Pestana Promenade

Opened in 2009, the Pestana Promenade Ocean Resort is one of the most recently built hotels in the area, and it certainly shows. A simple-yet-striking entrance bears a distinctive pointed portico reminiscent of the prow of a ship. Stepping inside, the lobby is pristinely presented and airy, with colorful modern furnishings, grand sweeping curves, and huge windows flooding the space with natural light. Bright, colorful, and contemporary styling continues in the hallways and throughout the property, creating a breezy and casual atmosphere. The grounds consist of well-tended gardens featuring a diverse collection of tropical plants, while interconnecting swimming pools combine to create one of the largest pool areas of any of the island's hotels -- as well as featuring stunning panoramic ocean views. The hotel's friendly and quiet vibe tends to attract older couples and some young families.

The hotel is perched overlooking the sea in the popular but peaceful Lido neighborhood of Funchal, comprising of a mixture of residential buildings, hotels, and a few eateries and beach bars. There's direct access to a pleasant promenade that runs along the coast and the pebble beach of Praia do Gorgulho is less than a five-minute walk away. Funchal's historic center with its pretty streets and numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes, is around 10 minutes away by car. Palheiro Golf course is a 25-minute drive and Santo da Serra golf club is about 30 minutes away. Guests looking for a challenging hike can head to Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain on the island and about one hour away by car. The beautiful foliage of Monte Palace Tropical Garden is 15 to 20 minutes' drive. It will take 20 to 25 minutes to reach Madeira Airport.

The hotel has 112 rooms and suites, all of which are spacious and bright, with colorful decor in lemon-yellows and lime-greens, plus wood parquet floors and pieces of lively modern art. The vibrant palette won't be for everyone, but it looks far more fresh than many of the other hotels in the area. There are also additional chairs or loveseats in rooms, and floor plans start at 35 square meters (377 square feet) and only get larger from there. Large glass doors slide open to roomy furnished balconies or terraces, all with at least partial sea views. 

Amenities include mini-fridges and 26-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and pay movies. All rooms lack tea/coffee facilities. Suites feature separate living rooms with sofa beds and space for up to three guests. Free Wi-Fi is only available in rooms close enough to the lobby area to pick it up, but otherwise comes with a fee in rooms. Bathrooms include marble countertops, wall-mounted hairdryers, and shower/tub combos; in each, a window (with blind) offers the option of views into the bedroom. Certain suites have separate in-room soaking tubs, upping the romance factor a bit. 

The hotel's main Breezes Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast in a bright, modern space with the option of a sea-view terrace; breakfast is included though reports are mixed. The restaurant is also open for themed dinner buffets, though a better a la carte option can be found at the Deep-Blue Restaurant, offering a menu of international and Portuguese flavors. There's also The Deck poolside snack bar, which serves light meals, ice cream, and cold drinks with ocean views. Breezes Cocktail Bar hosts regular live music.

The pool area is the hotel's standout feature, comprising four pools in all and an infinity-edge, submerged loungers, and floating armchairs. There's a designated children's swimming area as well. Loungers are plentiful and there are sea views from almost any spot. A peaceful spa is tucked away in the quieter part of the grounds and offers an indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, and signature body treatments, plus a nine-person capacity whirlpool tub overlooking a private garden. A fitness center has a decent number of weight machines, though little in the way of cardio options. Despite being fairly popular with families, there's little in the way of child-focused facilities at the hotel.

There are a pair of meeting rooms, one with space for up to 70 guests. Parking is available for a low daily fee. Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's public areas, but comes at a fee in rooms.