Quinta Da Penha De Franca

The family-run hotel occupies an old traditional home amid lush grounds, plus a more modern annex. It also is connected via footbridge to sister hotel Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca Mar, and guests can use the pool over there. Decor in the lobby is traditional and mimics the styling of an actual home, with antique accents and ample overstuffed furniture arranged in intimate clusters around a central hearth and coffee tables. The grounds are immaculate, with meandering walkways, native plants, and tucked-away places to sit, as well as plenty of loungers to catch the sun from in the yard. The property's quaint and quiet atmosphere is far more suited to adult guests than families; guests seeking a child-friendly stay should consider the Vidamar Resort Madeira, which has facilities for kids and a spa for the grownups. 

The hotel has an excellent setting for exploring Funchal, though travelers should keep in mind that like most properties in the area, steep hills and streets abound. It's a 10-minute walk from the island's marina, a 15-minute walk to the cable cars from which visitors can go up to Monte, and a 15-minute walk to the center of Funchal's old town (the walk back is quite steep). The street the hotel is located on, as well as surrounding ones, offer plenty of variety for dinner and drinks, and establishments can be found along the marina. 

The natural history museum is 12 minutes away on foot, and the museum of sacred art is 13 minutes by direct bus. For those who are more sports-minded, the Museu Cristiano Ronaldo is a 15-minute walk away. The hotel is located a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport and on-site private parking is free. 

Depending on whether guests are booked into the main home or the annex, rooms are either dated or more modern. Some old-fashioned rooms, for example, have red carpeting, colorful floral curtains, and mismatched orange coverlets. The up-to-date rooms in the annex have a more contemporary -- and beachy -- design featuring a brown, blue, and white color scheme in the wood floors, white wooden furniture, striped accent wallpaper, and floral bed linens. All, however, are spacious and comfortable, equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning. Also standard are work desks and sitting areas. Bathrooms have double sinks, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Those with sea views have partitioned balconies with views of the grounds, pool, and sea; although the garden-view rooms have individual balconies, the outlooks from the sea view rooms are worth the upgrade. 

The Quinta Da Penha De Franca has limited on-site amenities, particularly for kids. There is a lovely heated outdoor pool set among the garden, with loungers and towels available. Guests can also walk across the footbridge to the sister property for use of its pool and direct access to the sea. There's an on-site restaurant open all day, serving both local and international cuisine inside or on an outdoor terrace. Food receives so-so reviews. Also available is a pub-style establishment offering cocktails, as well as pool tables and darts. There is no gym or spa, although guests can arrange a massage through the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout.