Hotel Quinta Bela Sao Tiago

Set in a primrose-painted manor with forest-green wooden shutters that dates back to 1834, the Hotel Quinta Bela São Tiago tends to attract a mature crowd looking for a sedate and classically elegant hotel that is still close to all the sights. Leading from the classy lobby, with marble floors and soft couches upholstered in ivory linen, is the main restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling arched windows with slender mullions to provide lovely views over the gardens. The pool terrace has more stunning views over Funchal and its bay, the mountains, and the Atlantic beyond. Cobbled pathways lead through the gardens, which are a riot of color with bright flowers in every shade imaginable, mature greenery, and large cages housing lime-green parakeets.

Although it’s in a pretty sedate, sleepy neighborhood, this hotel by no means compromises on its location. The hotel is on the edge of Funchal’s historic center, and pretty much everything in town is within a comfortable walking distance, including a plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants. Expect a 20-minute transfer to Madeira Airport by car, or a 40-minute journey by the Aerobus that goes to the center of Funchal.

The 64 rooms are decently sized and have views either of the gardens or of the sea, but they are not decorated to the same standard as the shared areas downstairs. Standard Rooms are painted tan (some with a sage green accent wall), and outfitted with wooden floors, wood furniture, chintzy bedspreads, bedskirts, and curtains, and framed artwork. They feature two twin beds which can be pushed together, as well as two armchairs around a small table, and a desk that doubles as a stand for a flat-screen TV. Junior Suites make room for a sitting area with a couch, as well as a terrace with views of the Atlantic, while more attractive Deluxe Suites have a separate lounge, champagne-colored decor, and a chandelier. All bathrooms have a shower/tub combo and a bidet, plus toiletries and hose-style hairdryers. Upgraded rooms add bathrobes. Minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi are also provided. On the downside, some guests have complained of the remotes that control lighting and conditioning being finicky and hard to use. 

The Quinta Bela São Tiago has a quality list of amenities, though little geared toward kids. A freeform pool with a water fountain looks out over the Atlantic, Funchal’s bay, and the mountains beyond. It's surrounded by loungers and a handful of umbrellas, but note that's it's not heated. Another standout is the garden awash with color and the sounds of parakeets chirping from their birdcages. The main restaurant serves a buffet breakfast with prosecco in the morning, while in the evening an a la carte menu is on offer. The Winter Garden restaurant has a lovely outdoor terrace for its breakfast. Guests are offered a welcome drink in the lobby bar upon check-in, and can get wine, cocktails, and light snacks from the bar throughout the day and into the evening. There is a small spa with massage rooms, a sauna, and Turkish bath, as well as a small but decently equipped gym. Guests are given a voucher for free Wi-Fi that last either 24 or 48 hours, and then must purchase plans after that. A small business corner with a computer and printer.