Belmond Reid's Palace

Top quality hotel and staff, We stayed for a week in a quiet, clean and well appointed room overlooking the spectacular garden and sea. This is a luxury hotel and lived up to its reputation. Great location as plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to the left and right of the hotel. All within walking distance. The swimming pools were fantastic. Breakfast was top notch. We ate one night at the Williams restaurant which was OK and at the upper end of the price range I think, for a Michelin star restaurant internationally, but still, a nice experience. Following tips from other reviews we checked out the happy hour in the bar at the Cliff hotel which was worthwhile because the bar in Reid's hotel was a little to quiet for us, though the views are wonderful. I liked this hotel and wouldn't hesitate to stay again. ps we hired a car and driver for 2 days to expore the island east and west and this was really worthwhile- arranged through the helpful hotel concierge.

Arriving to the Reids Palace was exactly what I had envisioned someone would feel like entering inside and checking-in. From the reception desk, flower arrangement, carpets and marble it might make you feel like checking-in and never checking-out, or at least I did. Let's go ahead and get the Madeira International Airport out of the way... landing/taking off can certainly cause white knuckle's [search scary airport landings] the good news is... it's not the scariest these scared me more, Courchevel International Airport France - Gustaf III Airport Saint Barthélemy - Princess Juliana International Airport Saint Maarten - Telluride Regional Airport - Toncontin International Airport Honduras and Congonhas Airport Brazil and then Madeira, at least for me. Obviously its not like you have a choice, just want you to be aware. [this trip it only took two called off attempts before landing on the third] As I was saying, my arrival and check-in were flawless and I was upgraded [without asking] to a lovely ocean view suite, the suite was picture perfect, the fabrics, porcelain pieces, rugs, chairs, sofas, all beautifully coordinated including the large bed with gorgeous linens and lets talk about the bathroom, sinks, shower, bathtub and all that marble... this is marble most don't get the privilege of having in other five start properties. Everything about my suite, floor to ceiling and wall to wall seemed like it was curated with my style and decor in mind. The restaurants, lounges, pools, tennis court, spa and gym could not have been more perfect. I met a few people around the pool and we played gin for hours one afternoon and shared sites, markets and gardens that we had been... two of my days I hired a driver and he took me all over the island, he could not have been sweeter, I highly recommend a private guide to see Madeira, and at your own pace. Lastly, I have to include one activity, I knew nothing about, but quickly learned it's a real thing dating back more then my time on earth, do one more internet search for [Toboggan riders Funchal, Madeira, Portugal] and you will get a better idea about a few of my review photo's, and FYI, it what a blast, something I will do again on my next visit to Madeira. Enjoy every adventure ahead of you.