Belmond Reid's Palace

You might well imagine Hercule Poirot being at home here. The old world comforts of quality furnishings and attentive staff are abundant. A night in William's Restaurant will convince you that the Michelin star rating is indeed deserved. As an upmarket hotel you may find the other guests (not the staff) rather mixed in the way they choose to interact with you. Overall you can expect a memorable stay and only Raffles Hotel in Singapore is comparable in my experience. Other hotels may be more modern and opulent, but there is something "establishment" about Reid's that sets it apart.

From our arrival it was clear that this hotel focused on service. A wonderful, welcoming reception from the concierge and his staff. Our bags were taken to our room while we were given a personal tour of the hotel and all it has to offer. Belmond Reid's Palace offers a quintessential insight to the luxury hotels of a by-gone era. It's decor is impressive and the quaint layout of the hotel has so much to offer with many pools on different levels and very impressive gardens and so much to explore! We were invited to a cocktail evening by the pools where we were introduced to the hotel manager and some of his staff. Again, service was excellent whilst we mingled with the other guests. It was quite clear that many of the guests had been returning to Reid's for a considerable time and on a regular basis. The clientele are generally older or mature and they obviously know a good thing. Tea on the Terrace was a must and everything was perfect, the sandwiches, scones and cake. The choice of tea was considerable and there was the option to have a champagne whilst waiting for the tea. The views were astounding. It really did take you back in time. I have read reviews stating that the hotel is out dated or worn. This is the character of the hotel. All part of what it is and what it stands for. If you want a concrete jungle with all the mod cons then perhaps this isn't the place for you. All in all we had a remarkable time. I would certainly go back again. The service was second to none in every respect. It was an 'absolute delight'.

Just had afternoon tea as a birthday celebration at Reid's in Madeira. I can honestly say it was better than the Shard (Shangri-la) in London, better than Shangri-la Singapore and Bangkok, and even better than Tiffin at Raffles Singapore. Great view, great atmosphere, the finger sandwiches were wonderful, the scones were light and delicious and the cakes were divine. But the tea, well, I never knew there were so many varieties and the Reid's special blend was exquisite, refreshing, tasty and and perfectly brewed. Well worth the money. But best of all the service was the ultimate experience so a big thank you to Nelson and his team. So courteous, considerate, polite and friendly in a formal way. I can't wait to come back and stay for a few nights instead of just having tea. Five stars plus for Reid's palace.

A very pleasant experience, Can't really fault the hotel or the the restaurant. The hotel of course is world famous, so We were not surprised with the service offered. We were on the eight floor so getting down to the pools involved using two lifts and a bit of corridor strolling. This helping to bring on a few hunger pangs ready for the superb breakfast served down there. The William restaurant was to the standard you would expect for a Michelin star establishment, the staff were very friendly and not at all "stuffy" Food was excellent throughout. It's probably just me, but I don't like foam on my meal! It's time to forget foam

The hotel is larger than expected with a new block attached to the old, which resulted in long trips along corridors and up and down in 2 lifts! Please note this is not an easy hotel to use for those with mobility problems! Our first suite offered was too far away from reception, lifts and restaurant etc. and the 2nd very dark but eventually we were offered a lovely bright modern suite near the lift! Again the restaurant presented problems for those with mobility problems; lots of steps etc. The food was delicious and beautifully presented with excellent service if rather slow.