I used to work for Orient Express several years ago. When we decided to go to Madeira we immediately looked at Reid's Palace. We stayed only 4 nights during February. It was faboulous!
In the world there are many luxury hotels but some of them are truly special because they represent the history of the destination where they are located and their service is simply a step above the other five stars hotels. Well, Reid's is all that. It perfectly embodies the mission of Orient Express with classical comfort, romance, class, luxury. From check-in to to check-out staff were all very professional and service minded, from Nelia @ reception, to the chambermaid, the lady at the boutique and the lady maitre d' at breakfast. You feel they are going the extra mile to please you but they do it genuinely and that makes the difference. The room we had was nicely decorated with charming views on the gardens and the harbour. It was not new (like many parts of the hotel) but it was so well cleaned and maintained that it was perfect for us. All the amenities you expect were there...and much more. The class of little details (such as slippers, menus, flowers, etc.) was superb.
Breakfast was the best (together with the one of Verdura Resort) we have ever encountered. The tea in the afternoon an experience you cannot miss. Their formal dining room is open only twice a week in winter time. We left at 4.00 am on Sunday and I regret we could not enjoy their gala dinner on saturday. I hope we can go back to Madeira one day and stay again at the best hotel on the island.

Escaping from the snow in Ireland to the warmth of Madeira was like entering another world! This along with the luxury of Reids made it a very special holiday. It is virtually impossible to fault this wonderful hotel. We had a splendid room with superb views from our balcony over the sea and Reids beautifully tended gardens,The staff were friendly, courteous and very efficient without being intrusive, Breakfast was a superb choice of fresh and beautifully cooked foods and also highly recommended are the pool side restaurant and of course Villa Cipriani, a short stroll from the hotel,
Reid's airport transfer service was really convenient and once again staff couldn't do enough to help us.
If you are visiting Madeira treat yourself to a break in this amazing hotel....you won't regret it!

We returned to Reid's Palace for another birthday holiday at this wonderdul hotel.
And once again we were not disappointed. Cannot fault it for attention and helpfulness of the staff.
Weather glorious, as per usual I think. Lovely view of the gardens and sparkling sea from our roomy balcony. Pampered in their superior spa - birthday treat not to be missed.
This time around I didin't leave the hotel due to mobility problems but now know Reid's offer morning yoga/pilates classes and other harmonous activities so no chance of being too
bored. Looking forward to another birthday there - loved the cake with candles and
champagne and flowers to help us celebrate, what could be more special.

On our last Funchal visit, TA had Reid's ranked 2nd after Hottel Albergaria Dias. We then went for the small family hotel option at the far end of the old town and loved their relaxed and wonderfully friendly atmosphere. This year, en route to Porto Santo (another first) we decided on the other end of the town and the other end of the hotel luxury scale. You can tell the key Reid's clientele at the airport - they're the ones with bright sand-coloured slacks, a nice blazer or tweed jacket and even a cravat. The photos in the multi-various days rooms of the rich and famous of the past 100 years in their suits and ties, and the dress code requirement for one of their restaurants might seem off-putting for casual easy folk like us and we feared some down nose looks. Not at all - we we treated as royally as royals. Arriving very early on the classless EasyJet flight, we were greeted with a smile and an extensive tour of the facilities, followed by complimentary coffee on the famous tea terrace while our room - upgraded from our cheapest option to one with balcony facing the pools and the sea and harbour beyond - was being prepared. We dined at the adjacent Italian restaurant but Reid's breakfast was to die for. Sadly our departure on the second morning for Porto Santo was too early but the night porter had prepared a freshly made take-out breakfast, had given us two very gentle wake-up calls and, like all staff we met, seemed genuinely interested in our well being. The perfect hotel for a few days pampering and it's obvious that everyone is made welcome. In true Alex Polizzi style, the management and staff of Hotel Porto Santo need to come here for a day and learn how it should be done!