Hotel Mimosa

In the hotel area of Funchal, 1.2 mile away from downtown and 14 miles away from the airport. Allow a 10 minute ride to get downtown and 30 minutes to reach the airport.

The Mimosa belongs to the Dorisol hotel complex, which includes the Estrelicia and the Buganvilia. Located right beside the Estrelicia, the Mimosa operates like a residence associated with this hotel. The reception is shared, as are some of the facilities: swimming pool, restaurant, snack-bar. Families should choose the Mimosa rather than Estrelicia, because the rooms are relatively more spacious and they offer kitchenettes. The Mimosa is located on the hills dominating the hotel area of Funchal. It faces one side of the bay, but it is located 400 m away from the sea. Here you can find the Lido, "the beach" of Madeira. This seaside complex offers lots of swimming pools, solariums and access to the sea, in the form of ladders installed between the rocks. Don't expect to see sand: because there is none However, deckchairs, mattresses, sunshades and a few non-motorised water sports are provided for extra fees. For those wishing to go to downtown Funchal, the Buganvilia, the Estrelicia and the Mimosa share a shuttle that operates seven times every day ( except for Sundays): 9 am to 5:15 pm departure from the hotel and 9:30 am to 5:45 pm , departure from downtown Funchal.

As for the architecture, the Mimosa is pretty similar to nearby hotels. A huge, unattractive, 11- level beige tower, the hotel was built in 1974 and was renovated in 2001. Adjoining the Estrelicia, it shares the reception area but has its own lounging areas: beige sofas surrounding low tables favour a little comfort for aesthetics! The other common areas are shared with the Estrelicia. A 100 m² outdoor pool is surrounded by a solarium covered by green synthetic carpet. Considering the capacity of these two establishments, a bigger pool is needed for a real swim. You can though enjoy deckchairs lined up together under canvas sunshades. If you want more peace, a solarium is located not far from the swimming pool, on the roof of the reception. Since the towels are not supplied, don't forget to bring them with you. For the kids, there is a pool and a playground. You can also enjoy an interior space, with a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and a small fitness room for sports lovers.

Spacious and nicely furnished in contemporary style, the 100 rooms of the Mimosa are housed either on the pool side or on the street side. You should ask for the rooms overlooking the swimming pool if you don't like noise, and stay higher up to see the sea. The 8th level has air-conditioning (a total of 10 rooms). A medium size balcony is fitted out for each room. It offers a table and plastic chairs. The other facilities include a kitchenette ( with a refrigerator, a hood, hotplates and tableware), satellite TV, a safe ( extra charge ) and a direct telephone line. The bathrooms are quite large and have bathtubs and hair-dryers.

All meals take place in the Estrelicia building, adjoining the Mimosa. A restaurant and a snack-bar are available. Open for all the three meals, the main restaurant is set up in a large room furnished with small tables covered by white tableclothes. Large bay windows let the light shine into the room, which is decorated in orange tones. Breakfast is served buffet-style,while lunch and dinner are offered a la carte. The dishes displayed are from traditional and international recipes. You can have, for instance, sword-fish with Madeira wine or pork loin with apples. If you want to eat during the day, the pool snack-bar serves sandwiches or hot-dogs, two steps away from your deckchair. Allow 8 &euros; for a dish.