Porto Mare Hotel

Husband and I stayed for 12 nights over Christmas/NY. The hotel is very large and can seem like a rabbit warren once inside as parts of the layout are on different layers. You may need to take a lift from one part of the accommodation, exit, walk some distance and then use another lift to get to you accommodation, as we found. The staff were all very helpful and nothing seemed too much trouble for them. You can take breakfast in the large Alfama dining room, or if you prefer a more intimate space, use the dining facilities of the Eden Mare next door but this has a slightly smaller menu option. Either way, they food was wonderful. Our only gripe about the hotel is its location to the centre of Funchal. It takes a good 40 minutes to walk into town and this is very hilly, especially on the return. The hotel does have a courtesy coach, but unfortunately the last journey into town is around 17.00 and so too early if you want to go out for an evening meal. We would certainly recommend the Porto Mare to anyone who is fit and doesn't mind walking.

It was a great location to start our European vacation.

Lovely hotel with fabulous grounds and plenty of facilities to keep guest entertained. Good location close to the Lido & a regular bus service to town if you don’t fancy the 30 minute walk.

Without doubt the best hotel I've stayed in, cannot understand why it isn't 5*, it's better than any l have stayed in. The Pools, indoor and out and all of the facilities are superb. The food both at breakfast and evening meal is wonderful, with such a huge choice, so good we never ventured away from the buffet. The gardens are amazing with a dedicated orchid garden housing dozens of different orchids. We will definately go again.

Top marks to Porto Mare hotel for a most enjoyable stay. Friendly reception, efficient service and a very comfortable room. Excellent buffet breakfast and reasonably priced meals in choice of restaurants. Spacious gardens and wide range of leisure facilities. Useful shuttle bus service downtown. The fact that so many guests were return visitors is a testimony to popularity of the hotel.