Pestana Casino Park Ocean and SPA Hotel

We visit Madeira every year and usually stay at the sister hotel, but this was our first time at the PC. We were delighted from arrival to departure, and I'm already planning another visit before the end of the year. The facilities are excellent and the staff's service even better. Nothing seems too much trouble, and they really do make your holiday memorable. One issue with the cashless setup: you can only pay by card or charge things to your room. Someone charged drinks to my room, and when I was asked to sign the slip, I was able to show I was elsewhere at the time. No one asked me to identify my room during my stay. Because of that, I won't have an open account next time.

We came as a couple in our early 30s, without kids, for the first week of June. The hotel is huge, nicely decorated, clean, and well placed for central Funchal and nearby bars and restaurants. Our room was spacious, quiet, and nicely presented. The shower was fine, though we'd have preferred a better shower head. Breakfast was great for a buffet, and Zahed did a fantastic job with the omelettes each day. The pool areas were roomy and quiet, and we never had trouble getting a sunbed. The indoor spa pool was lovely too, though the sauna and steam room hours were odd, only first thing or at the end of the day. We didn't talk to staff much, but they were polite and helpful when we did. Evening entertainment is limited to a few days a week. We watched one of the June fireworks displays from the hotel grounds on Saturday. I'd recommend the hotel to people visiting Funchal, but the flights are a concern. Wind can force the airport to close for safety, and diversions, delays, or cancellations seem very regular. Our flight there was diverted but managed to land later that evening. On the way home, we nearly didn't make it because of the wind again. It isn't something the hotel can control, but it would put us off returning to Madeira.

This was our 18th visit, and the service has been great every time. Everyone is attentive and accommodating, especially the pool staff when we come down for lunch. Teresa always stops for a chat and makes us feel welcome. We love the Pestana's delicious food and breakfast selection. A few things in the rooms need attention, like our fridge not working, but I'm sure that will be dealt with. It's a lovely package, which is why we keep coming back.

Breakfast had a great selection and was really good, and I loved relaxing at the pool bar with its delicious food. Teresa's mojitos were especially good, and her kindness and professionalism made it all the more enjoyable. The rooms were comfortable and clean, though to me they felt like a solid four-star standard. The service overall earns five stars, with professional, attentive, welcoming staff. I had a very positive stay and would happily recommend the Pestana Casino Park Hotel.