My husband and I stopped at the hotel for one week in early December 2012. From the moment we arrived I knew we had made a good choice. The reception staff were friendly and helpful and although we had arrived late in the evening, everything was perfect. The room was large and clean and comfortable. We had free use of a refridgerator and safe. Goodies were in the bathroom for use. The food during the week because the hotel was quiet consisted mainly of a la carte meals. These were delicious, well cooked and always hot. Waitress staff and maids were very particular about the service given. I liked the idea of choosing an employee of the month, and the fact that this is a family run hotel, run to a very high standard. Will be returning as soon as possible.

Stayed at this superb hotel from 31st December to 7th January, all the staff were friendly, particularly the lady that did our room each day (1421) and the receptionist that showed us around the room on arrival. Unlike many London Hotels all the staff I spoke to understood English. The room had a great view of the sea and caught the sun from sunrise (guessing) to about 4.30pm (fact).
The new year dinner was excellent, but then I am a fan of lobster and fillet steak, and the arrangements made to see the fireworks by coach to the Pestana Casino Hotel was very well organised with rivers of champagne. I did offer to drive the coach back but the other passengers didn’t seem too keen on the idea.
We did walk into Funchal once, it’s about 40 minutes at a dawdle but a taxis is only 6 to 7 Euros, earlier comments said it took about 20 to 30 mins, they must have had the stamina of Mo Farah.
The weather was excellent (very warm) for 5 of hour days and cloudy for only 2.
The only advice I can give is at the airport, go through security but don’t go through passport control until called to do so, there is nothing on the other side of passport control other than a stuffy waiting area.
We will be going back for the next new year but then I prefer 21 in the shade to 5 in the sun.

We stayed at this hotel in early November 2012. Just our luck that the weather took a turn for the worst for our weeks B & B! However, you cannot blame the hotel for the weather so I'll get the negative points out first:
1) After arriving at the hotel we were last to be seen regarding checking in. This is generally a bad sign as the staff wish not to have a scene in front of other guests checking in. It turned out thet we had been double booked. By whom, we shall probably never know but I tried and succeeded in getting some compensation. The room we were given for two days (out of 7) was okay but didn't have a pool/sea view as paid for and there were no curtains on some windows so the public could see into our room (the hotel is like many others whereby it is built into the sloping terrain and the reception is on the third floor out at the front entrance).
The only other fault I could find was that there were only 2 lifts for the whole hotel. I think this needs to be changed as just about all guests moaned about the length of time they took to arrive. There was one floor dedicated to time share apartments but this didn't impact on the holiday.
One other point: The sauna and steam room are switched off at certain times of the day. I think the corridor to them should be taped off OR guests should be told by the indoor pool staff.
Good points:
2) We were offered 4 nights meal vouchers at the restaurant as compensation. We were also given robes (normally an extra charge) so that was acceptable as I didn't know if it was the booking agent or the hotel that had got it wrong. I cannot fault the staff, service, food or facilities. Happy hour bar great value for cocktails. Beautiful views over ocean and pool. Poolside very attractive with good planting. There was a promenade walkway along the coast either way with several restaurants dotted along. You could walk into Funchal and the harbour but it was a good 20 to 30 mins. There are many varied restaurants near the hotel, into town and many in town as well. There are big ocean liners in the harbour virtually every day but the passengers don't normally use the restaurants. Good markets and shopping in Funchal. Would definitely go back but in the Spring as I want to go on a sleigh ride! (they were too wet and dangerous to use when we were there due to the rain on the cobbles). Also want to see the rest of the island as it is beautiful for walking.

Pestana Promenade is a quiet, good quality hotel in Lido area. There is an almost unnoticeable access to Lido Promenade and short distance to necessary services. All employees are very friendly and our room was big enough for two persons and big luggage's. View was almost perfect (I could have enjoined more sea) and pools swallow end was far enough (I love children, from a distance:-) The Spa is small, but at least during our stay there was enough capable resources. The restaurant isn't very cosy but there are lots of good restaurants in the neighborhood.