being so cold that anyone brave enough to get in didn't stay in, swimming one length and out. There is a heated indoor pool and spa but you have to pay 5 euros to use, and seemed to be full of families even though there were signs telling you it was a designated quite area, this couldn't have been further from the truth. There was evening entertainment which sounded quite good, but hardly anyone watching them. Perhaps they could cancel the entertainment and heat the pool instead. The views from the Hotel are fabulous and it is very centrally situated, but the last 500yds to the hotel is a killer. We spent a lot of time on our balcony people watching, even the determined walkers looked a bit strained. I'm sure some one with some good donkeys would make a roaring trade. As I say please do not be put off by this review, our trip was at least £500 cheaper than other self catering and we had full use of the rest of the hotels facilities, sun beds, poolside bar etc. All in all we had another wonderful holiday in Madiera.