Steve Fountain aged 58. Took semi retirement when made redundant at 51. Back from THASSOS loved it....
Steve Fountain aged 58. Took semi retirement when made redundant at 51. Back from THASSOS loved it. Back to whistling at Trains.
Member since:15.07.2007
Reviews:109
Members who trust:10
This is a review of the Vila Gale Hotel at Santa Cruz on the Island of Madeira.
We have just returned from a three day break.
We booked the Vial Gale as we have used their Hotel in Tavira for a few years and find them very good.
Hotel Location, is best described as if the Plane Toppled off the end of the Short Runway at Funchal Airport then it could land in the Hotel Swimming Pool. Having said that do not let it put you off, it does not intrude and the closeness is slightly less than that, and it is quite exciting to watch the landings and takeoffs.
The Hotel is in the small village of Santa Cruz a mere 6 Euro Taxi ride from the airport gets you there.
Checkin was very efficient in a very large modern Reception Area.
Cost for the Three Nights for Double room with Breakfast was £111. This was for a Sea View Room thru Alphrooms.Com
The Hotel is quite new, I would Estimate about 3 years.
The rooms are large and we had a Six Foot Double bed (not two singles joined together). Large Hanging wardrobe with plenty of draw space, Free Safe which you set up the Combination Number yourself, also minibar. Nice large Dressing table. Small Table with two chairs, also two chairs on Balcony which had its view over the pool area, and Sea beyound, also view of end of runway for plane spotters.
The Bathroom is also large and very good powerful shower over the bath. Towels changed every day if required, also usual free Shampoos, Bath Gel, Shower caps and soaps. The rooms are very clean and serviced everyday.
All the Services, Restaurants, Bars are on the Pool Level Floor.
Breakfast was 7:30 to 10:30 and most impressive.
Very Large Buffet to please everyone, cold plates or hot selection. Also they have a very pleasant lady who will make Omlettes on request, alos Fried Egggs and will crisp up your Bacon.
All kinds of Fruit Juices are available, Tea Coffee Hot Chocolate and Bottles of Cava for those who want a sparkle with their Breakfast.
The Hotel does have Restaurants for Lunches and Evening Meals , but I would recommend eating out, far cheaper and authentic.
The Hotel Buffet evening meal was 22 Euros per head drinks not included. As the Hotel Restaurant is not busy, how long has it been sitting in the trays. Eating out for the 4 of us, on Fresh Cooked dishes with a Bottle of Wine, Water and six beers was about 60 Euros for the lot.
The Hotel does have Entertainment in the Bar on some eveings, and although quite pleasant not something you would mind it if you missed it.
The Hotel runs s Free Curtisy Bus several times a day into and back from Funchal about a 20 min journey (Taxi would be about 25 Euros) but do book your place as it is only a 14 seater.
The hotel has large outdoor pool, max deapth 1.39 meters. Paddling fool for children.
Also indoor Pool and Spa and Fitness Rooms charge 7.5 Euro per day for use of these, dear if just want 20 mins but not bad if you intend to spend all day.
So we would certainly use this Hotel on our next visit to Madeira.
Pictures of Vila Gale Hotels
View of Pool and Hotel Rooms.
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