Quinta Das Vista Palace Gardens, Funchal

Quinta Bela Sao Tiego, Funchal

Advantages: Within the town of Funchal with all its amenities
Disadvantages: Steep climb back up to the hotel

We stayed at the Quinta Bella Sao Tiego on our second visit to Madeira. It has a lovely outlook over the old town of Funchal. The room and room service were very good, well upto 4* standard. A fault with the ventilation in the bathroom was fixed quickly and politely. Receptionists were particularly helpful. The pool area is small, but adequate. Breakfast was good with a range of cold and cooked choices. We didn't eat there in the evening as there were so many great eateries in the vacinity. We loved the "smaller hotel" feel after staying in the larger, less personal one in the Lido area. The only problem with the hotel is that it is up a steep hill - great for going down to the town, but not so good when you return. There are loads of restaurants nearby, from a good Pizza place, to more expensive fish restaurants. It would be ...

DrewettMK 31.07.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Quinta Bela Sao Tiago, Funchal

Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace Hotel

Advantages: Good service with a feel good ambience
Disadvantages: none - do it.

onto the terrace we were relieved to see that everyone else had pretty much the same idea, phew. As soon as we got onto the terrace overlooking the garden we realised how sensible it was to book early. We got envious looks, at least thats what we like to think, from people who were seated at tables away from the balcony. We had prime position and felt pretty smug about it. So smug that we ordered a glass of champagne each before our tea. I cant remember what the champagne cost but as it was a once in a lifetime thing it didnt matter. The afternoon tea was I think about £20 each and for that you got a pot of tea each which you chose from a decent list. The Reid's palace blend was so nice that we bought some in their gift shop. Included in the price and served with the tea were plate stands with a selection of sandwiches and 6 cream ...

zoetna 23.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Reid's Palace, Funchal

Maderia's famous garden

Advantages: Plants and birds in a semi-tropical environment
Disadvantages: A little steep, some paths uneven

through trees and shrubs to the far western side of the garden. Here there were numerous examples of pines, palms and bizarrely a 'sausage tree', an ordinary looking tree very similar to a Birch with long fine branches, but no visible 'fruit'. Further on there were bunches of Aloe Vera plants underneath the tree canopies with names carved into them by random visitors. At the end of the path there was a viewpoint area that looked across the northern part of Funchal. From here we could see the cable car ride or 'Telefericos da Madeira' to Monte and we could see Monte's famous church. We could even see the 'Monte Palace Tropical Garden' which we had visited a week earlier. At the viewpoint we were also aware of another point higher up so we went up to investigate. It was a bit of a climb, but it was sheltered by numerous palm trees and soon we ...

buzzard_cad 10.10.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Botanical Gardens Madeira, Funchal, Madeira