Pestana Village Garden Hotel

I am torn in my assessment of this review, as the hotel staff delivered exceptional service throughout our stay. While the breakfast and dinner buffets were enjoyable, they did lack variety over the days. In contrast, the à la carte restaurants provided a truly delightful dining experience. However, the resort itself is in dire need of renovations, as it appears quite dated. Our room exhibited signs of significant wear and tear, a condition that was also noticeable in other parts of the property. On a brighter note, the housekeeping team upheld a commendable level of cleanliness and organization in our accommodations. The grounds were meticulously maintained, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. Furthermore, the hotel's location is advantageous, situated centrally in Funchal, which facilitates easy access to attractions in both eastern and western directions. I would have rated this experience a 3 out of 5 if not for the dedicated staff who worked diligently to enhance our trip. Nevertheless, I would consider returning in the future.

Sometimes I don't understand negative reviews, the food here is great, varied, always fish, meat that is quite unusual for us (goat, sheep), local sweets, lots of fruit, vegetables always. The staff is completely correct and professional, they don't impose themselves. The environment...beautiful garden, mountain views, really small flaws, years of use are completely irrelevant.. We would like to come back next year.

PROS:- Within walking distance to several restaurants, bars and supermarkets. Room service attendants were very friendly. CONS:- If you have young kids, probably not the best as you are not allowed to have fun in this resort. 1. No jumping in the pool 2. No ball games 3. No evening entertainment for kids or adults except for live music by a solo singer in the hotel lobby with zero engagement, so guests are just walking in & out after listening to a song or 2. 4. Food was very mediocre, didn’t get a chicken dish until the 5th night. Deserts were pretty much the same every night. 5. Pool staffs look so mad at all times, it got very uncomfortable. 6. I was covered in mosquito bites, a few families we spoke to experienced the same. Whilst there’s nothing they can do about the outdoor issue , it’s reasonable to say there are control measures they can put in place for indoors. I almost fell off the treadmill from being bitten by mosquitoes. 8. Gym is quite old, no barbell but you can get still get a bit done but that room is infested with mosquitoes. 9. If you’re getting lunch at the pool bar, give yourself some extra time . Ham & cheese sandwich and fries took 50 plus minutes, I left to eat cereal in my room. 10. Game room has one pool table and that’s it. Can’t say we’ll be coming back here especially not at the price we paid. Real shame because this place is beautiful with so much potential but not worth the cons.

Lovely hotel. Great location. First class service. However it badly needs air conditioning - a fan in the room is not enough and the public indoor areas very warm. It did not take away from our enjoyment but would enhance a stay. Amongst the most charming and helpful staff we have ever encountered.

Unfortunate bad weather meant staying inside more, mostly in the bar!! The usual staff Manuel, Bella, Catia, Claudia etc helped make it enjoyable also new staff members, especially Khan , always busy, always happy, always smiling, a definite asset to the team and hotel. Phillipe and Danilo make a visit to the bar a guaranteed interesting experience!!! Buffet restaurant needs improvement on every level, many negative comments on here saying same thing. Managers should take note and make the significant changes needed. Fabio and Francisco on reception a joy to deal with... "Bell Boys" also very accommodating and efficient. Looking forward to returning