This is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at

Excellent property with exceptional facilities from access to the sea, tennis courts, great restaurants and views overlooking the island. Friendly and very well-trained staff.

The hotel is understaffed. We typically felt this across the board whether at reception, guest experience, or in some restaurants (particularly at breakfast) - so some things took longer than they should.

Cool, old world feel. Enjoyed high tea, breakfast every morning, the sea pool, the gardens. Staff were extremely attentive and thoughtful. One of our guests has celiacs and there were many gluten free options. Very central location to stay in with easy access to all parts of the island. Car service with access to a free lot was great. We came with an infant and they had a crib and baby soap/lotion and even tiny slippers and a robe for him. Would definitely stay here again.

Loved all the attention to detail. Decor was quality creating charming and comfortable atmosphere.The gardens were lush and interesting. The staff were excellent. Felt very well looked after. Nothing was too much. Reids Hotel still has all the old fashioned charm with high standards where the guest is treasured and well cared for but with all the modern luxuries.

The hotel runs a talk on the history of the hotel which we would have loved to attend unfortunately they only run the talk once a week which is restricting if one has other tours already booked etc. People who have done it said how informative it was. Apparently there was only one person who gives the talk which really is bonkers when there is such a high demand with many people wanting to also learn about the hotel.Shouldn't rely solely on just the one person, suggestion train up more staff members so no guest leaves disappointed on missing out.

The hotel is beautiful and spacious. Although there are a lot of rooms it never felt crowded. Staff are excellent. Sun beds were the most comfortable we have ever had! Breakfast buffet was lovely. There was a kettle, coffee maker and fridge in our room.

Options for food in the evening is limited, bar menu could be extended.

We loved the hotel. Wonderful location, the pool and beach facilities are amazing. Staff is fantastic. Comfortable superclean rooms.

Beautiful hotel, fantastic view, nice garden. We loved the large salt-water swimming pool (a good thing since in two weeks it was never allowed to swim in the ocean: yellow flag every day). Great breakfast buffet. We tried Cipriani once, nothing extraordinary. The William's was superlative, but they only have 2 set menus and no "à la carte". We also tried the afternoon tea: scones and sandwiches were OK, and they have an impressive selection of tea (you can also get the same teas without all the extra at the "Tea library"). The room was OK, not particularly large for a junior suite but comfortable and we had a view on the ocean.

Victorian plumbing: it's a challenge to have a shower without scalding yourself or flooding the bathroom! The AC broke down twice, maintenance fixed it within minutes but in the end we decided not to use it any more, the temperature was a constant 25-26°C anyway.

The breakfast was fantastic. Such a range of food and fruits . We both particularly enjoyed the detox drink each day. The location of the breakfast room is perfect with a wonderful view of the sea and morning sky.

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A Fairytale Stay at Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira Now I truly understand why Reid’s Palace is part of the Belmond collection—this isn’t just a hotel, it’s an experience of pure luxury and timeless elegance. From the moment we booked, we knew we were in for something special, but we never imagined it would be this extraordinary. Even before we arrived, the hospitality had already begun. The hotel manager personally reached out to check on our arrival time, ask if we needed help planning activities, and ensure everything was perfect for our stay. That level of thoughtfulness already set the tone. Then, our flight got canceled, and we arrived much later than expected—past midnight. But despite the late hour, the staff welcomed us warmly, gave us a quick and seamless check-in, and personally escorted us to our room. And that’s when the magic truly began. Luxury Beyond Expectations Waiting for us in our room was a bottle of champagne and a handwritten personal note—a gesture that already made us feel incredibly special. But then, as if that wasn’t enough, bouquets of fresh flowers kept arriving, filling the room with beauty and fragrance. We were stunned. And just when we thought we had seen it all, we discovered a special anniversary cake waiting for us. We almost felt guilty for having eaten before arriving! Honestly, if you’re ever considering staying anywhere else—don’t. This hotel is in a league of its own. Every single detail is handled with grace, warmth, and absolute perfection. A Breakfast to Remember The next morning, we woke up to one of the most incredible breakfasts we’ve ever had. Fresh exotic fruits, a luxurious spread of food, impeccable service—it felt like stepping into an old-world European dream, straight out of a classic film. Every moment at breakfast felt elegant and indulgent, like something out of a different era where hospitality was an art form.

If you ever find yourself looking for something to complain about at Reid’s Palace, good luck—because everything is flawless. From start to finish, the service, the hospitality, and the attention to detail leave absolutely nothing to be desired. If anything, the only ‘complaint’ we had was that we had to leave!

Beautiful position overlooking Funchal harbour. Exquisite interior and exterior. Dating back many decades. Churchill’s favourite hotel ours too now , we will return.

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