Quinta da Penha de Franca

This was the second time we’d stayed here - the interval between the two stays being 34 years; we spent our honeymoon here! We even stayed in the same room. And do you know what? It’s not changed one bit – at least not in terms of atmosphere and ambience. It’s still a wonderful little colonial oasis of calm in the middle of the hustle, bustle and high rise hotels of Funchal. It’s much bigger of than it was back then course - back in 1985 there were about 40 rooms. But the extra 60+ rooms – either in the colonial-style wing (which matches the original manor house so I was convinced it must have been there last time) or the new modern sea front annexe – have been added without detracting from the manor house and tropical gardens. The only blot on the landscape is Ronaldo’s eyesore of a flat that has been allowed to be built between the two halves of the hotel. This partly obscures the sea view – but Funchal is not somewhere you can be too precious about sightlines. Building progresses at a dizzying rate and it’s enough to be grateful for the relative solitude of the Quinta. We could see Reids from the roof in ’85. Now it’s vanished from sight. We loved Joe’s cocktail bar which is cosy, friendly and the drinks are well made. The restaurant is more functional and lacking in atmosphere : white tablecloths, stark lighting and – on the one night we ate there – a band whose muzak was intrusive enough for us to have to move tables. Food was typically Madeiran - OK but unmemorable. If you do eat there, ask for an outside table. Breakfasts were much better - a wide choice of fresh fruit, meats, pastries, fresh bread, and cooked, as well as good coffee (albeit self dispensed from a machine). You‘re welcome to eat at either the manor house or the seafront annex regardless of which you’re staying in. Food’s almost identical at both. In fact so too are the staff, who seem to rotate between the two. In fact the staff were lovely all over the hotel; really friendly, helpful and all carry the hotel in their hearts - you can tell they are proud to be working there. Teresa in the office (sometimes on reception) was already working there at the time of our honeymoon. It was great to pick her brains about the details of the hotel in ’85 and how it’s changed since. Really great place, centrally placed and very good value. Why would anyone stay anywhere else? Certainly not us – we’ve already booked again for next year!

We arrived slightly early and were greeted by a smiling receptionist who told us our room was ready ahead of schedule which allowed up to unpack and start exploring our location almost immediately. The reception was clean and tidy at all times and the lounge area to the left had an old fashioned charm about it. Our room was of a good size and was clean and tidy. The only fault was there was no electric socket near the kettle. We did suffer some mosquito bites but couldn't work out how they got in as there was mesh on the windows. The bathroom had a shower and bath and was of a good size. There was ample choice for breakfast, which could either be eaten inside or outside overlooking the beautiful garden. They also had a good selection of loose teas. You can also use the facilities of their sister hotel The hotel is in an ideal location for exploring Funchal and if you catch the bus from the airport as we did there is only a very short walk from the bus stop to the hotel. All the receptionists spoke excellent English and were always polite and helpful