Ajuda Madeira Hotel, Funchal

Advantages: Beautiful views, fantastic accommodtion and service
Disadvantages: Very quiet, not much entertainment, no night life

...What a bargain! I paid less than £250 for this holiday in the luxurious and new Pestana Aparthotel, although in a very quiet area its only 15 minutes from the main city of Funchal and 10 minutes from the airport. The hotel provides a shuttle bus service between the hotel and Funchal daily until early evening, the surrounding countryside was beautiful and I can recommend the local pizza restaurant for a casual meal one evening, although we did get some local produce and had a few meals sitting on our balcony of an evening which was magical. The accommodation was faultless, very high quality and the service was high, room was cleaned everyday but you will be lucky to see anyone doing it, they are very descreet, loved Madeira and would definitley revisit.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: No extremes of temperature, interesting food, sheer beauty and still not too spoiled by tourism
Disadvantages: No beach, most of Madeira is hillside

...I visited Madeira in May and December 2000. I stayed at Raga Hotel and Quinta de Sol, travelling each time from Manchester. I got about using the bus service which, once the various timetables have been mastered, provides interesting journeys into the countryside. The views are stunning though not too good for those with a fear of heights. There are many interesting restaurants in Funchal and some of them put on floor shows of Madeiran music. This music and dance is remarkably like the English morris dancing. If visiting without a car it would be best to stay in or around Funchal. If one stayed in one of the outlying villages one would be rather cut off without a car. The island is a gardener's paradise and I would make special mention of the Botanic Garden and Monte.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Comfortable, clean hotel with lots of facilities close to Funchal Lido
Disadvantages: A pull uphill to the door - but it is Madeira - everything is uphill!

...Bearing in mind the price of this hotel, we were agreeably surprised by the quality. The room was clean and of a reasonable size with a lovely sea view and overlooking the swimming pool. The staff were friendly, especially the chambermaids! The breakfast was good, with a good selection of food,although being self-service it was a bit of a scramble if you arrived at around 9am, when we all seem to want to eat our breakfasts! The only problem is that the hotel is a sharp pull up from the road (as is most of Madeira) although those with cars or using taxis will have no problem arriving at the door. The walk into Funchal is very manageable by us two 69 year olds but we are fitter than some and enjoy levada walking. The levada near the hotel has 150 steps up to it!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful