Belmond Reid's Palace

Perfect Service, great Restaurant (William) and Bar, superb view to Funchal, very nice garden and surrounding.

I cannot rate Reid’s Palace highly enough. The hotel is perfectly located and is steeped in history. The staff are best we have ever experienced in all our travel, constantly going beyond our expectations and they continually go out of their way to deliver a fantastic experience. This was our second stay and it was lovely to be welcomed back. We have already booked to return next year.

Fabulous view from the room Excellent staff Good breakfast Entertaining pictures from Churchill everywhere Comfortable bed Reception area, breakfast rooms etc. tastefully refurbished. Touches like a welcoming Madeira or some soap cannot save the overall feel of the lack of love, care and investment in the bedroom. Very small table with coffee machine on top, leaving no space for a cup or anything else. Television towering on a small fridge looking totally out of place. Wardrobe, bedside tables and dressing table are looking just old and dare I say cheap. Not quaint or charming. The bath is long and unusually narrow. A glass screen and “old” looking shower has been added, which makes taking a shower interesting. Reversing to get hold of the shower gel is always an option, or turn around in a narrow space - slowly. And no, I have not reached the “fragile” age yet. A footbath is guaranteed every time, because the bath doesn’t drain properly. I expect a hotel of a certain standard to get the basics right. After filling in a questionnaire I received the mandatory bla-bla letter from the assistant manager, thanking me for bringing the issues to their attention. May I suggest she’ll spend one night in the room (768) and these shortcomings will not come as a surprise.

Reid’s Palace has a way of making you feel part of its long story the moment you step onto the terrace. We arrived without a reservation yet were placed at a wonderful table overlooking the gardens and the Atlantic. The service was effortless and kind - the sort of hospitality that feels lived rather than staged. Exploring the interiors later, with their quiet grandeur, and seeing the Sisi statue on the neighboring property, we were reminded how many travelers before us sought the same calm. Watching the hotel from the sea at dusk, the whole complex seemed to float between past and present.

Administration is badly organised. There needs to be liaison between reservations, spa and guest services. Staff very courteous and pleasant. Expected a better level from Belmond.