Top 6 Resorts in Funchal, Portugal

April 28, 2023 Karren Gelb

Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold," Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.
Restaurants in Funchal

1. Pestana Royal All Inclusive

Estrada Monumental 275, Funchal, Madeira 9000-250 Portugal
Excellent
47%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1835 reviews

Pestana Royal All Inclusive

The Pestana Royal is an All Inclusive hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and domestic beverages) located in Funchal, Madeira. It sits 2 minutes on foot from Formosa beach, the city's largest beach, with panoramic views of the Cabo Girão hillside, 10 minutes from Funchal’s city centre (by car). During your stay, you can enjoy 2 outdoor swimming pools, an open-air solarium, a SPA with indoor swimming pool, gym and 3 treatment rooms where you can book you Magic SPA treatment/massage. The youngsters can have fun at the Kid's Club, while the adults play pool, mini golf or use the tennis court. The hotel offers 4 restaurants (1 open buffet for all meals and 3 themed restaurants), promenades and 2 bars. All of them have a very relaxed atmosphere, this being one of the main features of this resort. All rooms offer pleasant views, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

Not one for the vegetarians

Reviewed By bodeygem2013

Let's start with the good things: The room was nice (paid for a sea view), the bed was fine and we had no bother getting a sun bed, even when rocking up at 1030. I liked the clientel - mostly French, Portuguese, UK and German. A mix of age groups and not too many kids. Now for the rest..... Firstly, I agree - it is not 5 star standard. I'm always happy with all inclusive as I usually like local wine and beer - the alcohol at this hotel was not at all enjoyable. I did like how bottles of water were freely available however. I also agree that the staff are miserable, particularly at the front desk. There was one lady who was nice, others were rude and sarcastic. For anybody who suggests that the restaurant is suitable for vegeterian and vegan, I would ask how they figured this out? The food is not always labelled, and when it is it says something like "pasta" rather than the ingredients. There are no vegetarian or vegan signs and no idea what the ingredients are. For example "vegetable soup" - made with chicken stock perhaps? Once I went to have the "pasta with tomato" and found the main ingredient to be Tuna! The chickpea curry had shrimp in it too. Special meals can be reserved - we were allowed two. The "Aisan Night" was sold out upon our arrival so didn't get to try that. The pizza night we did book but it was so disappointing - a massive cheese fest which took an hour to arrive, with some weird black sawdust on the base. The dining hall is a nightmare. The tables are so close together and there is one small counter to get hot food, whilst salad and bread are separate. Masks are not required and the hand sanitiser was empty for 5 days of the 8 we stayed. People make their way in through a passage in the middle of the tables and are constantly gawping at what each other are eating whilst coughing. In the end we came only for breakfast (go early) and avoided all other meals. With that and the avoidance of the disgusting alcohol, there was not much point in being all inclusive. I won't be coming back to Madeira based on this one trip to this one hotel. I would advise anybody who's considering coming here to pack a mask for all communal areas, but mainly, if you have dietary requirements.... DON'T BOTHER.

2. Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal, Madeira 9000-098 Portugal
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2274 reviews

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Set on cliff tops overlooking the Bay of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, this legendary hotel has, for over a century, been a standard-bearer for excellence. The hotel is located on 10 acres of subtropical gardens, boasts enviable access to the sea and is within walking distance of Funchal's shops, restaurants and night-life. With its reputation for excellence and discreet service, Belmond Reid's Palace is the ideal place at which to relax and be pampered.

Most relaxed hotel

Reviewed By johnp9v

Reid's is so friendly and relaxing, it's position over looking Funchal and the harbour is amazing especially at night with all the street and house lights lighting up the hillside, sitting on the terrace with late night drinks cannot be matched. The staff are so friendly and helpful no request was to much.

3. Golden Residence

Rua do Cabrestante 25, Funchal, Madeira 9000-105 Portugal
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1325 reviews

Golden Residence

The Golden Residence welcomes you to a enchanting 4-star hotel in an excellent location on the south coast of Madeira. Overlooking the sea and some imposing cliffs, the opportunities for fantastic sunsets are offered every day during your holidays. Once inside, the hotel is built with many open spaces to make the most of the natural light and a modern and luxurious design with comfortable and functional public areas to rest, relax, read or socialize with your fellow guests. The atmosphere is complete with the panoramic sea views and some of the banana plantations still existing in Funchal. More than a hotel, at the Golden Residence you will find the perfect solution for a holiday where well-being and relaxation will take on a new meaning for you. The excellent service and careful attention for small detail is what makes the difference. ... and we encourage you to discover its many charms.

Really nice experience!

Reviewed By uaineturas

I stayed at the golden residence during Christmas time and had a wonderful experience! The room was spotless, the staff very friendly and the breakfast filled with options. The hotel is part of the island that is quieter and I love the garage (that way I didn´t need to think about parking). Also amazing view! I can´t wait to go back!

4. NEXT Hotel

Rua Carvalho Araújo, 8, Funchal, Madeira 9000-022 Portugal
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

NEXT Hotel

NEXT – Connecting with Madeira Island without disconnecting from the world Savoy Signature presents the latest hotel in its collection., two steps away from Savoy Palace and with the same unique location – next to the cruise ship port of Funchal and a 5-minute walk from the city centre –, the NEXT hotel benefits from direct access to the sea. In addition to providing superb moments of leisure in the main outdoor swimming pools by the sea (1 for adults and 1 for children), the hotel features a special outdoor pool on the rooftop, equipped with an underwater sound system. Connected Sea Hotel In an inviting hotel – especially, although not exclusively – for the millennial generation, digital nomads, tech-savvy or tech-curious, free wi-fi is, of course, available throughout the hotel. In public areas, there are USB charging points for smartphones and other electronic devices. The app developed specifically for this hotel is intended to automate various daily tasks. Rooms, Studios and Suites NEXT has 126 accommodation spaces, including rooms, studios and suites (some with kitchenette), where elegance and comfort merge with the most modern technology. The vast majority of accommodations guarantee magnificent sea views and all rooms have a furnished balcony, walk-in shower, minibar, IP & Led cable TV, Video on Demand, telephone, safe (for rental), hairdryer and toiletries. Food & Beverages The main restaurant, which is also a bar, has earned the name “Recharge Bar & Restaurant” thanks to its idyllic location on the sea platform, next to the sea and main swimming pool. The bars of the hotel are located in the lobby (Network bar, with live music) and closer to the clouds, on the rooftop (Cloud Bar, with light meals and snacks’ service). The SPA, the auditorium and other services NEXT's SPA is equipped with an ice fountain, steam room, sauna and two treatment rooms. A gym with cutting edge equipment is also featured, as well as an auditorium with a capacity for 100 people. NEXT also includes 24-hour multilingual reception, Concierge and Guest Experience, regular entertainment programme, laundry service, 24-hour medical assistance on request, indoor parking (upon payment) and babysitting (upon request).

Hotel great apart from theft from room

Reviewed By Forfarnil

We stayed for 2 weeks in the hotel are liked staff and location. I would have given it a higher rating had my wife not had 2 items of clothing stolen from our room. I have written to the hotel but recriminations acknowledgment. We realised one was missing when we were there but my wife thought she might have not packed a brand new golf top. Upon arriving home we are certain it was stolen from our room. I suggest if you stay here you lock all your clothes in your case. As my wife said if one or two items are taken from each room people might not notice or comment.

5. Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel

Estrada Monumental 302, Funchal, Madeira 9000-100 Portugal
Excellent
19%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
11%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 1094 reviews

Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel

Idyllically situated on the hillside in the heart of Madeira’s renowned Lido area and commanding spectacular views of the surroundings from its high vantage point, the 4-star Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel is the perfect destination for a comfortable and relaxing holiday in the magical island of Madeira. Lying a short distance away from the city centre, the hotel has easy access to the popular Lido swimming pools and sea and is surrounded by the selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars that abound in this lively area. The nearby coastal Lido promenade, lined with a colourful array of typical Madeira flowers, also provides plenty of opportunity for picturesque strolls along the sea front. Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel provides all the comfort and well-being of a newly refurbished hotel that has earned a solid reputation for welcoming visitors to the island.

On a Raga trip…and it was excellent!

Reviewed By Bath_Rich

I booked a package holiday quite last minute and knew nothing of Funchal or the Raga hotel. Luckily the chance paid off and we stayed here in this lovely hotel. Ok we didn’t have a full sea view (just partial) but had a lovely balcony facing the mountain. It was really clean, bright spacious and airy with plenty of storage and furniture…everything you need. The adjoining restaurant was really nice and we had breakfast each morning there. This was a buffet affair with plenty of choice to cater for all tastes. Even as a vegan (I know lol) it was fine, and after the first two days I didn’t need to ask for soya milk…it was brought to me. Special mention goes to the staff who were all lovely…really friendly and professional…particularly Maria in the restaurant and the bar man who’s name I didn’t catch…a more ‘mature’ guy but so professional and nothing was too much trouble-thank you! I would definitely recommend this hotel…the location in the lido district is perfect and you are within walking distance of lots of bars and restaurants and even into the centre was a pleasant stroll. Lovely pool too. The only very slight criticisms would be the coffee and sometimes the wait for the elevators but that really is nit picking! So thanks to everyone at the Raga for making our first holiday in Funchal and Madeira such a special time!

6. Ocean Gardens

Estrada Conde Carvalhal 321, Funchal, Madeira 9060-054 Portugal
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 537 reviews

Ocean Gardens

The Ocean Gardens Hotel with a privileged location on the top of a cliff, offers amazing ocean views and views to the Bay of Funchal. This Hotel offers to its guests comfort and well-being in a welcoming and familiar atmosphere.

While we loved our room and the AMAZING views! we would not return to this hotel as too inaccessible, unless you have a

Reviewed By Laura T

We booked a superior bay room and had a huge king size bed and Huge corner balcony with amazing views. We absolutely loved our room. Very modern and clean. Lots of wardrobe space and a couple of comfy desk chairs to sit in. Bathroom is very modern and very spacious, walk in shower is huge! Love a separate shower, especially now 6 months pregnant. Only thing is nowhere to hang a hand towel near the sink, a couple of hooks would be sooo useful please. Also a larger shelf in the shower so not having to bend over to pick everything up off the floor would be much appreciated (the soap dish on wall is only big enough to hold 2 small bars). Room always clean and very nicely furnished, with plenty of space. We thought it quiet so slept well. If there ever was any external noise (sometimes noisy cars driving past or room upstairs dragging chairs around - please don't do this!) we just turned up the air con fan to loud to drown out any annoying background noises, but this wasn't necessary very often. No tissues in bedroom or bathroom, would be a nice to have. Standard amenities include a flat screen TV, air conditioning, a safe, a hairdryer and a small fridge. Note: there are no tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are all non-smoking and Wi-fi is available from the room, this was always excellent during our stay which was great as mobile data signal wasn't that good in the area. We loved that our huge balcony overlooking the bay always got the afternoon/evening sunshine, very pleasant to relax on your own private the balcony in the sun after a busy day out sightseeing. We paid extra as the bay rooms are recently renovated and very modern, and the superior bay is a corner room with a much larger balcony than the standard rooms (maybe 3-4 times the size). Safe in room is free and easy to use. As other reviews, no kettle or tea making facilities in room so we bought a £6 kettle from back home to use! Useful for making pot noodles etc as didn't want to spend money eating out all the time. Although we do love our room and the views! I'm not sure I'd return to this hotel as just a bit too inaccessible. Especially with us arriving late Friday for 10 nights, meant only actually able to use hotel shuttle for half our stay, as shuttle times not made clear when booking. Public busses runs every hour during week but the at weekend big 3 hours gaps so not always very convenient. Bolt got us out of a few jams, like Uber so pretty reasonable, upto 8E to get into Funchal. Hotel shuttle bus runs Monday - Friday to Funchal 10am and 3pm, returning 1pm and 5pm. Information in hotel room is wrong - shuttle bus only running Monday to Friday, NOT weekends. In fact all bus times for weekends are difficult - with 3 hour gap in middle of day! Breakfast 7.30-10am. Pool and sun deck / Solarium is on 4th floor. The swimming pool is only small and you do not get views from the pool, but from the sunbathing terrace area nearby. The pool is freezing! Water not heated so too cold to actually swim in during April. Small sauna here too. Snack bar by pool apparently open 10am to 8pm but on our day by pool we only saw the bar being open for a couple of hours later on afternoon for drinks. Get pool towels at reception, info says 10Euro deposit required per towel! but we weren't ask to leave a deposit. Breakfast was a disappointment for us, as just not a lot of options. Another reason why we wouldn't come back, although everything else about our stay was great. There are lots of fresh breads, which I would eat with the small selection of cold meats or bacon or sausages (like hot dogs). But there were would only be 1 hot meat option a day (alternating bacon and sausages), although 2 types of eggs daily for those that eat eggs. There would usually be yummy croissants, these always disappeared very quickly but are restocked often. There was a small selection of fresh fruit (usually apples, bananas and slices of pineapple) and 2 types of cereal. There were yoghurts, some days a choice of flavours but usually only plain natural yoghurts and strawberry flavoured yoghurts too. Luckily I could nearly always make a decent meal out of bread and meat, with a little pineapple afterwards or the occasional strawberry yoghurt, and a couple of croissants saving the day, but not exactly the breakfast you dream of. The hot water machine was rarely working so my husband struggled to make himself a cup of tea on a morning, although the coffee machine was always working. The machine also served tasty hot chocolates, which I enjoyed. Staff were also polite and welcoming, the food was constantly being restocked and the tables quickly cleared and set up again for more guests. At the start of our stay it was very quiet but towards the end of our holiday it got a lot busier - as the start of the easter holidays. The buffet breakfast is served in Bellevue Breakfast Room and there are many huge windows to sit next to so can admire the amazing views. Reception staff always very friendly and helpful, giving us bus timetable and our room preference etc. Free parking is available at the hotel. In April guests still wore masks to breakfast and in reception etc, also on public transport and in taxis, in the cable cars etc - basically anywhere that you're in close proximity to others it is considered polite to do so. Beautiful gardens around the pool and terrace area. Although small there were lots of gorgeous bright flowers blooming when we visited 1st week in April. And of course the amazing views of the ocean and bay into Funchal are an obvious highlight of staying at this hotel! Beautiful views are available from everywhere in the hotel it seems. The breakfast area has long windows so you can look out at the view while you eat. Unfortunately for us, the plusses of the views and of our gorgeous room did not outweigh the negatives of the inaccessible location. (This is probably our own fault as I had relied on hiring a car after reading reviews of car hire of around £200 for week, however we booked our holiday late and by that time car hire was nearly £800 for 10 days!! so totally out of our budget, which meant we were completely reliant on buses, taxis and Bolt.) Hotel restaurant open from 11am until late evening I think, in the same place where you eat breakfast. We ate at the hotel for convenience 1 evening (as buses don't run very often on sundays and the bad weather meant we weren't venturing too far from the hotel) and 1 lunchtime when we had a chilled day by the pool. On other evenings we ordered takeaway! picked up in reception and eaten on our gorgeous balcony in the sunshine. Food at the hotel restaurant was pretty decent and service was very good. I did resent being charged 5Euro for bottled water when I asked for water though, when afterwards we heard the next table over order tap water! Just make sure you specify tap water. 1 meat skewer to share with 2 medium sides and a portion of local garlic bread to start, with bottles of water and a small seven up come to 29E, so husband rounded to 32E with tip. The views from the restaurant are spectacular, especially on the couple of days we got gorgeous sunny weather, the balcony is a lovely place to sit. Food is a little pricier than other restaurants but still not too bad as sometimes we just wanted to pay for the convenience of not having to leave the hotel; eg 12E for margherita pizza. Remember whilst in Madeira to try Bola de Caco, the local flatbread, with meals. It is basically a garlic bread as covered in garlic butter but totally delicious and we ate at most meals! Other tasty local meals included prego (steak sandwich), picado (beef stew served over chips), Espetada (beef on skewers) and fried corn. We loved the Nikita cocktail, but Poncha is crazy strong! Check in from 2pm and check out by 12pm. There is a secure room to store luggage in after checking out.Late check out, until 5pm, costs €40. I asked in advance but was told to check with reception nearer the time, 4 days before we left told not possible as fully booked. Disappointing as we had 8.30pm flight back home and I was 6months pregnant so would have been nice to rest up before flight. A little info on bus tickets: from SUBURB : The first time if you don't have a ticket you must buy a GIRO magnetic ticket from the driver for €1.95, including a 50c charge for the card. When you reach the centre, recharge your ticket at a machine. A single ticket can be bought in the bus, but a better investment is rechargeable cards, on which you load between 2 to 31 travel credits. Once in possession of a physical ticket, it can be recharged at the little stalls you see near all the bus stops at central area in Funchal, also the Horarios office and in several shops in the center, including Bazar do Povo and the tabacaria in the Sao Lourenco shopping center (where the hotel buses stop). Get No 39 bus into Funchal and back to hotel (signed for Monchal), at bus stop near central station area. You can get an up-to-date timetable at the hotel reception on request. Buses run hourly and the journey takes around 20 minutes. It is €1.50 each way once bought the ticket. Hang on when going round corners/roundabouts as saw a few people go flying! combination of crazy bends and high speeds going round corners. Eating out all adds up as it's hard to find a meal for 2 with non alcoholic drinks for under 30E, often upto 40E per meal (even lunch, unless you get burger & chips or mcdonalds or something like that). We would recommend Basmati Indian restaurant in old town for very tasty food and great value too. We even got their food delivered a couple of times plus some local portugal food delivered via local app like JustEat.

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