We recently stayed at the Pestana Promenade Hotel, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff who went out of their way to ensure our stay was perfect. Their attention to detail was impressive; we even received a call to our room to check if everything was satisfactory and if we needed anything else.
Our room was incredibly spacious and elegantly furnished with a leather chaise lounge, exuding class and comfort. The bathroom was superb, and the views over the sea were nothing short of spectacular. The serene ambiance of the hotel makes it an ideal retreat for anyone looking to relax and unwind in peace.
The hotel pool is beautifully designed, complemented by a large, relaxing jacuzzi that overlooks the sea. The pool bar offers a variety of snacks, and the meticulously maintained gardens add to the overall charm of the place. Additionally, the large spa area, complete with a pool, saunas, jacuzzi, and gym, provided an excellent space for relaxation and fitness.
One of the standout features was the flawless Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel, which was both fast and easy to access without any hassles.
While our overall experience was exceptional, we did find the food options to be somewhat limited for a four-star hotel. The menu for dinner lacked variety on most nights, although we enjoyed two of the meals. Small buffet area and 2 of the four main stations were salad and desserts kinda lacking in imagination and did not really indulge. Breakfast offerings were not particularly catered to British tastes, with no traditional UK bacon or sausages. However, the bakery section was fantastic, with a great selection of fresh rolls and pastries.
The hotel is situated about a 40-minute walk from Funchal, which we found pleasant. However, the return journey can be quite challenging due to the steep terrain, so a taxi might be a better option for some. It's important to note that Madeira's hilly landscape can be difficult for those with mobility issues, and hiring a mobility scooter may not be feasible due to the steep slopes.
Overall, our week at the Pestana Promenade was wonderful, thanks to the superb staff, beautiful grounds, and serene ambiance. Despite the minor issue with the food, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this hotel for anyone planning a relaxing week by the pool in Madeira. We give it a solid 9.9 out of 10, as everything else was faultless.
We were on the 7th floor and would definitely recommend room 1702 as one of the largest on top floor with wonderful sea views and I loved our room for the week.
Safe and fridge are free to use which is a nice touch as most hotels we stay in often charge for.
Behind all this are the staff and I cannot praise them highly enough. Everywhere you go in the hotel the staff are just so nice, friendly and super helpful. The hotel is absolutely immaculate and I mean immaculate. Rooms, pool area, lifts, restaurant, lobby etc and you just notice how clean and polished this hotel is on a constant basis.