Belmond Reid's Palace

There is so many nice things to say about this property. Those nice things are overshadowed by the age and wear of the buildings. The staff for the post part are very very friendly and willing to help. A few staff are a bit more standoff like. Not a bad attitude just rigid and reversed. The buildings are just tired. The original building lobby is beautiful. The floors and rooms in both buildings need some help. The carpets are old and feel musty. The decor in our room was 1980s. The water pressure is just ok for shower and the higher floors struggle with real hot water for showers. The exterior is dog tired. The salt water pool has rust in the pool tile and also around the edges. The tile is really old and stained as well. The pool deck is loose and wobbly in places and beach chairs down at the water are worn out. Pool staff are not energized. They do their job when asked but are just not all in on customer service. Lots standing and watching. F&B is ok poolside and not fast. Restaurants are kind of riding on their laurels. Overall I guess it’s the second biggest maybe the biggest in Funchal. It does need some updating and maybe staff can be a bit more energized.

A week at the fabulous Reid’s is indeed a birthday treat. From check in to check out a lesson in how a first class hotel should be run. Staff all excellent without exception! Nothing was too much trouble. A class act thank you so much for such a lovely memory.

This is a very special hotel with amazing staff, a wonderful position overlooking the ocean and Funchal, tropical gardens and extremely comfortable rooms. Having found Reid’s 39 years ago we would never stay anywhere else in Madeira.

One of the best afternoon teas ever! The sandwiches, savouries and cakes were all amazing. The views are spectacular. Loved that a timer is provided so you know when to pour. Portions very generous and more of everything offered, but couldn’t manage any extras. A lovely gesture at the end being gifted a tin of Reid’s blend tea. If there is one thing I would change if possible, would be to serve the scones with clotted cream instead of whipped cream, because I am an English traditionalist! But the whole experience was so enjoyable and highly recommend.

Everything about Reid's Palace is excellent. The location; the building; the staff. The building has a very quirky layout owing to being built on a steep slope. It has a lot of character and is decorated with many photos harking back to its British 1920s and 1930s history and to Churchill's visit in the 1950s. The breakfast is as good as I've had anywhere, with a particularly marvellous fruit section that's practically a work of art, with beautifully carved fresh fruit daily. We ate out each evening, so I can't comment on other meals. Some rooms have a grand view over Funchal and towards the Ilhas Desertas. Others look across the pleasant hotel garden towards the Atlantic.