Advantages: Fantastic in every way Disadvantages: None as far as I'm concerned
Having visited Madeira twice now, and experienced different hotels and different sightseeing each time, I thought it would be a good time to write up our experiences of the island- which I have to say are entirely positive. I would go as far as to say that it's probably the best holiday destination we've been to yet- although with a few long distance trips planned, who knows if that will remain the case. All I can say is that Madeira will be a hard place to beat- and this tale of two trips will hopefully explain why.
For those who aren't aware or only vaguely aware, Madeira is one of the Portuguese territories in the mid-Atlantic. It's actually closer to Morocco and Western Sahara than it is to Portugal, and so the flights do take several hours to get there.
Considering its location, Madeira doesn't tend to get uncomfortably hot ...
bagoproverbial 05.10.2007 (29.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Madeira (Portugal)
Advantages: A fantastic holiday experience Disadvantages: Location, in particular for those with mobility problems although the hotel is disability friendly.
INTRODUCTION
The Riu Palace in Madeira sits like a white-washed fairytale castle with terracotta turrets, corner towers and grand archways looking out over the sapphire-blue sea. The grounds house brightly coloured flowers and palm trees making you believe you are on a Caribbean island far away.
The Riu Palace is located right on the seafront at Canico de Baixo, only 10 minutes drive from Funchal Airport and 20 minutes drive to the city of Funchal. On arrival at the airport everything ran smoothly and quickly apart from me not recognising my own suitcase!!! We were driven to the hotel in a small mini bus with 5 other people and half an hour later we were sunbathing by the pool. Now that's what I call service.
CHECK IN
From the moment you check in at the impressive, grand reception area with its polished marble flooring, elegant ...
Advantages: A five-star stay? Disadvantages: ?with just three-star facilities
simplicity often trumps ritzy ostentation. Attentive service matters, but nothing is nastier than the kind of smarmy obsequiousness that always seems to mask a sneer. And so on. Maybe it's simply down to that indefinable essence known as character or personality.
These inconsequential musings are prompted by my trying to pinpoint what it was about the Casa San Blas at Cusco that I liked so much. The hotel is certainly not without its limitations and even its failings, but it's a nevertheless a charming and delightful place to stay. Let's try to summarise what it has to offer.
* Location *
The Casa San Blas is situated just a few minutes' walk from Cusco's Plaza de Armas (central square), and is therefore convenient for all the main sights of the ancient Inca capital, such as the Qorikancha (Sun Temple), the Cathedral ...
Product Information for "Casa Madeirense, Madeira" »
Product details
Long Name
Casa Madeirense
Type
Portuguese; International
Continent
Europe
Country
Portugal
City
Madeira
Address
Estrada Monumental 153
Telephone
291 76 67 00
Manufacturer's product description
Owner Filipe Gouveia extends a hearty welcome and is delighted when guests enjoy his elegant regional decor of azulejos (tiles) and hand-painted murals. The lively bar evokes a thatched-roof house in the village of Santana. Fresh fish and shellfish dominate the menu and are never better than in cataplana de marisco (savory shellfish stew). Tuna steak is grilled to perfection, and you can also enjoy tender, perfectly seasoned peppercorn steak or chateaubriand.
