Porto Santa Maria Hotel

“ Certain rooms at the west side of the hotel are close to restaurants and bars with late night activity and as a result they are subject to disturbing noise to midnight and beyond.

“ Top Tip: the hotel is close to the cable car terminus and many local bus starting points therefore excellent for trips outside Funchal.

“ lovely hotel in a good central location

“ This is a very well-run hotel. The staff are all very efficient, helpful and friendly. The hotel location is ideal as it is right on the sea and also has easy access on foot to a large number restaurants in the old town. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the swimming pools are maintained in immaculate condition. The breakfast is generous and excellent.
I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel and I will almost certainly stay there again on a future visit to Madeira.

“ Top Tip: Too many comments to put them all here!
I suggest that people read a good guide book. Eyewitness Travel's Top 10 Madeira is an really excellent one with a good selection of photographs and very good, easy-to-read and helpful comments.

“ A well established hotel worthy of 5 stars. The location is excellent for "The old town" and its array of restaurants, tiny bars and the old Madeira. It is also very conveniently located for local bus services, which are reliable, on-time, low cost and access all parts of the island. November 2011 - the entertainment was basic but enjoyable. While we did not us the hotel restaurant - the breakfasts were excellent. The hotel has a large underground car park free for visitors - car parking in Funchal can be difficult. There is nightlife in the area, but perhaps limited for young persons. The terraine at the holel is level therefore this is one of a few hotels in Funchal that may be suitable for disabled or senior visitors.

“ Top Tip: The Jardim Restaurant opposite offers good value for money - we did try a "Classical Madeirian" restaurant a short walk - excellent atmosphere but low on food content and quality!! Be prepared to "run the gauntlet" passing the small restaurants - all the restaurant managers taut for your buisiness. Try the "Beer House" at the far end of the promenade (bar restaurant on a pier). The lager is brewed on the premises - a little cloudy but excellent for "real ale" lovers. The menu and food here is also good.There is no beach in Funchal, but the location is close to a safe area for swimming in the sea - a short walk uphill. The local bus service is excellent for access to many Lavadas (ideal for walkers) - but beware while there is a bus station close to this hotel - Funchal has serveral bus terminuses (within walking distance), so take a little time to check where to board your bus for your desired destination.