Hotel Madeira

The six-story Hotel Madeira is a small property with little for kids, but charming vibe that appeals to couples. It's best suited to those keen to explore Funchal but wanting a comfortable, central place to return to at night. The outside is generically modern, and doesn't necessarily fit in with the historic architecture in other parts of Old Town. Inside, the design is mostly modern and understated, with some stylish accents. The marble lobby has a neutral-tone seating area with old-fashioned armchairs and potted plants, while an adjacent common area is more cozy and pulls in Madeira's love for color. There are patterned carpet, an accent wall of silver wallpaper with vine detailing, purple-cushioned wicker furniture, a bookcase, and pool table. Rooms are the most modern and attractive spaces, though the rooftop pool with lovely views is a close second.

Hotel Madeira is located on a quiet side street in the Old Town of Funchal. A few bus routes, ranging from 13 to 20 minutes, take tourists to the Lido Promenade, which in turn connects pedestrians to the pebbly Formosa Beach -- making it ideal for tourists who want to spend some time at the beach, but some days and evenings diving into the local culture. The bus stop for these is a four-minute walk away. There's also the Clube Naval do Funchal a five-minute walk away, where guests can pay for access to a sandy beach. 

The hotel is also a one-minute walk from the shopping district, a two-minute walk from the theater and a 13-minute walk from the bountiful, beloved-by-locals Mercado dos Lavadores. For true football fans, the hotel is an eight-minute walk from the Museu Cristiano Ronaldo. The Ritz Cafe (actually a nightclub) is just across a nearby park. Another bus, with a stop five minutes from the hotel, connects directly to the Madeira Botanical Garden in 15 minutes. Madeira Airport is a 25-minute drive.

The 52 rooms of the Hotel Madeira are done in a modern yet traditional style, with dark-wood floors, classic cream furniture, and crisp white linens with pops of an accent color, such as blue or citrus, throughout. Blue-tufted benches, leaf-motif throw pillows, and patterned artwork over the beds add stylish touches. Although the rooms are low on amenities (only the suites have kettles and mini-fridges, for example), they're clean and all come with flat-screen cable TVs and good-sized wardrobes built into the walls. Like most hotels on the island, you have to pay a nominal fee for use of the safe. Some rooms have small furnished balconies are small. Only the Superior Suites have bathtubs (corner-style and quite large), although the showers across all rooms are excellent. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. Note that some rooms are quite small.

The hotel is a bit sparse on amenities -- it lacks a full restaurant and gym -- but it has a gorgeous rooftop pool surrounded by several loungers, tables and chairs, and beautiful views of Funchal from either end of its shallow waters. A bar near the pool serves food and drinks at reasonable prices until late. A well-reviewed buffet-style breakfast with some rotating warm options and fresh fruit is available in the dining room. A common room off the lobby provides a pool table, generous bookshelf, and a computer with internet for guests. The addition of on-site beauty, aromatherapy, and massage services (located in the basement) is a surprising feature for a small three-pearl hotel, as is a generously sized meeting room with a projection screen. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property.