Golden Residence Hotel

Overall: Seems like at one time it was a seniors residence? Very quiet. Property consists of 3 buildings. A block has gym, B block has indoor pool facilities and spa, C block has breakfast buffet and access to outdoor pool/bar. Free Wifi is excellent, very fast. Parking is underground and is €7 per day. Entrance and exit to the parkade is with your room key Rooms - we had an apartment with side sea view. The view from the balcony was nice. Rooms were spacious. Kitchenette was convenient. Only downsides were no ice machines on property (although we obtained ice from the bar in a glass) and another blanket that actually covers the whole bed would have been nice. Staff - All the staff we encountered were friendly, informative, welcoming and helpful. Overall lovely people working here and doing a great job Location - in São Martinho, adjacent to Funchal. If you want to be right downtown Funchal, this is not for you. If you want somewhere a little quieter but with easy access to town, this is perfect. Bus stop directly in front of hotel (Hop on Hop off buses also stop in front). Pharmacies, grocery, restaurants all within 10 min walking distance. Large mall also down the street (Forum Madeira). Lovely view of ocean. Doca do Cavacas natural outdoor pools also within a few minutes walk. Dining - we didn’t eat any lunches or dinners here, just the breakfast buffet which is included in the room rate. Very wide selection of breakfast items. Hot American-style foods (eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes, etc), lots of cheeses and cold meats, breads/rolls, preserves, fruits, yogurt and toppings, homemade cakes, oatmeal, coffee, tea, juices. Everyone should be able to find something. Breakfast goes from 7:30-10:30 Pool facilities - outdoor pool looked lovely but we didn’t go in because it wasn’t quite warm enough on the day we had time around the hotel. Indoor pool was great, hot tub was not hot though which was disappointing (same temperature as the pool). Lots of loungers to relax on. The sauna and steam room were great, nice and hot. Gym was older but lots of equipment. Pools are open from early am (around 7:30 I think) until 9pm, but after 4:30 they are adults only. There is a spa on site but we didn’t use it so I can’t comment.

Fantastic hotel don’t hesitate to book. Breakfast is brilliant with a GF bread/pastry basket on request. Unlimited fresh fruit hot buffet coffee juice etc. Lovely peaceful pool and sun terraces ample beds and umbrellas, walk up bar from lunchtime. Very reasonable prices. Relaxed but v high standard hotel.

Absolutely lovely hotel in a beautiful location which is easily accessible to lots of surrounding towns and restaurants. Everything was as promised, clean and well organised and staff were lovely and helpful. Self-catering was an easy option since there are lots of supermarkets within a five minute walking distance. Beautiful beach very close and stunning views all round.

Gorgeous surroundings, lovely hotel, good facilities. Superb location. Value for money. People were very friendly, beach in walking distance. Lots of restaurants to walk to. Loved the abundance of fresh sea food. I went on some lovey picturesque day trip. It’s worth hiring a private tour to see all the nearby scenic areas.

Was put in this hotel for 4 nights by easyJet after cancelling our flights. Have to say it is perfect. Lovely size rooms with a little kitchenette. Great breakfast buffet with lots of selection and a live chef egg station. The pool is a good size with plenty of deck chairs and umbrellas. The pool bar is very affordable. Staff are very friendly, helpful and all round lovely. Would happily come back here to stay. It is close to the beach and lots of local restaurants, a large shopping centre and a food shop.