Estalagem Do Mar Hotel

1 reader found this review helpful

We went to the Estalagem Do Mar Hotel in Madeira and absolutely loved it! We went as a family in July/August.
We were in an unconditioned suite (we complained about the first suite and received this one) and it was great. The lack of air conditioning didn't bother us as it was quite cool at night. Yes there are mosquitoes and I got bit quite a lot but didn't notice them as they didn't pop up until 2 weeks later. Also if on the ground floor, people will grab a sunlounger and lounge outside your room - not the best sight to be greeted with in the morning but thankfully we were on the first floor so had a balcony - recommend this as it was really nice to watch the sea at night.
Food is OKish, not 5* but was acceptable with a variety on offer. Staff are grumpy (esp. the man in the bar) but we made friends with them all and they soon changed into very nice people. Also if you ask for a bottle of water it is just bottled tap water so ask for sparkling or just drink cokes which is what we did. Would recommend going all inclusive as a bottle of coke (500ml) is something like 1.80 euros and during the day it is really hot. We drank probably 500+ euros worth of coke between us and also you get free ice cream and a free bar.
Indoor pool was lovely and quiet, outside pool was really noisy though with loads of kids everywhere - hated that. Jacuzzi was unpredictable - some days fantastic, other days it was so hot it was impossible to sit in. There is no beach which is a downer but in Porto Muniz (I think), there is an amazing pool.
It is far from funchal but hotel driver will take you there for 5 euros each (dependent on number of people) and we got the bus back - something DEFINITELY worth trying as it takes a scenic route. Hotel driver great - organises trips - just ask at reception. Also little village is really sweet but the souvenir shops in funchal are cheaper and have more choice.
Overall great holiday BUT AND THIS IS A BIG BUT, DO NOT BOOK WITH HOTELSBOOKED.COM. We did and it was a total shambles trying to organise everything - they wouldn't send confirmation or insurance. They also lost our credit card details and then claimed that we didn't pay!! Also, NO ONE in this company will ever ring you back - they LIE through their teeth!!!!!!!!!! The only department open after 4pm is sales and we are still trying to claim back extra money that they just took from our account without our knowledge (claiming it was late payment fineS). Also being told you weren't booked on a flight at 5.00 in the morning is not the best start to the holiday!! Would give this holiday a 10 but hotelsbooked.com ruined a lot of things for us so have to give it 9.

1 reader found this review helpful

Have to agree with the previous review. Just got back today - thank goodness!! The food was terrible. The bar didnt open til 12 noon so even if you wanted a coffee or soft drink or anything you couldnt get one - then the small outside bar opened but woe betide you if you asked for coffee!! We did and the bar man (grumpy)wasnt at all pleased and told us it would be cold - it was!! The inside bar which opened after dinner in the evening was very depressing and very hot. We had a walk into the village each evening, just for something to do, but it was like a ghost town - everything closed and not a person in sight!!! We went on to the bus to Funchal which was really nice - took the express there and the long way back - which was the most spectacular bus ride you could wish for - the scenery was just amazing.