From the moment that we arrived to our departure a week later, we felt very relaxed and well looked after in this very special guest house. Our apartment was very clean and comfortable, with everything we needed and more, including a panoramic view out to sea. The owner and her staff made us feel very welcome, and provided us with wonderful breakfasts and dinners on the days that we didn't want to cater for ourselves or eat out. We look forward to a return visit. PS a good book to read whilst in Madeira is Robert Goddard's novel 'Past caring' which is partly set in the island.

We stayed here in late September for a week. Casa do Papagaio is a very special place, that's the first thing to say. We were made so welcome on arrival, Ana Maria plying us with an al fresco lunch overlooking the sea below. The pitanga jam on offer became our obsession of the week! Confession time: I stole several pitanga fruits from the garden which I ate and kept the seeds of, which I'm now trying to grow!

We had the junior suite, which was spacious and beautifully-appointed. This is just about the cleanest place of the many we've stayed at in Europe. There is a fridge in the room (not one of those awful minibars that you're never sure you're allowed to use!), a separate wardrobe area, lovely bathroom and plenty of space. The bed was enormous and very comfortable. The shower was mighty, so much so that you had to learn how to tame the flow! Outside we had our own private terrace, very close to the dining room but with our own key providing security. The view from the terrace, through the palm trees to the sea 600 feet below, is commanding. There's a beautiful pool area surrounded by lawns and garden with a superb view. The pool itself is of very good size. A real plus point.

We walked into Funchal from Casa do Papagaio once, which took an hour mainly along levadas. We didn't have a car and we otherwise relied on the local bus service. To catch the bus into Funchal there's a rather steep walk up to the bus stop, around ten or fifteen minutes. Understanding the bus timetable was a challenge. Getting back from Funchal on the bus is straightforward as you know what time the bus leaves the terminus. Not so easy to predict bus arrivals for getting you into town, however, as the stop for getting into town is part way along the route and timetables don't give you times for any stops between terminals! We can tell you that a No 3 bus passes the bus stop at Rodrigues Bar at 11am!

The breakfast was lovely, always with a hot food option, maybe with scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes or frankfurters. There was cereal, cold meats and cheese on offer as well as a choice of juices. There was always a selection of home-made jams and marmalade with fantastic bread. On two evenings we availed ourselves of an evening meal, negotiable in advance. You don't get a choice of menu but on both occasions the food was homely and delicious.

Casa do Papagaio is a wonderful and peaceful place to stay. The fact that you're quite a way out of bustling Funchal enhances the peaceful feel, but you do have to consider that trip into town if you haven't got a car. That didn't mar our stay in the slightest, and this place is just so friendly and accommodating. We loved it and we recommend it without reservation.

Steve and Nicky Shaw