Stayed here for a week in November 2012. Arrival and booking in very efficient. Room was very spacious with adequate furniture with a small fridge & payable Bar. I went to the Supermarket and purchased some chilled goods, removed the Bar items and used the fridge for my bits. We had friends staying in one of the apartments so we ate on the balconies some nights and Restaurants on other nights. Disappointed that there were no Tea or Coffee facilities in the Room. Suggest you take a Travel Kettle with you. Toiletries provided everyday and of good quality. The food at breakfast was very good with ample choices even for the fussiest of eaters. Bar service appalling waited 25 minutes to be served, went to the bar in the end and the Barman came over to the table, took the order and ten minutes later we were still waiting for the drinks. I went over again only to be told that they did not have one of the drinks, my second choice there was a short measure in the bottle so he just plonked that in the glass and smiled. One and only time we drank at the Bar.
The Swimming Pool is in a very nice setting with ample Sun Beds for November. The Swimming Pool was absolutely freezing so maybe some heating could be added.
The Hotel is very Regal. I had read reviews about the Carpets and other issues before I left the UK, there are minor markings on the Carpets in the Corridors but this did not affect my Holiday. The staff (apart from the Barman) were very charming and always passed the time of day with you.
Overall a very nice Hotel.

We've stayed here twice and will come again. Excellent facilities in-house, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, fitness centre etc. WiFi in some of the public areas (why not in the rooms?). Excellent sea views. Pleasant walk west along the sea to nearby fishing village, long but pleasant walk along the sea into Funchal. Good choice of restaurants at both but very little in the vicinity of the hotel - some choice about half a mile away. We've had self-catering apartments and therefore not so dependant on the hote restaurant, which we've found rather disappointing and a bit pricey for what it is. Excellent pianist plays most evenings, but the singers can be a distraction as they echo around the balconies!

So yes, as I say it's ok - not great. As other reviewers have said - not 5*.

For example, I arrived at around lunch time and asked where I could get something to eat and was told by the swimming pool. This however was closed, because of the impending storm!

Anyway, there was an area next to the upstairs bar, and I eventually managed to order a roasted vegetable salad - fine. This took an hour - but ok - hopefully they cooked this from scratch.
Meanwhile, I thought I was being given some little snacks as a small plate arrived. This however, contained little sachets of mayonnaise, vinegar, etc. so I asked for olive oil.
You may now be able to guess, but the waitress then presented me with sachets of olive oil.
When I asked for a bottle I was told that they did not put these on the table - and this was quite correct - even at dinner - no black pepper either.

All I can say, is apart from the food - which never, ever was 5 star, it was ok. There was an excellent pianist most evenings, and the rooms, if a little faded were satisfactory, but not 5*.

The shuttle into Funchal was very good, but finished around 6.30pm. - obviously to keep you in the hotel during the evening to spend at the bar etc.

I would give this hotel 3* plus - no more.

Oh, and the staff were very nice.

overall we had a very nice time at this hotel.staff very friendly and helpfull.yes,the rooms require a little updating but are still spacious and well equipped.we had a 1 bed suite with small kitchen.
the main complaint we have is they do not heat the indoor 'heated' pool sufficiently.in fact the whole spa area is really dismal and very cold and uninviting.were hoping we could spend alot of time using the pool with our 2 year old but sadly we hardly used it. we mentioned it to the staff and nothing was done about heating the pool up to the same comfortable temp as all the other 5 star hotels. for that reason we would not return.a shame they would rather lose your custom as we did like it.
good position for shops and walking.but do not stay on the right hand side of the hotel this time of year as a big noisy fun fair is right next door and goes on until 11.30ish..