Estalagem do Mar

+ alle Zimmer haben Meerblick + Außenpool, Innenpool, Sauna + großes Frühstücksbuffet mit Meerblick + sehr freundliche Rezeption, Service + Zimmerservice jeden Morgen - Hotel etwas heruntergekommen, es könnte vieles renoviert werden

Very good and cozy hotel near the Atlantic ocean. The room was small but good, it was missing a fridge though. The food was very delicious. Staff was kind and helpful. The location of the hotel is in a comfortable place, there is a bus stop nearby, but the best way to travel around Madeira is to rent a car from the hotel.

Vegetarians be advised you should inspect the advertised “Vegetarian Dish” before deciding whether or not to go to the dinner buffet. Staff were gracious and kind and put it right, but the food standard should have been better in the first place, and surely they must have known this. One simply shouldn’t have to ask, but the chef will make other vegetarian options if asked. They had no business serving a cold over-boiled bag of frozen vegetables and calling it a main course on the menu next to the reception area. Fortunately, the creamy vegetable soup was delicious and the desserts were outstanding. Staff were apologetic and kind, but I feel like if no one says anything, then many guests will continue to put up with this as a side dish and the kitchen will think that what they are providing is acceptable. I think it’s only fair to mention in their favour, that I noticed at breakfast that there was a small but separate Gluten Free area. The mainstream breakfast was good and had a lot of variety, including whole pieces of fruit. The receptionists were delightful and friendly. There seemed to always be someone on duty, and they were approachable. There was good communication—the receptionist in the morning already knew about our meal the night before. The room was clean and exactly as expected with a lovely view and balcony. I wish the beds had been made up as a double, as requested, rather than two side by side twins. Maybe it’s a Madeira thing, as this isn’t the only place this happened. My bed was comfy and I got a good night’s sleep accompanied by the sound of the waves.