Hospedaria Pôr do Sol

Friendly staff, regular room cleaning, and complimentary tea and coffee were welcome. The hotel is close enough to walk to the centre, though the climb back is steep. Still, the experience didn’t feel up to the standard or price of a three-star stay. My twin room had no air conditioning and got stuffy quickly. The windows had to stay open for air, but traffic on the busy road outside, including cars and motorbikes, made sleeping difficult. The room was on the fourth floor, with no lift, which was tiring after days hiking Madeira’s trails. The bathroom was cramped and badly arranged. Water escaped past the shower curtain and flooded the floor, especially near the toilet. The temperature control was easy to knock and could scald you, and the showerhead hook kept falling off, so I had to hold the shower by hand. Thin walls let noise through from other rooms, and sounds from the neighbouring apartment complex were especially clear in the evening. Wi-Fi in the room was weak and unreliable, which made planning outings and staying connected frustrating. The location and staff were the bright spots, but comfort, sleep, amenities, and value all fell short. I wouldn’t return or recommend it unless a central location matters most and you’re willing to compromise on nearly everything else.

At 1.90 m tall, I couldn’t fit comfortably on the bed. I’ve stayed in lots of countries, but these beds and pillows were really uncomfortable.

We got a nice place to sleep for a good price, and were pleasantly surprised by the excellent service. The staff were great, and laundry was included at no extra charge. There’s a lovely terrace, shared area, and kitchen, though the kitchen has no oven or cooker. The room was basic but clean. I’d take a star off for worn equipment: the old lock made the door hard to open and lock, and the toilet flush only worked about half the time.

The view from our room was the best I could have had in Funchal. The hotel felt cosy and was very clean. Most of the guests seemed elderly, so it stayed peaceful and quiet. We got room service and fresh towels every day, and breakfast is available. It’s close to central Funchal, yet in a neighbourhood where you can find parking if you rent a car.