Madeira hotel recommendation?

[Phwooooar]

I’m looking to book a surprise short break In Madeira for my DP birthday and would love any recommendations for an amazing hotel. Have been looking at The Cliff Bay and Quinta da Casa Branca... I suppose we won’t be spending a huge amount of time at the hotel but would like it to feel special.

Over to you lovely lot to recommend!

We stayed at the Riu Palace. I would go back there in a heartbeat. It has a free shuttle bus service into Funchal itself, definitely do the toboggan ride and the cable car up to the gardens. The East day trip included one of the best meals I have ever had in my life.

Thanks for the recommendation Hippy. What was so special about it? I’ll take a look at it and your East trip recommendaiton.

Any more recommendations?

I've been hankering after the Albatroz hotel, mainly because the pool looks gorgeous. Have stayed in their sister hotel and had a great time, (but haven't been to the one on Madeira).

We stayed at the Pestana Casino, which has a fabulous indoor pool and lovely view, the breakfast was superb. If you go there, make sure you get a sea view at the southern end of the hotel (or else you're looking out onto the casino car park which gets lively).

We stayed at the Quinta da Casa Branca and loved it. Very classy hotel - they upgraded us to a suite in the Manor House because they noticed it was my birthday from my passport. So you might be lucky too!

Easy walking distance into the centre of Funchal (20 minutes). Very close to Reid’s Palace which is lovely for drinks/dinner with a view.

We went in March, so a bit cool for swimming but we did have a quick dip. The gardens of the hotel are lovely and there was a happy hour every evening in the bar.

I would also strongly recommend hiring a car and exploring the island - it’s stunning. The hotel organised a car for us.

I’d go back tomorrow!

Oh that’s all good to know - thank you for the feedback. I do like the look of it as it’s smaller and more personal.