Hotel Royal Orchid

l booked simple mountain view room in Roca Mar hotel but upon arrival l was told we were upgraded to Royal Orchid. Room was partially with ocean view, we just had to look through glass corridor:). Room was very big, sort of apar**ent style with kitchenette and 2 televisions, very clean, looked like newly refurbished, not a single smudge on the wall. Bed was super comfortable. Hotel is simple but has everything, few small pools, sauna and steam room, gym and even diving center. What is exceptional are stunning views. Absolutely breathtaking. People are super friendly, closing times extended if place was busy. No one sent us out of the pool after official closing time. Kids were allowed to dive a bit and run around without someone constantly telling them to stop :). Diving center staff exceptional, very patient and warm, gave u**ost attention to my 10 year old son to make his first scuba diving experience very special, memorable and safe. BIG thanks to everyone. Location is great but note this is quiet place away from any busy center. If you are looking for buzz then book place rather in Funchal center. lf you like hiking, mountain biking or diving this island is amazing.

There are some eccentricities which grate a little here, like trying to place festival-style wristbands upon guests, charging for car parking, and the incredibly load gym disco for a deafening hour every evening. But there are plenty of compensations, especially the sea pool and the now quite adequate kitchens that mean eating in is an enjoyable option. The car hire firm just over the road (Insularcar) is very good, and it's possible to book in advance and just have a set of wheels for a few days - a great way to see more of the island and be free from the tyranny of coach tours. Peter's Bar and Habeas Coppus are just up the road for alternative evening refreshments, too.

Just returned from a wonderful week in a studio apar**ent. Was anxious at first as thought it may be too small but were blown away a soon as we walked through the door. Recently refurbished apar**ent was absolutely amazing, beautifully refitted having thought of everything. The view was beautiful straight over the sea. Wasn't sure if there were enough restaurants initially but turned out there were plenty and every meal with had was lovely.

Perfect hotel in marvellous island. Comfortable and clean rooms, great meal, kind staff, swimming pools out on terrace and also in. You can go swimming to the ocean by the ladder or you can go to beach not far from hotel.

Excellent place to stay. Very spacious and clean studio rooms with amazing ocean views. Good quality sleep. Great facilities. Very friendly personnel. Will definitely come back!

+Breakfast were basic, but totally okay +Quiet neighbourhood +Nice staff +Rooms, view on ocean is great +Induction with 4 burners +Direct access to the ocean -Cleaning could be better, we had dirty sheets and towels were not changed -Bed and pillows were not comfortable at all (at least for me, I like very soft cloudy like mattress)

We stayed over Chris**as and new year and really enjoyed the celebrations the hotel put on. The trip to see the fireworks was magical and they thought of everything! All the staff are polite and helpful. The view from our room and across the hotel was perfect. Sea view after sea view! The rooms were spotless and spacious. The food was good quality but perhaps not the best variety for children, but then, I don’t think the hotel is particularly aimed at small children anyway. My only real disappoin**ent, and it really was a disappoin**ent, was the rule that you couldn’t enjoy a game whilst having a drink in the bar. We were having a couple of early evening drinks and playing a small game with our children (8&9 years old)when we were told no games at the bar, there is space in reception for that. Of which there are no drinks facilities. I asked if we could play a card game and was told no. I mean, imagine paying over £3,500 for a week holiday with my family and we were not allowed to play dobble and have a drink at the same time! Absolutely ridiculous. I would recommend to couples or families with teen children more than a family like ours.