Pestana Casino Park Hotel and Casino

“ Hotel has excellent facilities and enjoys a great view of the harbour. The breakfast was superb and got the day off to a great start. Staff were very helpful.
The only slight complaint was that our bedroom was not cleaned to late afternoon and, therefore, we didn't get fresh towels for our morning visit to the pool area.

“ Top Tip: There is a great Italian Restaurant within 50 yards of the hotel. We found a number of restaurants nearby which were reasonably priced and had no need to go into Funchal to eat.

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“ The hotel has a stunning location - arguably the best in Funchal - and for a hotel so close to the centre of the town has well-kept and extremely spacious grounds which overlook the harbour so you can watch the comings and goings of the cruise ships while relaxing in the sun. Although the island's only casino is in the grounds of the hotel it in no way disturbs the peace and quiet of the hotel itself. Walking down to the town is an easy ten minute stroll (but rather than stay on the pavement do go through the park halfway down) however coming back is an uphill plod and you might prefer to take a taxi (cheap and plentiful).

Although the hotel is given five stars under the local system, it does not compare with similarly rated establishments I have stayed in in the Far and Middle East. That should not be taken as a criticism since the hotel offers excellent value with rooms that are more than adequate if not luxurious. Minor quibbles such as the absence of a separate shower compartment or the lack of tea making facilities in the room did not detract from the overall favourable impression of the accommodation.

As regards food, the excellent buffet breakfast is served in a huge attractive light and airy space with panoramic views over the sea and harbour and is a great way to start the day. The open-air Dockside Cafe serves very good light meals during the day and although no evening meals were taken at the hotel I did sneak a look at both the menus and the buffet which were enticing.

Throughout the stay I found the hotel staff at all times to be friendly, efficient and helpful and the hotel and its ambience provided a very relaxed and enjoyable stay.

“ Top Tip: Eating out is a delight and Funchal boasts restaurants to suit all tastes (and pockets!) Within a short walk of the hotel - leave the hotel by the left-hand side entrance and turn left down the road - there are two good italian restaurants, an asian one (Sheng), the Casa Velha and further on just down from a Turkish one (not tried), an excellent one for meat and fish called the Casa Penya. You do not need to go far to eat well!

“ The hotel was excellent and the staff attentive and pleasant. Breakfast was excellent and the facilities of a good standard. We enjoyed the indoor pool area. All in all would I stay there again - yes. the location without doubt was brilliant

“ Top Tip: When you leave the hotel turn left and there is a small back street. the first restaurant on the left is superb, ate there twice. Itallian on the left was good as was the next restaurant on the right and the Thai restaurant set menu. Ate in Funchal once at the Vargrant restaurant ( ex beatles boat) It was ok but bland and the boat needed a good clean.

Used Island tours for E20 to take trip around the west side ( all the others were at least E27. Antonio was excellent and informative. the minibus was to a high standard. We phoned and he turned up on time and as took us to excellent locations and a fantastic lunch location at a port area.

Did our own thing on a levada walk. Followed a pamphlet to Jasmin tea house , never found it but did find the Hortensia tea house which was excellent. Directions cnfusing on leaflet. At Levada turn right and follow for a couple of hours. take torch as you will need it for 300 metre tunnel.