I stayed her with my adult daughter for two weeks, we had a wonderful holiday, our room was huge with a fantastic private balcony on the 10th floor. The food was varied and attentive staff. This hotel is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties due to the steep access. It's a delightful walk into Funchal along the beach, stopping for a swim or refreshments on route. Would recommend this lovely hotel and hope to go back again.

Just returned from 2 weeks half board at this hotel which was very enjoyable. The rooms and patio where absolutely amazing, spotlessly clean and modern, bathroom was superb spacious and well kept. Our room was located on the end of floor -9. The only noise you need to get used to at night are the ocean waves. Not sure why there is no air conditioning in the rooms, maybe this is why it is only has a 3* rating? We could not fault any of the staff all of them very polite and friendly. Most of the guest at the time we stayed were from Germany and France which meant conversation with other guests was difficult. It would appear that a couple of large German / French package operators had taken most of rooms. Both breakfast and evening meal are both buffet service, food is plentiful but a little 'plain and ordinary' You need to be fairly active to make the most of the hotel as there is a steep pathway and steps leading down to the swimming pool and cafe. The coastal pathway in each direction accessed from the swimming pool gate is a hive of activity during the evenings with lots of 'locals' jogging and walking along the pathway. The beach in front of the hotel has some dark stand which again seems popular with the local families at the weekends. The bus service from the road level outside hotel is very regular into the city and return until after midnight. We enjoyed the levada walk from opposite the hotel but again you need to be fairly fit and agile.

The Orca Pria is situated a 20 minute bus ride from the centre of Funchal.Hence the price is less than those in the centre.Also the local bus stops outside the hotel and runs until late.(There is alkso a free limited hotel shuttle bus)
The hotel is built into the cliffs with reception at road level and the rooms below.The rooms are some of the largest we have stayed in with balcony to match.There are uninterupted sea views - only noise being the waves.
We had Bed and Breakfast - this was good with plenty of choice,local breads etc
The hotel pool is at beach level - a steep walk back !
The pool also leads ot onto a beachfront path which goes many miles in each direction - the Lido one way and Camara de Lobos the other - if you like some exercise this is the place.

The staff are very good and helpfull,rooms refurbished and clean - shower only - again large.

Good for an independent stay.

Just arrived back after a week in Funchal. The food at the hotel was excellent, varied and a huge choice at every meal. The staff were very friendly and helpful, particularly the head waiter in the restaurant and Andrew in the Bar. Hotel rooms and general areas were very clean and comfortable. The beds were also very comfortable. All the rooms have brilliant views out to sea. The only downside was the trek down to the pool and pool bar. This was very, very steep and not recommended for anyone with walking difficulties.