The hotel is in a great spot for views of the harbour so for the New Years Eve firework display it is hard to beat! As others say, it is a short walk down to the old town or into the city. The staff are very efficient but we found the amenities a bit lacking over the New Year period - the hotel was busy but the pool was too cold and the spa seemed closed. Not quite all I expected from a 4-star rated property.

This is our second visit to this hotel.We were here in 2011.
Staff are just wonderful. The hotel is perfectly placed to visit the old town of Funchal. Lots of good eating places and about a 20 minute stroll to the centre of the town. As I said before its at the top of a hill so expect some exercise when returning to the hotel.
Just one drawback; its rooms are now looking a little bit tired and in need of slight refurbishment and soon.
Apart from the above criticism lovely hotel, added to our enjoyment of our holiday.

This hotel is the perfect relaxing get away,beautiful views, friendly staff, stunning location, I would not hesitate to go back. But, room 218 had a very unpleasent smell of dead rodent, this is the only way to describe it, if you book this hotel,stear clear of 218.

The Quinta Bela Sao Tiago is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the old town of Funchal. It is 200 meters from the Rua Santa Maria with all its restaurants and bars and the sea front cafes. I have to add that it is downhill on the way into town and uphill on the way back but whilst it is not steep it is very manageable at a gentle pace. The vibrant market hall is a short walk away and the cable car to Monte is about 300 metres from the hotel.

We had an ocean view room on the first floor which looked out over the cruise ship harbour which was an entertainment watching the giants of the sea come and go.

Most people reading reviews want to know more about the facilities and outings in more detail, I know I did, so I’ll try and cover a few things not in the travel brochures.

A kettle is offered when you are booking in to the hotel. Apparently it is only the “Brits abroad” who want a kettle so one is offered. It will be delivered to your room with the number of cups for the occupancy but there is no tea, coffee, milk etc so if you want to make your own “brew” then take some with you or go to one of the local shops and buy some.

There is a mini bar in the room with a price list. The bar is checked every day by the cleaners so keep a check on what you are using to be able to tally on checking out.

The beds were made everyday with clean sheets. Usually by the time we had returned from breakfast our room was “done”

There is a safe in the room but you have to pay €1.50 per day to use it, we paid and it was useful.

Breakfast is excellent. The same fayre is offered daily with maybe a couple of variations but there is so much that we didn’t have the same breakfast twice. We didn’t have dinner at the hotel as there are so many local offerings close by for less money although to be fair the menu looked superb.

Excursions leaflets are on display in reception with bus tours and levada walks a plenty. We researched these before we left the UK but booked at the hotel reception. The staff are very helpful and speak excellent English.

A word about the Monte Toboggan Ride. It is unique in the World and is considered a “must” when in Madeira. It is expensive at €30 for a couple in one toboggan and a tip is obligatory at the end of the ride (the guys ask you for “something for a drink”). You then have to negotiate with a taxi driver to get back into Funchal. Be aware! It can cost an unwary traveller up to €18 but apparently a negotiated €5 can be gained if you are a bit hardnosed about it. We did it as part of an excursion and the mini coach picked us up at the end of the run. The ride was special though so bite the bullet and do it.

Afternoon tea at Reids Palace was amazing. Very “Dowton”, stepping back into a bygone era. It is expensive at €32.50 per person and has to be booked but we were made to feel so special, brilliant. No shorts or tee shirts.

We had a great time in Madeira and would recommend this hotel to everyone.