Hotel Madeira Panoramico

On the heights of Funchal, 2 miles away from downtown and 15.5 miles away from the airport. Expect a 15 minute ride to get downtown and 35 minutes to reach the airport.

Located on the heights of Funchal, the Madeira Panoramico is worthy of this name. It doesn't really matter much where you are in this establishment, all the accommodations offer an unobstructed view of Funchal Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. An extention of the hotel houses new rooms, as well as a bodybuilding centre and a covered pool. A tennis field has also been installed. Located 2 miles away from downtown and the sea, the Madeira Panoramico will seem pretty far for those that would like to enjoy the Funchal Lido ( beach) and the seaside restaurants . However, a shuttle is provided to connect the hotel to the downtown. Operating for free, it works every day except on Sundays, from 9:30 am to 6 pm ( twelve times per day).

A contemporary 3-level building, the Madeira Panoramico was built in 1997. Extending along the side of a hill, it overlooks the hotel area of Funchal that reaches down to the sea. Simple, sober and bright, the lobby sets the tone of the hotel - walls decorated with watercolor paintings and a lounge area with very low velvet armchairs. Outside, the rectangular 200 m² swimming pool offers a panoramic view of the bay. A small pool for kids is also available. The paved solarium that surrounds the pool allows you to rest peacefully, facing a nice landscape. Absence of green plants, which would make this space less blinding during the day, is a big minus. Fortunately, the sunshades are supplied for free, as are the deckchairs, mattresses and the towels.

Of the 132 rooms of the Madeira Panoramico, 92 overlook one side of the bay and 39, located in the rear, overlook the hills of Funchal. Large and bright, most of them have a large balcony ( 30 of them do not) fitted out with two armchairs and a green plastic table. A lounge area with low table is convenient for watching the satellite TV that offers 32 channels. As for comfort, the floor is carpetted. There is a large closet and wardrobe for storage. The furniture, in light-coloured wood, is simple and pleasant to the eye. Direct telephone line for international calls, air-conditioning and minibar have been installed to ensure a nice vacation. Medium sized bathrooms have a bathtub and a hair dryer. Room service is available until midnight. Note that one room and one suite have been adapted for handicapped people.

Breakfast is served buffet-style at the main restaurant, like the dinner once per week. The other two meals are offered a la carte. Large and sunny, the main restaurant room has a sundeck overlooking the bay. Decorated with white tableclothes and small bouquets of flowers, the tables are small, which allows decent privacy. The food offered combines international recipes ( filet mignon, sole ) and specialities of the island ( tuna, sword-fish, beef brochettes ). As in more and more hotels, the dining-room is non-smoking. A second restaurant, the Paladar, is also available. Its mix of red and black colours lends an Asian aspect to the place. A snack-bar located near the pool serves sandwiches and salads, ice-creams or pastries. As for the prices, allow around 10 euros per dish.