Melia Madeira Mare

There’s a lot of art around the hotel, including sculptures, and the pool and fitness center are both large. Breakfast was very good too, with a wide range of choices. The rooms are spacious, many have water views, and mine had a good sized terrace. The breakfast staff were a bit too quick to clear tables. I left my cereal with nuts, fruit and yogurt there while I went to get a cappuccino, and it was gone when I came back. In the bathroom, the partial glass shower screen didn't keep the water in, so the floor flooded. The hotel is in the Lido area where many tourists stay, with a nice waterside promenade and lots of nearby restaurants. We especially liked Restaurant PVP - Pão, Vinho e Petiscos (Bread, Wine & Snacks). It is quite far from the main Old Town sights.

The one thing that bothered me was hearing noise through the locked connecting doors between rooms. I was beside a family with young children and could hear them clearly at times. Improving or removing those doors would make a real difference. Otherwise, I had a great stay. My room was spacious and comfortable, with a lovely balcony and stunning sea view. The hotel was clean, centrally located, and the service was consistently great. The food was delicious, and I'd recommend half-board for the varied, traditional dinners.

The location made it easy to get around, with the beach only a few meters away, the main town a short walk, and restaurants nearby. I had a memorable holiday here and would happily recommend it to family and friends. I'm already looking forward to coming back. From check-in onward, every staff member was professional, and room service was friendly and prompt. My room was spacious and stayed gleaming throughout, with a class view of the sea from the balcony. The hotel exceeded what I expected. Breakfast each morning was outstanding, with a buffet for all tastes; the poolside snack bar food was top quality too. Dinner in the restaurant was exceptionally tasty, and the atmosphere was amazing, with very friendly waiters. There was amazing art decor all through the hotel, with different features and sculptures on display. Top marks to everyone for an excellent holiday. Thank you.

The rooms are very spacious and the ocean views are a real highlight. Still, the hotel feels a bit outdated. We had a sewage smell in our room in the mornings, which was annoying, and they couldn't fix it. At the price they charge, that's not okay. Breakfast was fine, but there wasn't enough choice for us. It definitely didn't feel like a five-star breakfast.