Porto Santa Maria Hotel, Funchal

I stayed here when it opened, so it was very quiet. If it gets included in the holiday brochures, I can't imagine it being too quiet for too often.

Most tourist hotels are built near the Lido complex at the North side of Funchal. The Porto Santa Maria is at the opposite end of town, right at the border between the 'old' town and the rest of Funchal.

It's only a short walk from the hotel to the cable car and the town centre shops (although this is over cobbles, so beware if you need a wheelchair or if you have difficulty walking), and there are plenty of restaurants around.

The hotel itself is spotless, the rooms are well air-conditioned, with access to balconies or terraces - everything you would expect from a four-star hotel on this island.

There are two swimming pools: the small-ish outside pool is not heated, although during the summer it is like swimming in a warm bath! The inside pool is much larger and is accessible both via a steep set of steps near the outside pool (although these can be very slippery when wet) and a lift from the hotel foyer. Next to the swimming pool is a jacuzzi and a small gym and there's also a sauna next to the changing rooms if it isn't hot enough for you outside.

The restaurant is OK for a hotel of this standard, although if you are staying here on holiday, I'd suggest checking out the local restaurants as well during your stay, if only to try the island speciality of scabbard fish with banana (seriously! - but try it).

So far as family-friendliness is concerned, Madeira isn't really a suitable choice for those with children: the nearby streets are definitely not buggy-friendly and most of the clientele go there because they don't want to be in a hotel where there are lots of children running about, so there are no kids clubs or similar entertainment.