Taking afternoon tea on the terrace at the historic Reid's Palace Hotel is a bit of a must do thing while on holiday in Madeira. We stayed at the Pestana Grand in September 2007 and they were happy to book a table for two for us at Reid's Palace hotel.
I was a little concerned about going ... Read review
Set on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this legendary hotel has, for over a ... more
century, been a standard-bearer for excellence on Madeira and beyond. Reid’s Palace is located in 10 acres of lush subtropical gardens. The hotel boasts enviable ac...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Advantages: Good service with a feel good ambience Disadvantages: none - do it.
...the terrace at the historic Reid's Palace Hotel is a bit of a must do thing while on holiday in Madeira. We stayed at the Pestana Grand in September 2007 and they were happy to book a table for two for us at Reid's Palace hotel.
I was a little concerned about going to Reid's Palace because taking afternoon tea isn't really a regular holiday activity for me. I am more likely to be taking an afternoon hair of the dog!
... ...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 cakes. Scones with jam and cream were also served. The service was excellent and the food very good. We felt ever so good doing this, it was really civilised and we just felt happy.
We did this on our last full day before leaving Madeira ... more
Taking afternoon tea on the terrace at the historic Reid's Palace Hotel is a bit of a must do thing while on holiday in Madeira. We stayed at the Pestana Grand in September 2007 and they were happy to book a table for two for us at Reid's Palace hotel.
I was a little concerned about going to Reid's Palace because taking afternoon tea isn't really a regular holiday activity for me. I am more likely to be taking an afternoon hair of the dog!
We were a bit put off the idea by our guidebook which said that evening dress had to be worn in the dining rooms and that gentlemen had to be appropriately attired in other areas. Not being sure what appropriate attire was I wore the best I had available - a pair of chinos and a short sleeved linen shirt, my wife wore trousers and a neat top but we were far from looking posh. When we were shown 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 cakes. Scones with jam and cream were also served. The service was excellent and the food very good. We felt ever so good doing this, it was really civilised and we just felt happy.
We did this on our last full day before leaving Madeira and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the island.
P.s. I just completed the criteria ratings and wasnt sure what to put for 'family friendly' so put average. Thinking about it our afternoon tea would have been completely spoiled if there had been kids crying or running about so please, please for the sake of yourselves and others there don't take your kids with you. Adults only !!
Advantages: Good rooms, helpful staff, free bus into town Disadvantages: Its a bus ride from town.
trip. We paid for the taxi and bought the pics because it didnt add a lot to the total and it was a memorable if slightly cheesy experience. The trip to the gardens is in a cable car not far from where the hotel bus stops in Funchal.
Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace Hotel is not to be missed and I have reviewed this experience elsewhere.
In town are markets and plenty of small restaurants to explore. The local specialities are Scabbard fish, which is really ugly - we saw some in the market - they look like wet black leather sword scabbards with big teeth and bulging eyes. On your plate though they look and taste fine. Limpets are a local treat which we tried but werent to our taste. One thing that you must try are the huge beef kebabs that they serve on 3 foot long skewers which hang from the ceiling in some places or shorter ones ...
Advantages: fantastic views, great scenery, quiet and relaxed, good weather Disadvantages: not for those who dislike heights, or those who want a more lively holiday
for those afraid of heights!) up the mountainside and into the clouds to a place called Monte, where some absolutely gorgeous gardens are situated. The views down to Funchal and the sea are truly breath-taking. A traditional toboggan ride, unique to Madeira will take you back down the mountainside if you like something a bit different! This wasn’t what I expected it to be, however, and is, in my opinion, a little overpriced. The toboggan also does not take you straight back to Funchal, and most people seem to get a taxi back into the centre.
The best hotels are also situated in Funchal, including the Savoy, and Reid’s Palace. I highly recommend afternoon tea at Reid’s palace, the views from the balcony are fantastic! You do have to book, however, but most hotels will do this for you, if asked. I know that this activity ...
