Estalagem do Mar

I strongly recommend avoiding this hotel. The view is superb. However, other things are not. The elevator is so tiny that only 1 person with luggage can fit. There is no light in the elevator so it is in complete blackness. The rooms have the lowest level of lighting possible. There is NO light sufficient for working at the desk at night. There is no place in the shower to place the shampoo or soap--so, you place it on the floor. The breakfast is fine.

Very good and cozy hotel near the Atlantic ocean. The room was small but good, it was missing a fridge though. The food was very delicious. Staff was kind and helpful. The location of the hotel is in a comfortable place, there is a bus stop nearby, but the best way to travel around Madeira is to rent a car from the hotel.

We only stayed here 1 night and that was okay. The hotel was okay but nothing more than that. Clean. Great location next to the ocean. Fantastic view. We went to the little pizzeria 300 m from the hotel to dine cause the buffet on the hotel was not our taste. The hotel is okay for 1 night but we were glad that us was just that. Maybe the feeling would be better in the summertime.

Vegetarians be advised you should inspect the advertised “Vegetarian Dish” before deciding whether or not to go to the dinner buffet. Staff were gracious and kind and put it right, but the food standard should have been better in the first place, and surely they must have known this. One simply shouldn’t have to ask, but the chef will make other vegetarian options if asked. They had no business serving a cold over-boiled bag of frozen vegetables and calling it a main course on the menu next to the reception area. Fortunately, the creamy vegetable soup was delicious and the desserts were outstanding. Staff were apologetic and kind, but I feel like if no one says anything, then many guests will continue to put up with this as a side dish and the kitchen will think that what they are providing is acceptable. I think it’s only fair to mention in their favour, that I noticed at breakfast that there was a small but separate Gluten Free area. The mainstream breakfast was good and had a lot of variety, including whole pieces of fruit. The receptionists were delightful and friendly. There seemed to always be someone on duty, and they were approachable. There was good communication—the receptionist in the morning already knew about our meal the night before. The room was clean and exactly as expected with a lovely view and balcony. I wish the beds had been made up as a double, as requested, rather than two side by side twins. Maybe it’s a Madeira thing, as this isn’t the only place this happened. My bed was comfy and I got a good night’s sleep accompanied by the sound of the waves.