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Travelled with my husband and adult son, 2 rooms, one week all inclusive and had a fabulous time. We chose this hotel as we wanted a short transfer from the airport, and it didn't disappoint! Even the shuttle transfer only took 10 minutes, 5 minutes by car. We had an early flight, rooms are available from 3pm , but after a quick check in at reception we were invited to have lunch and then call back to see if our rooms were ready... we waited a short time, but by 2pm we had both rooms available... the staff throughout the whole week were friendly and efficient. Rooms: We had a sea view, beds were comfortable (although a bit squeaky due to mattress protectors) , air conditioning worked great, TV channels fine with some films available, wifii good, mini bar (chargeable) we didn't use. A free safe, no kettle in the room (we took our own) but apparently available if you ask. Pool: indoor pool and spa (we didn't use) Outdoor pool cold, but fabulous! Towels available on all inclusive, just ask at the Spa or reception. Transport: We booked the hotel's free shuttle into Funchal which leaves at 10 and comes back at 5.30pm... book early so you don't miss out , it's a mini bus so spaces are limited. Having said that - the buses are frequent and reception were really helpful and provided us with a bus timetable... In the opposite direction Machico is lovely with a manmade sandy beach and some nice bars and bakeries, 12 euros by taxi and about 3 euros on the bus. All Inclusive option/ food: I would say that AI guests were in the minority.. lots of different nationalities (which we loved) Lots of cabin crew staying too, a real variety of guests..... in some ways it felt like a conference hotel, but worth it's 4 stars... we enjoyed the food. One A la Carte meal per 7 days on all inclusive and it was really good! Be sure to book early, although off season, we didn't have a problem. You get a menu and select your choice the day before... excellent! Drinks were of high quality.. one cocktail 'special' per day , plus beer ,wine, local spirits etc... Lunch time we preferred the snack bar... hot dogs, salads ,toasties , fries etc.. all inclusive cake or ice cream including magnums, Cornettos etc! A shout out to all of the bar and restaurant staff, and the reception too! Sandra in the restaurant... always a smile and a chat, made our day! Entertainment: Not a lot going on during the day, which suited us just fine, live entertainment most night's which we enjoyed. Other: We hired a car from reception.. there is a car rental close to the hotel, which might be cheaper, but for ease and peace of mind booked from the hotel... delivered to the underground carpark (7 euros per night to park) and left there afterwards. Area: We really loved Santa Cruz, as we like traditional and quiet.. there isn't a lot there, just a few restaurant's and bars, but it has a lovely atmosphere in spite of the air traffic. We had a visit to the local dentist

The hotel facilities and room were lovely. We booked a package with Jet2 holidays and we had half-board catering which includes breakfast and dinner. No drinks were included with dinner but that was fine because my partner and I prefer water with our meal. When we asked for tap water (which I read was safe to drink in Madeira) they refused and say we must buy a €3.75 bottle of water. Now when I checked online the AHRESP organisation for Portugal says it is mandatory that anywhere in Portugal provides free tap water. We were refused. We asked if we could bring in small bottles we had already purchased and we were not allowed. Essentially being forced to pay for a drink each night with our meal. Ridiculous given the price we paid for this holiday. Apart from this and the construction noises in the morning, everything else was great. Just be prepared if you also have a half-board holiday booked…

We stayed at this hotel last year and loved Maderia and wanted to see more of the island. After our stay last year we had no hesitation in booking again. The staff are fabulous and so friendly, the hotel is spotless. We found the food amazing and not once did we have a meal we didn't enjoy. In the restaurant everyone was lovely but Maurice stood out for us always had time for everyone. The hotel is in a quiet area but that's what we like, there are a few restaurants close by which are good and walking distance if you don't mind a climb as it's in a very hilly area. The hotel does a free bus into Funchal or you can get on the local one, we definitely will return in the future. Thank you for another amazing holiday.