Cliff Bay Resort Hotel, Funchal

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Quality of Rooms
Standard of Service
Cleanliness
Quality of Facilities

Advantages:	One of the Finest Hotels in the World
Disadvantages:	Coming home

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

While it is often all too easy to declare a hotel that you have enjoyed staying in as the 'best hotel ever', this time it is actually believed when I say it.

Madeira is a strange place. Its beauty is the most striking feature, as rocky coast lines give way to plunging valleys and botanical gardens. The island is located 1000 km from Africa, and 500km from its 'owner', Portugal. This gives it an unusual, sub-tropical feel throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 22c to 35c in the height of summer.

The hotel itself is located on the shores of Funchal, the island's capital city, set into the cliff face. Perched high on the cliff, the hotel offers superb panoramic views of the atlantic and the city and it's port. Swaying palm trees surround lagoon-style pools and are complemented by the extrodinary service the staff offer.

There is a special feel about the hotel, made possible by its juxtaposition of modern facilities with traditional design and subtle architecture.

Gastronomically, the hotel offers three fabulous restaurants and many themed bars. 'Too big?', 'too touristy?' I hear you cry! Not at all, the hotel is spacious yet only accomodates around 200 visitors at the busiest periods.

Visit, check it out, and be amazed. I did.

Four times.

So far.