Quinta da Bela Vista

Beautiful hotel grounds . Spacious rooms but tired decor, needs updating. Service was very hospitable. Much much older crowd

It was my first visit to Madeira and this lovely hotel came recommended by my travel agent. I was looking for somewhere comfortable and friendly and the hotel more than delivered on my expectations. It's set up in the hills above Funchal with fabulous views of the bay. I booked half board and found the food excellent. The room was large with views of the garden. But what makes the hotel really special is its wonderful staff. Special thanks to Carina for her exceptional service at breakfast and dinner and Ricardo on reception who helped me book excursions. The hotel also runs a shuttle service into Funchal during the week- although the local buses stop nearby. And there is a lovely pool and sauna, both of which I enjoyed. Would definitely recommend.

Stayed for a week as part of a family holiday. Enjoyed a pleasant stay but writing review to provide some fair warning to other potential guests and some suggestions to present management. First and foremost this is NOT a 5 star establishment, regardless of the suggestion on the (very lovely) website. Perhaps that was the case 10 or 20 years ago, but hospitality trends and norms change and the Quinta de Bela Vista has simply not kept up. Either serious investment and reform is needed, or the hotel should acknowledge that it is (at best) a 4 star establishment. Gym opening? 7.30am. Breakfast service? 7.30am No flexibility and hardly in keeping with an actual 5 star approach. The website also suggests a “fully equipped gym” but that is absolutely not the case (some random weights, 2 bikes, 1 ancient treadmill). Again, very far from 5 star and serious investment needed here and in many other parts of the hotel. The grounds are pleasant enough but a small pool (forget any lap swimming) and tired buildings and rooms. Again, absolutely not in keeping with 5 star labelling. By way of example, in terms of the rooms - no smart TVs (forget using Netflix or any other functionality) and no espresso/actual coffee machines (again, I don’t expect to find instant coffee in my room at a purported 5 star establishment). I could go on, but hopefully the review gives fair warning to anyone thinking about booking. Service was very nice (polite and well trained staff) and food was servicable, the property has a fading charm which appeals and my stay was pleasant but it is important that hotels do not misrepresent their value and star rating. Finally, location is away from Funchal centre and its waterside hotel *****. Local area not particularly pleasant and most Funchal attractions require journey into centre. The hotel does provide a mini bus but again times quite limited and it does not work on a Saturday, Sunday or national holidays. Again, sadly not quite a 5 star approach!

A quiet, charming restful small hotel. Lovely gardens, friendly staff and the room with a balcony was spacious and comfortable, and I would love to return. Excellent three restaurants. Hotel shuttle bus always on hand to go into centre. The swimming pool was too cool !