Dom Pedro Garajau Hotel, Madeira

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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Appearance, character, central location
Disadvantages: up a steep hill

...We had an enjoyable stay at this hotel. What sold the hotel to us was its look. It has a traditional colonial appearance; a Madeira building that guests must have stayed at a 100 years ago. It has its own unique character and is such a contrast to all the big modern concrete blocks of hotels set along the coast. It may not be luxurious but it more than makes up with charm and grace of a bygone era. Location The hotel is situated in Funchal, the main town of the Portuguese island of Madeira. The airport is located in the outskirts of the town so the transfer time here is short. The hotel is situated close to the centre of Funchal. However, it is positioned up a steep hill without public transport. As such it offers magnificent views over the town, the sea and the mountains. If you have children or you are not very mobile, however... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good rooms, helpful staff, free bus into town
Disadvantages: Its a bus ride from town.

...We booked a last minute holiday in Madeira in september 2007 and on the advice of our agent decided to go for the Pestana Grand hotel. The hotel was rated as a 5 star by our agent although this site rightly has it as a four-star. We booked on a bed & breakfast basis and with flights and transfers It cost us about £650 each for the week . On arrival the reception staff were very helpful and spoke excellent English. We had been booked into a mountain view room and asked if we could upgrade to a sea view. This was no problem for, I think, an extra £20 per night. This was well worth it as we noticed that the mountain view rooms all overlooked the car park. The view was excellent from our room and we could see people fishing from small boats, the hotel gardens and pools and people walking along the promenade which takes you from the hotel... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful