Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Gorgulho is an unpretentious, but very comfortable hotel. Its rather unwelcoming exterior is forgotten once you are through the main door. It is particularly suitable for families and a good starting point to discover the island.
Gorghulo - © Charles Rossignol / EASYVOYAGE
Gorghulo - © Charles Rossignol / EASYVOYAGE
The Gorghulo is in the Funchal hotel area, 1.2 mi away from the town centre, 14 mi away from the airport and 328 ft away from the ocean. Allow for ten minutes to get into town, and thirty minutes to reach the airport.
Considered as an apart-hotel, the Gorgulho has 115 double rooms, of which 38 have a kitchenette and 39 have a kitchen. These are all equipped with hotplates, a fridge and crockery. Each room has quite a large balcony with white plastic chairs. The different balconies offer views of the ocean. Regardless of the side your room is facing, the noise from the street is ever-present. Inside there is cable TV, direct international telephone, and a safe (subject to payment of a fee). The bedding is comfortable. All the decoration uses different shades of blue, from the carpet, to the walls and chairs. Unfortunately, no room is adequately suitable for the disabled.In the bathroom there is a bathtub equipped with a shower head as well as a toilet but no drying rack.
Built in 1973 and renovated in 2005, the Gorgulho consists of a 10-floor main building, like many hotels in Madeira. Seen from the outside, it does not look very attractive, however, you just need to enter the reception hall to discover an area that is quiet and warm. It has modern decoration that is completely functional, devoid of the superfluous. To the right of the entrance there is a comfortable bar with large white chairs and dark brown, wrought iron tables.There is a relaxation area by the round, outdoor swimming pool, as well as a swimming pool for children so that they can swim safely. The swimming pool remains very small anyway; only a few strokes separate you from the other side. Deckchairs and parasols are arranged randomly. Some of them are higher up, and others close to the water. Towels are available free of charge. The area is surrounded by flower pots and to be honest, it is a shame it's so small.
For the different meals of the day, go to the Green's Restaurant. This area can accommodate 150 guests. The tables do not offer any privacy, as they have been arranged next to each other. Despite this, the restaurant remains a convivial place. In the morning, a continental buffet is offered, whereas at lunch and dinner, you will have the choice between a buffet and a meal a la carte, if the number of guests allows it. High chairs are available. The food changes every day; 15 different menus are prepared. The buffet will set you back around £13.At lunch time, you will also have the option of having a light meal at the Pool Bar, in the shade, or in the sun. Additionally, in the early evening, do not hesitate to go there for an aperitif, to capitalise on the day's last bit of sunlight.
Despite its location in the Funchal hotel area, the Gorgulho is in a privileged setting. The Tourism Club, several shops and a pharmacy are just a few steps away. You will also find the Lido seaside complex nearby. The sea is accessed via a ladder descending into the water; no sand unfortunately. Several swimming pools are available. Deckchairs, mattresses, parasols and a few non-motorised water sports are available on payment. The hotel has developed an excellent collaboration with sports clubs and associations for various activities such as golf, diving, climbing, or paragliding. An excursion programme to the centre of the island and all along the coast, as well as to the Porto Santo and Desertas Islands is available at the reception desk.Also, the hotel manager informed us that renovation works are planned for the restaurant.
beauty salon, sauna, Turkish bath
tennis, water-polo, sports
Nicolas G.
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