Funchal, Madeira - hotel or apt, and where to stay
Discussion
We are off to Madeira at the start of October for 1 week and plan on exploring the Island, doing some hiking, and eating and drinking out.
Hiring a car, and from reading forum chat planning on going through Zest and hiring from either Rodavante or Insularcar - any good or back feedback on that welcomed.
But, where to stay in Funchal? Do we need to be close to the Old Town or seafront to get a choice of restaurants?
We have seen some lovely hotels that seem to be further West in Sao Martinho - they appear to be more modern, bigger resort type hotels that offer a variety of pools, gardens, parking - but are they too far out for those nights you just want to eat local? Is there enough of a selection of restaurants and bars right along the seafront?
We have also seen some lovely apartments in the areas slightly North of the Old Town and seafront, some have pools, benefit of a kitchen to prep stuff for days away, and within walking distance of Old Town/City Centre area, but not as relaxing as staying at a resort type hotel for days when you want to laze about, and have heard it can be hard to park.
In short - have narrowed down our accommodation to around 200 options and can't choose from there!
Hiring a car, and from reading forum chat planning on going through Zest and hiring from either Rodavante or Insularcar - any good or back feedback on that welcomed.
But, where to stay in Funchal? Do we need to be close to the Old Town or seafront to get a choice of restaurants?
We have seen some lovely hotels that seem to be further West in Sao Martinho - they appear to be more modern, bigger resort type hotels that offer a variety of pools, gardens, parking - but are they too far out for those nights you just want to eat local? Is there enough of a selection of restaurants and bars right along the seafront?
We have also seen some lovely apartments in the areas slightly North of the Old Town and seafront, some have pools, benefit of a kitchen to prep stuff for days away, and within walking distance of Old Town/City Centre area, but not as relaxing as staying at a resort type hotel for days when you want to laze about, and have heard it can be hard to park.
In short - have narrowed down our accommodation to around 200 options and can't choose from there!
GWC said:
We have been to Funchal a few times and really like it there, we usually stay at The Cliff Bay hotel and it has always been fantastic.
Looks lovely, though unavailable on our dates - but looks like it's maybe 35-40 mins walk from Old Town/Centre area in Sao Martinho which brings me back around to whether there is enough 'going on' around that area in terms of restaurants, bars, cafes, for when you don't want to drive? Having never visited Funchal it's where to base ourselves that's the quandary as there appears to be good options for accommodation everywhere.
Funchal/Madeira are fantastic. You'll have a great time.
If you don't want to get taxis everywhere, I would personally stay in Old Town in an Airbnb (which is what we did). We're not really into big hotels, but my friend goes every year to the Royal Savoy (about 40 min walk into Old Town) and absolutely loves it.
So I think it's down to personal preference (not helpful, I know!).
If you don't want to get taxis everywhere, I would personally stay in Old Town in an Airbnb (which is what we did). We're not really into big hotels, but my friend goes every year to the Royal Savoy (about 40 min walk into Old Town) and absolutely loves it.
So I think it's down to personal preference (not helpful, I know!).
My good lady would really like a pool for after the days where we will hike, so it's either a hotel or an apt with a pool which seem to be situated 15 mins walk from the Old Town area which is fine.
A 40 min walk isn't ideal every night for food if there isn't really much going on out West in Sao Martinho other than hotel restaurants themselves (which we don't mind for an odd night).
A 40 min walk isn't ideal every night for food if there isn't really much going on out West in Sao Martinho other than hotel restaurants themselves (which we don't mind for an odd night).
If you stay in Sao Martino the buses are really regular into the centre, cheap and a quick alternative to taxis (which are expensive in Funchal I have to say)
There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
Every day a journey said:
If you stay in Sao Martino the buses are really regular into the centre, cheap and a quick alternative to taxis (which are expensive in Funchal I have to say)
There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
Thanks - the Next Savoy Signature is a hotel on our shortlist and a 15/20 min walk is fine weather permitting!There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
yellowbentines said:
Every day a journey said:
If you stay in Sao Martino the buses are really regular into the centre, cheap and a quick alternative to taxis (which are expensive in Funchal I have to say)
There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
Thanks - the Next Savoy Signature is a hotel on our shortlist and a 15/20 min walk is fine weather permitting!There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
The roof pool and bar is a very lovely chilled place to hang out (no kids allowed up there).
The main pool is a really nice saltwater pool accessed via the footbridge over the road. good bar and restaurant with it.
We stayed in room 701 which is sea facing and on the corner so you have a private roof terrace anas well as the balcony.
Every day a journey said:
yellowbentines said:
Every day a journey said:
If you stay in Sao Martino the buses are really regular into the centre, cheap and a quick alternative to taxis (which are expensive in Funchal I have to say)
There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
Thanks - the Next Savoy Signature is a hotel on our shortlist and a 15/20 min walk is fine weather permitting!There are a lot of restaurants in that area but they're very much tourist centric.
For our wedding we stayed at the Next (Savoy Signature) hotel (which is superb for the price) just up west of the Port. There are loads of hotels around that spot including Savoy Palace, Pestana (x3 incl Casino Park and the CR7), Carlton etc.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Zona Vehla (old town)
The roof pool and bar is a very lovely chilled place to hang out (no kids allowed up there).
The main pool is a really nice saltwater pool accessed via the footbridge over the road. good bar and restaurant with it.
We stayed in room 701 which is sea facing and on the corner so you have a private roof terrace anas well as the balcony.
Every day a journey said:
We've stayed in a few hotels in Funchal, as much as I love staying with Jo's family it's nice to get some 'us time' while there! The Next really exceeded our expectaions. Some of our guests stayed there too for the wedding and were seriously impressed with it.
The roof pool and bar is a very lovely chilled place to hang out (no kids allowed up there).
The main pool is a really nice saltwater pool accessed via the footbridge over the road. good bar and restaurant with it.
We stayed in room 701 which is sea facing and on the corner so you have a private roof terrace anas well as the balcony.
Thanks for this The roof pool and bar is a very lovely chilled place to hang out (no kids allowed up there).
The main pool is a really nice saltwater pool accessed via the footbridge over the road. good bar and restaurant with it.
We stayed in room 701 which is sea facing and on the corner so you have a private roof terrace anas well as the balcony.
Take a look at the Castanheiro boutique hotel. There's both a rooftop and basement pool with great views of Funchal from the rooftop bar.
However Cliff Bay is also great, especially with a bay view room (specifically bay view, not sea view). There are plenty of restaurants around there and the buses into town are frequent and easy to use.
However Cliff Bay is also great, especially with a bay view room (specifically bay view, not sea view). There are plenty of restaurants around there and the buses into town are frequent and easy to use.
BoomerPride said:
Take a look at the Castanheiro boutique hotel. There's both a rooftop and basement pool with great views of Funchal from the rooftop bar.
However Cliff Bay is also great, especially with a bay view room (specifically bay view, not sea view). There are plenty of restaurants around there and the buses into town are frequent and easy to use.
However Cliff Bay is also great, especially with a bay view room (specifically bay view, not sea view). There are plenty of restaurants around there and the buses into town are frequent and easy to use.
otolith said:
Have stayed in the Royal Savoy a couple of times - I found the town easily walkable from there, but I guess it depends on the individual.
Thanks, none of these available on my dates - start of October seems quite busy with a few hotels showing no availability for some of our week.Think we have decided on the Next by Savoy Signature, ticks lots of boxes and the above review and photo seals the deal
Now to look at car hire, anyone used Zest, and specifically hired through the loan firms Insularcar or Rodavante? Both seem to get good reviews amongst a sea of firms that look to shaft you on insurances and made-up damage claims on return a the end of your hire!
Edited by yellowbentines on Monday 25th March 13:25
I went in Feb and used Madpoint. They are just round the corner from the Hotel Porto Mare.
Fairly relaxed, pointed out the minor damage to the car and encouraged me to video it all. Hand back was easy and deposit back after a few days.
Make sure you go for something with a bit of power, as the hills are brutal.
Fairly relaxed, pointed out the minor damage to the car and encouraged me to video it all. Hand back was easy and deposit back after a few days.
Make sure you go for something with a bit of power, as the hills are brutal.
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