Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming cobblestone streets, and luxurious accommodations that cater to a wide range of travelers. Whether you're seeking oceanfront opulence, boutique charm, or a cozy mountain retreat, Funchal’s hotels offer world-class amenities in one of Portugal’s most picturesque settings. From Michelin-starred restaurants to serene spa treatments and stunning views over the Atlantic, these hotels elevate your stay in this beautiful island city. Let’s dive into ten of the best hotels in Funchal to help you plan your dream getaway.
1. Belmond Reid’s Palace
A Timeless Luxury EscapeRating: 5/5
Price Range: $400 - $2,000 per night
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, Belmond Reid’s Palace is a historic hotel that has been offering elegance and luxury for over a century. Known for its lush gardens, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional service, it’s a favorite among celebrities and royals.
Hotel Highlights:
- Classic Rooms and Suites: Offering a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, each room at Belmond Reid’s Palace features plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, and private balconies with ocean or garden views.
- Gourmet Dining: The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, William, serves contemporary European cuisine with a Madeiran twist. Guests can also enjoy light bites at The Pool Terrace or afternoon tea at the Tea Terrace with breathtaking ocean views.
- Wellness and Spa: A world-class spa offers treatments using local ingredients like exotic flowers and essential oils. Unwind in the serene outdoor pools, or enjoy a yoga session overlooking the sea.
- Activities and Experiences: Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s tennis courts, boat trips, and cooking classes, or explore nearby attractions such as Funchal’s Old Town and the Laurisilva Forest.
How to Get There:
Belmond Reid’s Palace is a 20-minute drive from Madeira International Airport (FNC), and the hotel offers private airport transfers.
2. The Cliff Bay
A Seaside ParadiseRating: 5/5
Price Range: $300 - $1,500 per night
Situated on a natural peninsula, The Cliff Bay offers panoramic views of Funchal’s coastline. This five-star hotel combines elegance with comfort, making it the perfect retreat for those looking to relax by the sea.
Hotel Highlights:
- Luxurious Rooms and Suites: Each room at The Cliff Bay offers sea-facing balconies, modern décor, and spacious marble bathrooms. Suites include living areas and private terraces for added luxury.
- Michelin-Starred Dining: Home to Il Gallo d’Oro, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, The Cliff Bay offers Mediterranean cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Additional dining options include a laid-back sea grill and afternoon tea at the Blue Lagoon.
- Spa and Relaxation: The hotel’s wellness center provides a range of massages and treatments, with facilities like a heated indoor pool, sauna, and hammam. Enjoy Pilates, yoga, or simply relax by the infinity pool.
- Private Access to the Ocean: Guests have direct access to the sea via a private pier, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic.
How to Get There:
A 20-minute drive from Madeira International Airport, with private shuttle services available.
3. Quinta Jardins do Lago
A Tranquil Botanical RetreatRating: 5/5
Price Range: $250 - $1,000 per night
Quinta Jardins do Lago is a charming boutique hotel nestled within an 18th-century manor house, surrounded by lush botanical gardens. It’s ideal for travelers seeking peace and tranquility in the heart of Funchal.
Hotel Highlights:
- Boutique Rooms and Suites: Each room is elegantly decorated with antique furniture and modern touches. The spacious balconies overlook the garden, pool, or ocean.
- Fine Dining: The Beresford Restaurant offers a blend of Portuguese and international cuisine, while the poolside bistro serves light snacks and drinks.
- Garden and Outdoor Pool: Explore the hotel’s botanical garden, home to exotic plants and trees. Relax by the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by palm trees and tropical flowers.
- Exclusive Experiences: The hotel offers personalized garden tours, cooking classes, and tea ceremonies.
How to Get There:
Quinta Jardins do Lago is located 25 minutes from Madeira International Airport, with private transfers available upon request.
4. Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino
Modern Elegance with a Touch of GlamourRating: 4/5
Price Range: $200 - $800 per night
Designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, Pestana Casino Park Hotel offers a blend of modern luxury and entertainment. Located next to Funchal’s casino, this hotel is perfect for travelers looking for excitement and style.
Hotel Highlights:
- Stylish Rooms and Suites: With floor-to-ceiling windows, each room offers stunning views of the city or the Atlantic Ocean. The sleek and modern design adds a chic touch.
- Diverse Dining Options: The hotel’s Panoramic Restaurant serves international dishes with a focus on local ingredients, while the Dockside bar offers cocktails with views of the marina.
- Wellness and Fitness Center: Relax in the hotel’s spa, featuring an indoor pool, steam room, and a wide range of treatments. The fitness center offers modern equipment and personal training sessions.
- Casino Access: Guests have direct access to Madeira’s only casino, where they can try their luck at the gaming tables or enjoy a live show.
How to Get There:
Pestana Casino Park Hotel is a 20-minute drive from Madeira International Airport.
5. Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Exclusive Oceanfront LuxuryRating: 5/5
Price Range: $500 - $2,000 per night
For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, Les Suites at The Cliff Bay offers a more exclusive stay within the larger Cliff Bay Hotel. With its all-suite accommodations, personal service, and private facilities, it’s perfect for discerning travelers.
Hotel Highlights:
- Opulent Suites: Each suite features a spacious living room, marble bathrooms, and large balconies with panoramic ocean views. Personal butler service is available.
- Private Dining: Guests can enjoy private dining experiences on their balconies, or explore the Cliff Bay’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Exclusive Amenities: In addition to shared facilities, Les Suites offers a private infinity pool, exclusive sunbathing areas, and dedicated concierge service.
- Tailored Experiences: From private yacht charters to helicopter tours, the hotel can arrange bespoke activities for an unforgettable stay.
How to Get There:
A 25-minute drive from Madeira International Airport, with luxury transfers available.
6. Vidamar Resort Madeira
A Family-Friendly Oceanfront RetreatRating: 4/5
Price Range: $250 - $1,200 per night
Vidamar Resort Madeira offers a family-friendly atmosphere combined with elegant oceanfront living. With direct access to the sea and a variety of amenities, it’s perfect for guests of all ages.
Hotel Highlights:
- Spacious Rooms and Suites: Designed with families in mind, rooms feature large living areas, comfortable furnishings, and private balconies with sea views.
- Diverse Dining: Choose from multiple restaurants offering Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese cuisine, as well as casual beachside dining.
- Family Activities: The resort offers kids’ clubs, water sports, and a variety of pools, including a children’s pool and heated indoor pool.
- Health and Wellness: Enjoy the wellness center with its range of treatments, fitness classes, and a serene oceanfront spa.
How to Get There:
Located 20 minutes from Madeira International Airport, with family-friendly transfers.
7. Royal Savoy Hotel
Classic Grandeur on the WaterfrontRating: 5/5
Price Range: $350 - $1,800 per night
The Royal Savoy Hotel offers an elegant and classic experience in the heart of Funchal, with prime views over the marina and ocean.
Hotel Highlights:
- Luxurious Suites: Each suite features traditional décor, modern amenities, and spacious balconies with sea views.
- Fine Dining: Dine on gourmet Portuguese dishes at Armada Restaurant or enjoy a cocktail by the pool at the Sea Breeze Bar.
- Wellness and Leisure: The hotel’s spa features a range of holistic treatments, and guests can also enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center and three outdoor pools.
How to Get There:
A 20-minute drive from the airport, with private transportation available.
8. Savoy Palace
Modern Luxury Meets Classic Elegance
Rating: 5/5
Price Range: $400 - $1,500 per night
The Savoy Palace is a modern luxury hotel located in the heart of Funchal. With its sleek design, high-end amenities, and sweeping ocean views, this hotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary elegance and classic Madeiran hospitality.
Hotel Highlights:
- Elegant Rooms and Suites: Each room is stylishly designed with modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The suites offer spacious living areas and private balconies with stunning sea views.
- Gastronomic Experiences: Savoy Palace is home to several top-notch dining options, including a rooftop bar and restaurant, Jacaranda, where guests can enjoy gourmet dishes with panoramic views.
- State-of-the-Art Spa: The resort’s Laurea Spa spans over 3,000 square meters and includes an extensive treatment menu, an indoor pool, and a relaxation area surrounded by lush gardens.
- Infinity Pool and Sky Bar: Guests can unwind at the infinity pool, while the rooftop Sky Bar provides a perfect setting for cocktails at sunset.
How to Get There:
A 20-minute drive from Madeira International Airport, with private airport transfers available.
9. Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Historic Charm in the Heart of Funchal
Rating: 4/5
Price Range: $150 - $700 per night
Nestled in Funchal’s historic quarter, Castanheiro Boutique Hotel offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Housed in five interconnected buildings, some dating back to the 18th century, this boutique hotel offers an authentic Madeiran experience.
Hotel Highlights:
- Charming Rooms and Suites: Each room is uniquely decorated, blending vintage charm with modern touches. Suites feature spacious terraces with views of Funchal’s old town or the mountains.
- Roof Terrace and Pool: The hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with a heated pool and stunning panoramic views of the city and harbor.
- Culinary Delights: Tipografia Restaurant offers a mix of traditional Madeiran and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
- Spa and Wellness: The Nini Andrade Silva Spa offers a range of treatments, from massages to hydrotherapy, as well as a sauna and Turkish bath.
How to Get There:
Located just 20 minutes from Madeira International Airport, with transfer options available.
10. Quinta da Casa Branca
A Secluded Garden Sanctuary
Rating: 5/5
Price Range: $300 - $1,200 per night
Tucked away in a private botanical garden, Quinta da Casa Branca is a serene oasis offering peace and luxury. The contemporary design and lush surroundings make this boutique hotel a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
Hotel Highlights:
- Modern Rooms and Villas: Sleek and stylish rooms come with garden views and private terraces. Villas offer more privacy with their own plunge pools and outdoor dining areas.
- Garden Dining: Guests can enjoy meals at The Dining Room, which serves gourmet international cuisine with a focus on local produce. For a more relaxed experience, the Garden Pavilion offers light meals in a casual setting.
- Spa and Wellness: The Phytocéane Spa provides a variety of treatments using organic products, along with a steam room, sauna, and heated outdoor pool.
- Exclusive Experiences: Explore the lush garden surroundings, take a dip in the two outdoor pools, or enjoy a guided tour of Madeira’s wine cellars.
How to Get There:
A 25-minute drive from Madeira International Airport, with private transfers available.
Funchal’s hotels offer an unmatched combination of luxury, charm, and breathtaking views. From cliffside retreats to boutique garden sanctuaries, these accommodations provide the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
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