Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel

I stayed in this hotel for 3 nights. The room was at the 14th floor and the view was really nice (The sea views are breathtaking but even the mountain view is amazing). It was big enough - the bathroom was also big. The wifi was free and the connection was good in the various parts of the hotel. The breakfast was very good - big variety of food types (some vegan were also available). Great poll area. Nice location.

There were some stains in the carpet. The curtains were old enough. There were curtains in the bathroom dividing the bathub from the rest of the bathroom - not a glass screen.

Very clean, well appointed hotel, pools were excellent, very central.

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So I decided to try somewhere new. Somewhere that I’ve never been to before and I chose Funchal, Madeira. Having carried out an extensive search of possible locations to stay at, I opted for the Pestana Carlton. Having read the reviews it sounded quite a pleasurable place to stay: and it was!!! Once finally settled into the room that I actually booked (see comment below for details), I was pleasantly reassured by the amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and the hotel landscape. Very attractive indeed! The room is spacious, light and reflects the blue hues of the sea view. The hotel has a good range of facilities: pool, bars, spa treatments, places to eat; but the entertainment is not the most exciting. However, it suits the main clientele of the hotel: 50+++ Staff are pleasant on the whole. They are not intrusive. In some cases, a little slow in serving or clearing tables but not drastically. Breakfast is sufficient. Although it’s much the same everyday, there is more than enough to choose from to set you up for the day of exploration. The hotel is situated near a promenade of restaurants/bars. There is a shop and supermarket not too far from the hotel. The city centre is a 10 min walk away or a €1.95 bus ride. It is also on route of the two prominent hop on and off bus tours. That was convenient for me as it became my bus service to and from the hotel for two days (€26). There is a Chinese buffet on the Main Street, 2 minutes walk from the hotel, reasonable food and price (€10.50). There is parking available at the hotel if you were to hire a car; but to be honest, you’re so close to the bus service/stop, it’s not worth it.

Only complaint was the service on arrival. I had booked a sea-view room. However, once checked in, the room given to me was a side-view partial sea view room. I returned to reception and requested that my room be changed. I was taken to view another room, which was more suitable. Then when I went to get my bags from the original room, they were gone. The porter had taken them but without saying that he was doing so. I was not happy with that, especially as my bag was left opened. To top it all, the porter became attitudinal when I reprimanded him for taking my bag without permission. He never said hello to me again for the rest of the time I saw him in the hotel. Now, that aside, there are no major concerns or negative comments. I would say that although the hotel has been awarded five stars, the facilities on offer may warrant the 5⭐️ but the decor, service and overall experience is more 4⭐️. It lacks the luxury most 5⭐️ hotels usually offer. Having said that, would I stay there again? Yes I would. The view is 5⭐️, as is the tranquility; which is what I craved this holiday!

To come back

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