The hotel was exceptionally clean, with beautifully tendered gardens. Pool areas were lovely with plenty of loungers. The food was good with plenty of choice and all staff were very pleasant and helpful, nothing was too much trouble.

Nothing really, yes the rooms are a little old looking now but absolutely clean and comfortable and everything working as it should. This does not distract from having a great stay as I spent most of my time by the pool, in the gardens or around the resort.

Location

Can improve the food

The location is excellent, close to the beach and very well linked with town by bus , a free shuttle . Rooms are clean and spacious and most important, for my, all facing the ocean and you can admire beautiful sunset from your balcony. Food and drinks are excellent and staff friendly ready to helping you with everything. Definitely I will come back!

Breakfast was very good but don't expect a full English (why would you?) There was an extensive range of different foods available and the breads were excellent too. Lots of fruit although the fruit juice wasn't great. Lunch was comprehensive with a range of hot and cold options. Dinner was generally very good and we appreciated the opportunity to go a la carte at the Royal one night. Our room was very good and provided all we needed for our stay. The room was serviced every day and towels changed if and when you needed them to be. Comfortable bed and a great view from the balcony. The staff were all very helpful and considerate in every area of the complex.

I would appreciated some cheese and biscuits/bread as a dessert option in the evenings (rather than at breakfast) and a few more olives would have been nice - bur really that's nitpicking. Generally the food was very good value for money. There's nothing else that I can think of that I didn't like

My stay at this hotel was absolutely fantastic! The location, right by the ocean shore, was breathtaking and provided a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The service was top-notch, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure that all of my needs were met. They were always attentive, friendly, and eager to help with any request or issue. The food at the hotel was excellent, with a wide variety of delicious options that catered to all tastes. From breakfast to dinner, every meal was a delightful culinary experience. I truly enjoyed every bite. What impressed me the most was the dedication and engagement of the entire team. They were genuinely invested in making my stay comfortable and memorable. Whenever I had a question or concern, they were quick to respond and resolve any issues that arose. Overall, I had an unforgettable experience at this hotel. It was a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and outstanding service. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable stay by the ocean. I can't wait to return in the future!

Great location by the sea. Great food and variety. Staff was really friendly and helpful

Could smell cigarette coming from people smoking on balconies every day early morning. Had to keep windows closed. Smokers should all be put in rooms away from non smokers. Also people should not be allowed to smoke even on terrace where people are eating. Awful to have to have breakfast first thing in fresh air...but with people smoking next to you! Really need sorting!

Great location of the hotel with direct access to huge and beautiful Formosa beach. Eating (and drinking) all-in meals in the restaurant outside with a great view on Capo Girao cliff and lovely sunsets and moonlight or Milky Way on starry nights was our daily routine. From Formosa you can easily walk via tunnel first then along the lovely promenade to Funchal (1h) or Camara de Lobos (40 min). Food good and not boring, with special care on both taste and visual aspects. Service in the restaurant and in the bar - very helpful, running around all the time vigorously but not distractive. Swimming pool very nice, in case it is crowded or full of children you can always go to the ocean just outside the fence (private gate to the beach locked with the code). Rooms with a balcony with a great view of the ocean, I miss this permanent, calmy sound of the ocean, while we were relaxing with the glass of Madeira or Poncha drink.

The first impression is not so clear especially if have big expectations. After few days it is not easy to find anything I can complain about. Maybe the evening events were too short. 23.00 everything is closed, the music and the bar are off. It is a pity as we already stop eating dinner and grab our drinks preparing for dancing and dancing is just over :/. I imagine that this complaint seems to be an advantage for some people who are looking for a peaceful place to rest :D

Amazing location, beach is amazing and common areas are also great. Whole hotel has a 90s vibes but it’s kinda charming in its own way. Very family friendly, no young messers or drunks. Staff was just amazing and breakfast was the best! Rooms with sea view totally worthy!

Bed is way too heard for my liking and food could be improved, dinner was mostly average and deserts were disgusting. Please serve something more international like brownies, cheesecakes, icecream, tarts, etc. Bartender training is due, some cocktails were a bit amateur.

After reviewing the other guest reviews of this hotel, I was rather dubious however we had a great stay. The beds are slightly firm as previously stated however we had a very comfortable sleep. Yes, the rooms are slightly dated but you don't sit in there all holiday do you? The food was superb with fresh soups, pasta, meat and fish dishes served daily with fresh vegetables and salads. I can't say that the buffet was "samey" as other guests have said as every day was something different and all served fresh. I was very delighted at the nice server who came to check if we had finished our breakfast before they took the buffet away. Thank you! All the staff from reception to restaurant were only to willing to help and assist. The hotel has just been freshly painted and the gardens were immaculate.

We were asked to place towels into the shower that needed changing to reduce washing expenses and environment. Our towels were still changed daily (which is lovely) but we would have been happy to use the towels that we placed on the hooks. Fresh orange juice might have been nice at breakfast.

perfect place next to Praia Formosa, thanks to ocean waves morning coffee taste the best in Madeira, greatings and big thanks to very kind staff, your hospitality makes our stay memorable

Mr Pestana the hotel needs to be refreshed as its glory years are already behind it even though your personnel doing the best job but global warming will enforce you to offer air condition not only for upgraded suites but as the standard including lobby or restaurant as well