Residencial Gordon

For a trip exploring the island, I’d book this place again. It gives me somewhere to sleep without staying in a hostel, and the price is fair. The central Funchal location is a 10/10, especially for a solo traveller or couple with light luggage. The woman who checked me in was lovely. My room was large and cleaned daily, but some details and small maintenance jobs could use more attention. There’s no air conditioning; an open window and closed curtains worked fine for me. The mattress was incredibly firm. Noise from the hall carries badly, so it depends on how considerate the other guests are, though the street itself was quiet. It seems a better fit for an adventure holiday than for a family bringing lots of luggage and a car. Whether it suits you depends on the kind of holiday you’re having.

The woman who runs the hotel is kind and friendly, and brought a motherly warmth to our stay. The Residence Gordon has a rustic, romantic feel, with plenty of wood and a lovely stone-paved entrance that makes it feel like stepping back to simpler times. It’s in a cul-de-sac, so there’s no through traffic disturbing your rest, which matters in the old part of Funchal, where it can get surprisingly noisy. A shopping mall with everyday conveniences is a three-minute walk away and even stays open Sundays until 22.00. The old city, harbor, and coast are about 10-15 minutes on foot. The hotel has a one-star rating, and judged in that context, I’d give it five stars. The rooms are simple and quaint, with enough to feel comfortable and get a good night’s sleep. We didn’t have breakfast included, so I can’t comment on it. I’d definitely recommend staying here.

The rooms were dirty, horrible, and very noisy. I didn’t even have a proper blanket, and a beeping sound kept me awake all night. When I asked the receptionist about it, she only shrugged. Someone on my floor screamed for hours as if they were going to kill somebody. You have to pay extra for everything, and service is only available in the morning. Do yourself a favor and spend a bit more to stay somewhere else.

It’s a traditional-style hotel in a quiet part of town, yet close to Funchal’s bustle. The rooms are cozy and clean, and the continental breakfast is inexpensive, served in a lovely patio by very friendly staff. Great value for the price.