Porto Santa Maria Hotel, Funchal

On our previous visit to Madeira we stayed in the Lido, and I remember walking around Funchal, seeing this hotel right on the promenade in the center of Funchal, and thinking: this is the place to stay next time. This is a modern, reasonable four star hotel with one outstanding feature: it's location right on the sea front in the center of Funchal, next to the Cable Car station to Monte. We planned a walking holiday and so being only a few minutes from the bus stops was very appealing (rather than the 30 minutes in the Lido). Other people will enjoy being just a few steps from the Old Town district. Despite it's location, we had no problem with noise when trying to sleep. The hotel itself is good. Built recently, the rooms are to a high standard. Two single beds next to each other, 21 inch TV, room safe, bath / shower, and balcony. The breakfast was good but not outstanding - a large buffet with various fruits, breads, juices, cold cuts, hot breakfast, cereals, and a coffee machine. We didn't have lunch or dinner, though they were available. There was a curvy outdoor pool, and a larger heated indoor pool, both 1.1m / 4ft deep, and a Jacuzzi. There were a few kids around but not many; most of the clientele were older couples. We stayed over Christmas 2005, and booked direct via the hotel's web site, paying 120 euros a night for a garden view room. The room we were given was a sea view however, with access to a large sun bathing area. We booked a few months in advance, though there was intermittent availability up to the last minute. Overall, a good hotel with an outstanding location.