Hotel Girassol

The hotel's location and affordable rates make it an attractive option for older couples and families, though they shouldn't expect many frills at this generic property. Renovations at the end of 2016 brought much-needed updates to public areas, including the lobby, which received new furniture and lighting; the restaurant, where parquet flooring and new seating replaced old red carpet and matching patterned chairs; and the pool deck, which no longer has the worn green-fabric covering we saw during our visit. Still, this only updated what's already there, which isn't a ton for kids. The property remains mostly quiet, aside from areas near the busy road.  

The hotel is set on a busy road on the main hotel strip in the tourist area of Funchal. Although the location is a roughly 30-minute walk into its historical center, regular buses pick guests up outside the hotel. The beachside Lido Promenade, the key attraction in this area, is just a five-minute walk away. There, travelers will find ample restaurant and bars. The nearest airport is in Madeira, about a 22-minute drive from the hotel. Guests with cars will have free on-site parking. 

Guests with the bar set for basic accommodations will be thrilled with the clean, mostly contemporary rooms (renovated in 2011) and attentive housekeeping; those looking for style might be disappointed by the uninspiring brown-and-cream color scheme and generic wood furniture. However, rooms are generally spacious, particularly the suites. In-room amenities include mini-fridges, flat-screen cable TVs, hairdryers, and minimal toiletries. The hotel provides kettles and saucers, but it charges a nominal for tea and coffee. For rooms without air-conditioning, the combination of ceiling fans and leaving the balcony doors open is adequate for most guests. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos.  

Any room on floor four or above is good for pleasant views and avoiding noise from the main road outside the hotel. Those on higher floors (10th and 11th), however, have wonderful sea views, plus air-conditioning and more up-to-date furnishings. An alternative to the sea view is a pool view, or if quiet takes priority over view, ask for a side room. 

The hotel's features are minimal and geared toward laid-back couples. The on-site restaurant serves buffet-style meals all day, and all rates include a continental breakfast. Half-board and full-board options are also available, though food receives mixed reviews and there are plenty of dining options nearby. Three on-site bars include one by the pool and an indoor Medieval-like bar.

Leisure-wise, the main feature is the decent-sized outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and umbrellas. There's a separate small wading pool for kids, as well as a play area in the garden for young children. The gym is tiny and only has a few pieces of equipment, but two saunas and a massage room are unexpected perks. A meeting room is also on-site. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby.