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The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay): Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
Estrada Monumental, 147, Funchal, Madeira 9004-532, Portugal
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The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay)
Ranked #5 of 92 hotels in Funchal
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864 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    725
    101
    30
    5
    3
See reviews for
Families
88
 
Couples
624
 
Solo
29
 
Business
4
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Returned once again...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 27, 2012

We have just returned from a fortnights holiday at the Cliff Bay and we were delighted with our stay. How can anyone fault this hotel, the location gives you the option of either walking to the new promenade or into Funchal and the marina. The hotel itself is clean and spacious, as were the pool areas. A surfeit of sunbeds and parasols and plenty of space so that you were never cramped. We had a delightful seaview room and also a garden view overlooking the terrace. The two double beds were exceptional quality and we also had tea & coffee making facilities in the room.Everything on the buffet you could think of and more. The buffet was always full and there was a good selection of fresh fruits, cereals, breads, jams, cheese, smoked salmon plus all the hot food and a cooking staition for making your eggs the way you like them!!! I cannot comment on the hotel restaurants, as we always chose to eat out in the local restaurants, but they looked very nice.

We had a few dodgy taxi rides, but that apart it was once again a thouroughly good holiday.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Ask SueReid about The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JanRingertz, General Manager at The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay), responded to this review
January 4, 2013
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am delighted to hear that we managed to correspond to your expectations. The Cliff Bay offers a wide variety of services and facilities including food and beverage.
Hoping to welcome you back again in a near future.
With kindest regards,

Jan E. Ringertz
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bedale, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“On our way back again”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 20, 2012

We are gold level prestige members at Cliff Bay (as are many other people I know), as we have returned several times to this beautiful hotel in the last 10 years. The staff are simply lovely and we feel like "old friends" returning each time. Christmas at Cliff Bay and indeed New Year is a magical experience. The cleanliness is exemplary and the food in both restaurants is first class. We have recommended the hotel to many friends over the years and all of them have had a fabulous time there. The spa is outstanding.

We are returning again on 28th January 2013, following the recent death of my wife's mother, for a little relaxation and revival. It was the first place that we wanted to go to because we know that it will be perfect as always. Madeira is a beautiful island with warm, friendly people and the Cliff Bay is the best place on the island.

Room Tip: Top floor rooms are superb but all sea view rooms are worth having
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 5
See 4 more reviews by Michael G for Funchal
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JanRingertz, General Manager at The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay), responded to this review
January 4, 2013
Thank you for your feedback here at Tripadvisor. I am delighted that we are able to make you feel welcome and return to Madeira Island. New Year is a fantastic period. We very much look forward to welcoming you back again.
With kindest regards,

Jan E. Ringertz
General Manager
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Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Relaxed and friendly”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 9, 2012 via mobile

We were a bit concerned that hotel would be a bit stuffy based on some of the reviews we had read. However, hotel was very relaxed, with good but not over bearing service. We had a room with sea view on the top floor which was lovely. Paid more, but worth it given free breakfast in the a la carte restaurant and stunning views. Weather mixed and a bit chilly to use outdoor pool, but indoor/outdoor pool was ideal for these conditions. Only minor complaint about the hotel is that the bar is very dull (partly a reflection of the average age in the hotel) and the food that we had at lunch was nothing special (far better to eat in town and we were very pleased that we hadn't booked half board). Overall, though, we would highly recommend for a short break of 4 days.

Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
Was this review helpful? Yes 7
See 2 more reviews by Charlie_Anna_Jen for Funchal
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JanRingertz, General Manager at The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay), responded to this review
December 10, 2012
Thank you for your feedback. I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay at our hotel. We very much look forward to welcome you back in a near future.

With kindest regards,

Jan E. Ringertz
General Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
London NW7
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Great Hotel”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 3, 2012

We have just returned from our second visit to this Hotel. Once again it came up to expectation. The staff are attentive and professional and made us feel welcome. We arrived very stressed, but after a few hours started to feel it all drain away!! A great week in the sunshine. We decided to buy vouchers for the Gallo d'Oro restaurant - well worth it. The meals are more of a gastronomic experience than just food! Our room was on the 8th floor with wonderful views out to sea and a lovely balcony. We will definitely return.

Room Tip: Pay a little extra for a top floor room - better views and breakfast in the better restaurant
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 2 more reviews by ElizabethLondonNW7 for Funchal
Ask ElizabethLondonNW7 about The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JanRingertz, General Manager at The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay), responded to this review
December 10, 2012
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your return visit to our hotel and managed to unwind. Gallo d’Oro is much enjoyed and I am pleased to hear that we managed to correspond to your expectations. I hope to see you soon again in Madeira

With kindest regards,

Jan E. Ringertz
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Fantastic visit to the Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 28, 2012 via mobile

We have just had the most fantastic week in the Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal. The weather was not great but they made us feel as if the sun was shining. All the staff are helpful, the bedrooms are light and very comfortable, the lounges, restaurants, bars, swimming pool areas are great. Have been to the hotel for many times and it never changes. Will definitely visit again.

Stayed November 2012, traveled with friends
Was this review helpful? Yes 5
Ask Viv E about The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JanRingertz, General Manager at The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay), responded to this review
December 10, 2012
Thank you for your kind feedback here at Tripadvisor. I am glad to hear that despite that the weather was not in your favor, you still had a great stay. We all hope to welcome you back in a near future.

With kindest regards,

Jan E. Ringertz
General Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay)

Also Known As:
The Cliff Bay - Porto Bay Hotel Funchal
The Cliff Bay - Porto Bay Hotel
The Cliff Bay
Cliff Bay Porto Funchal
Cliff Bay Hotel Funchal
Cliff Bay Hotel Madeira
Cliff Bay
The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay) Madeira/Funchal
Address: Estrada Monumental, 147, Funchal, Madeira 9004-532, Portugal
Phone Number:
Region: Portugal > Madeira Islands > Madeira > Funchal
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#5 Luxury Hotels in Funchal
#9 Family Hotels in Funchal
#10 Romantic Hotels in Funchal
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see at the foot of The Cliff Bay which is perched on the top of a natural promontory. The hotel is surrounded by gardens with innumerable secluded corners and centenary palm trees extending to the very edge of the cliff face. The panorama is completed by a magnificent view over the bay of Funchal to the left of the hotel.The most influential restaurant guide in the world, the Michelin Guide, has awarded a star to Il Gallo d'Oro, The Cliff Bay's gourmet restaurant run by Chef Benoît Sinthon. This is Madeira's first and only star ... more   less 
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The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay)
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