Belmond Reid's Palace

We enjoyed a 4 day break in early November 2025. We had long heard of Reid's but this was our first visit for some early winter sun. We were delighted with the hotel which is truly world class. The staff were excellent and most attentive without being intrusive. We loved the pool area but most enjoyed the seaside terraces with the natural pool and diving boards. The temperature in the first week of November was a lovely 24 degrees and the sea was warm. The loungers are SO COMFORTABLE and there was no unseemly rush for them first thing; plenty go around. Breakfast was absolutely delicious. Our room in the 'new' building was lovely with a very comfortable super-king bed and east facing balcony which got the sun in the morning. If I had a criticism, it was a lack of pool side dining option at that time of year. The Villa Cipriani is fine but is really designed for the summer months and lacks a bit of atmosphere in the winter. The bar option was OK, but again lacked atmosphere. We did not try the Michelin restaurant. So we went into town for two of the four evenings and most enjoyed Blandy's bistro. We also did not do afternoon tea which was already fully booked over our stay when we arrived (TIP: book before you travel). Reid's attracts an older crowd. We are in our active early 60s and were on the young side! So it lacks the glamour of the younger set. But don't let that worry you; its popular for a reason. Class, sophistication and old world charm. And for that, there are few better places.

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.