The capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, Funchal enjoys a charming location backed by pretty hills and blessed with a buzzing harbour area. A popular base from which to enjoy the region’s pebbly beaches and rugged landscape, the city also boasts several man-made attractions, including a centuries-old cathedral featuring Gothic and Romanesque styles, a fortress dating back to the 1600s, and numerous wine cellars.
When it comes to place to stay, Funchal has plenty of options from the budget to the high-end, with most of the city’s hotels dotted around the narrow cobblestone streets of the picturesque Old Town. If you’re planning a visit to Funchal and would like to push the boat out and stay somewhere special, we’ve picked out 5 of the best luxury hotels the city has to offer.
FROM €100/ NIGHT
With dramatic views looking out across the Bay of Funchal, this 5-star hotel is a great spot for enjoying the region’s beautiful natural landscape. Guest rooms come with a seating area and LCD TV, and some also offer panoramic ocean vistas. Hotel amenities include an impressive six diverse dining venues, a casino, outdoor pools, a fitness centre and a spa. Local activities including hiking and diving can also be arranged at the hotel. For those with their own transport, there’s free on-site parking. The town centre is a 5-minute walk away and Madeira Airport can be reached in 30 minutes by road.
FROM €268/ NIGHT
Nestled in the hill around Funchal, this hotel is housed within a fabulous 18th century mansion. Spacious guest rooms are elegantly furnished and come with cable TV, a seating area, a marble bathroom and a large balcony overlooking the hotel’s pristine botanical gardens. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a restaurant, two bars, and a large lagoon-style swimming pool surrounded by sun terraces. Free parking is available on-site and the hotel also runs a complimentary shuttle service to the town centre, which is just over a mile away.
FROM €197/ NIGHT
A short walk from the nearest sandy shore, the 5-star Cliff Bay Hotel offers stunning Atlantic ocean views and a 2-Michelin star restaurant that attracts dedicated gastronomes from far and wide Among the hotel’s other amenities are a private beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two other restaurants, a spa and wellness centre, tennis courts, a games room and a library. All guest rooms feature an en suite marble bathroom, an LCD cable TV, and a veranda with outdoor furniture. Madeira Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
FROM €119/ NIGHT
If the other hotels in this article are a little beyond your budget, this 4-star property may better suit your needs. Despite being a touch less luxurious than its counterparts, there are no shortage of impressive amenities, including an outdoor pool and spa centre, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a hairdressing salon. Cars and bikes can also be hired at reception. Guest rooms come equipped with a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and some also have a terrace or balcony. Funchal’s buzzing marina is just a few minutes’ walk away.
FROM €163/ NIGHT
A quick drive from the city centre, fine paintings and antique furniture dotted throughout give this 5-star hotel distinctive character and charm. The hotel also has its own yacht that can be hired out for exploring the Atlantic waters around Madeira. Other noteworthy facilities include an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a sauna, a fitness centre, a restaurant and a pool bar serving snacks, drinks and cocktails set against eye-catching views. Guest rooms offer cable TV, a comfy seating area, and a lavish marble bathroom. A dedicated concierge service will provide advice about local excursions, restaurants, or anything else.
