From the various reviews it is so evident that many of us return here year after year. There must be a reason for this and this is not difficult to identify. First the location. Situated at the Lido, you are in the quiet part of town with a wonderful walk on your doorstep and yet a regular free coach to take you into town if you don't feel up to the walk. The gardens of the hotel have to be seen to be believed - this is no concrete carbuncle and these gardens in our view are on a par with the botanic gardens themselves. Next the staff - having stayed in many hotels we have never experienced such warmth and friendliness - without exception - and when you meet the senior management of the hotel it is not difficult to see why this is very much the house style. If you eat in the hotel you have a wide choice of restaurants from which to choose - from formal dining to casual dining around the swimming pool and in the evening a varied programme of entertainment. The lesirure facilities are equally attractive and provide all that the more energetic may require. Each December we return for our dose of Madeiran sunshine and each year we leave with tremendous reluctance.

Both the city and the hotel are superb!!! We enjoyed a lot not only the sunshine, but the swimming-pool, the restaurants, the terraces... and also the personnel that is very very kind. The acqua gym teacher was very very funny and attentive to us!

Lots of things to choose at breackfast, even champaign! Charming waiters were always attentive to our needings.

Yet another wonderful holiday at The Residence. It's a home from home for us now after 5 years. Everything excellent - our apartment, the staff, the spa, the restaurants, the superb gardens - we can't fault it. Already we're looking forward to our visit next year.

Our 7th visit and as good as ever. The staff are excellent, accommodation could not be bettered and the warm weather was wonderful. I recommend the Spa treatments! Madeira is a very good holiday destination any time of the year.