Hotel Enotel Magnólia

The pools were a highlight for me. I loved relaxing by the outdoor pool on the sunny terrace, with the Atlantic and mountains in view, and the heated indoor pool had a lovely spa feel on cooler days. The hotel was modern and very clean, with spacious rooms and balconies. If you can, get a sea view. The staff were warm and went out of their way to help, and the sauna, gym, and rooftop terrace made it easy to unwind. Meals were great too. Breakfast had loads to choose from, including fresh fruit, pastries, eggs made to order, and tasty local Madeiran dishes. Dinner brought grilled meat and fish, soups, salads, and rich desserts. It's also a handy spot, just a short walk or bus ride to Funchal's center and the Lido promenade. I'd happily come back for another Madeira break.

The restaurant staff made meals uncomfortable for us. Whenever we politely asked for two glasses of tap water, they warned that we might get an upset stomach from it. That was especially odd since reception said filling bottles from the toilet sink taps was fine. Even after we said we were happy with tap water at the table, we felt awkward each time. They also took our plates as we were finishing the last mouthful, as if assuming we didn't want more and were keen to clear everything. We could have said we might go back for seconds, but the way they did it came across as rude. For those reasons, we won't return. The hotel itself was nice and clean, reasonably near town, though the hill back is steep. The rooftop view was amazing. Our bed was firm, the bathroom clean, and the shower decent. Food was average, with a big selection.

The breakfast was clean and hygienic, but just ordinary hotel food. I couldn't eat the scrambled eggs, and fried eggs were the only alternative. The other meals were quite average, even poor. One morning I made a sandwich and took a banana for a day exploring the island trails. The waiter told me to return the sandwich or pay 11 euros for their picnic kit. It seemed absurd to waste food I'd prepared instead of taking it out of the breakfast restaurant. I gave back both the sandwich and banana, smiling in disbelief. It's only my third day here, and I'm using the hotel just as a base. I'm worried about what tomorrow will bring. The location is great, but that's where the advantages end for me. The email and reception both said the spa stayed open until 9 PM. After a full day on the trails, we got back at 7 PM and found the sauna was closing then.

I booked several spa treatments for my birthday and was really disappointed by the value and quality. I paid over €150, but it wasn't what I expected from a 4-star hotel. The products were cheap pharmacy brands, rather than the better oils and creams I thought the price warranted. The massage was so fast I couldn't relax, and my makeup hadn't been properly removed before the facial. Afterward I was left on the bed wrapped in plastic and covered in algae mud, with no help. There was no soap or cloth in the shower to wash off the products, and my hair was full of exfoliant and oils. When I left, barely anyone acknowledged me, and nobody asked how the treatments had been. I wouldn't recommend the spa.