We have just returned from a 1-week break in Funchal, our third stay in Madeira. We chose the hotel primarily for its convenient location, although we had seen it before when on a coach dropping off other passengers and it looked nice. Before booking with Thompson we checked out the feedback on Tripadvisor. We decided to book, in spite of the ongoing building work right outside the hotel. It turned out to be absolutely no problem and we enjoyed a great stay. The hotel was spotlessly clean, the room spacious and well appointed. The bed (& linen) was fantastically comfortable. It's a very well run hotel, the staff are top notch, very efficient and friendly and we will definitely be considering staying at this hotel again.

We have just returned from a week at this hotel, staying half board in a junior suite with a sea view. The room was first rate, very spacious and clean. There is a handy kitchen area for preparing snacks with a fridge, kettle , crockery and cutlery.
The food in the restaurant is a grade up from say an H10 in Lanzarote. Service by an large is exceptional with very friendly helpful staff.
The position of the hotel is ideal. It is right in the old town next to the cable car. There are loads of places to eat and drink nearby. A great bakers just on the doorstep. If your a young person looking for a night life this is probably not the place for you. I'm 61 and I would think well below the median age! I would recommend the free wine tasting put on by the hotel. I learned a lot with a very good presenter and some good wines.
I think some of the reviews play down the disruption by the works going on. If you wanted to sit by the pool for long periods or go on the sunbeds it would be a problem. If you don't then the 10 Euros a day per person is good compensation, although for some reason a few people get upset it doesn't include tips!
If you are sometimes a bit boring, like me, it's worth noting tv has BBC 1 and ITV. Very good when you're tired after a bit of hill walking.
Funchal is very interesting. Locals and tourists really mingle and tourists are welcomed everywhere.
One small gripe our room wasn't ready when we arrived at 2.30, although lunch was provided for free while we waited. If you want a safe asked for the key when you check in. I noticed quite a few people at reception saying their safe wasn't working. I'm still not sure why this is not standard check in info.
All in all this hotel was really very good. I would recommend it.

A 4 star rated hotel with 5 star quality. Can't rate this hotel highly enough - we have stayed at this hotel numerous times over the last 6/7 years and have always found all the staff - reception, restaurant, bar, housekeeping, pool, maintenance, gardening, etc - to be extremely friendly, helpful and efficient. They always greet you with a smile and nothing is too much trouble. The hotel is not in the Lido tourist area but is in Funchal itself close to the cable car, bus terminals, market, numerous restaurants and 10 mins walk from the marina. It is just off the promenade walk which is flat so there are no hills like at the Lido etc just small, gentle slopes enabling you to easily get out and about into town. Despite there being 'works' ongoing in front of the hotel the noise etc was not disruptive, in fact it was quite entertaining watching what was happening and the progress being made. It is also in a great location to see the cruise liners arriving/leaving although it sometimes feels like they are going to join you in the hotel they are that close! We have now been for all the major events - Xmas & New Year, Flower Festival and Carnival - and we'll be back again in October. The hotel does have a downside - the side rooms overlooking the park and cable car station do not have a view and are dark due to large, high trees and the park area can be noisy in the late evening/night.

Excellent attentive staff. Would suggest paying extra for a sea view room as the garden view is really park view and rather noisy, especially from the bottle bank. The local restaurants throw away their empties every night at closing time. A la carte menu very good. Buffet not so good but breakfast was excellent.