Hotel Sol Kantaoui

In the Funchal hotel area, 1.2 mi away from downtown and 14 mi away from the airport. Allow for ten minutes to get into town, and thirty minutes to reach the airport.

The Estrelicia is part of the Dorisol hotel complex, which includes three hotels: the Estrelicia, the Mimosa, and the Buganvilia. Leisure activities such as tennis and organized activities are in common. Furthermore, the Estrelicia shares its swimming pool and snack-bar with the Mimosa. High towers are located behind each other on the hills dominating the Funchal hotel area; the three hotels are on the side of the bay, which is nevertheless 400 m away from the Atlantic Ocean. You will find an access to the sea not far from the hotel (ladder going down in the water), in the Lido resort. Several swimming pools are available, but do not look for sand here ... However, deckchairs, mattresses, sunshades and some non motorized water sports are available for a fee. For those wishing to go to Funchal downtown, the Buganvilia, the Estrelicia and the Mimosa share a return shuttle available seven times a day from 9 am to 5:45 pm except on Sundays. For lovers of Japanese food, the Nihon-Ya is a restaurant worth trying. The first Japanese restaurant that opened on the island, this small and cosy establishment is located just down to the left of the hotel complex. On the spot or take away, you will taste sumptuous sashimi, among other dishes.

Built in 1975 and renovated in 2001, the Estrelicia has vertical architecture, like its neighbours, which finishes on the 11th floor. No change of scene with this council tower block design then. However, the interior arrangements compensate for this first impression. Greeted by an indoor fountain in the hall, you will then discover a bar consisting of various chocolate-coloured tables. Pleasant lounges decorated with beige sofas, varnished wooden coffee tables and matching carpets surround the wide reception desk. Outside, the 100 m² rectangular swimming pool would be sufficient if the establishment did not share it with the Mimosa. Be careful of the crowd during the hottest hours! You can always take comfort by relaxing on one of the deckchairs arranged in closed circles on the sun deck covered with synthetic green carpet. Sunshades are also provided, but there are no beach towels. Our advice: find a place on the sun deck just at the top of the swimming pool ... A good point for children: a swimming pool has been designed for them, and a small playground arranged in a separate corner of the snack-bar.

The Estrelicia has 148 rooms, 50% of which have a corner view of the sea. The other rooms overlook the swimming pool or the back, towards the hills. Simply furnished in a contemporary style (varnished wooden elements), they are functional and seem spacious, due to their bare white walls. However, their small balcony only has room for a plastic armchair. As for the amenities, satellite TV, safe (for a fee), direct telephone and minibar (to be filled) are available. However, there is no air conditioning. The desk, or more precisely the dressing table, has a hairdryer. You will find a bathtub in the bathroom.

The Estrelicia shares its restaurant and snack-bar with the Mimosa. Open for the three meals, the main restaurant is in a large room furnished with small tables with white tablecloths. Streams of light pass through the big bay windows decorated with orange curtains. Breakfast is served as a buffet, while lunch and dinner are a la carte. The dishes presented are borrowed from traditional dishes, as well as international cuisine. For example, you can taste the sword-fish with Madeira wine, or the pork loin with apples. For those who prefer to nibble during the day, the swimming pool snack-bar offers sandwiches or hot-dogs just two steps away from your deckchair. Concerning prices, allow for Eur 8 per dish. Please note : high chairs are available.