Orca Praia

2 readers found this review helpful

We arrived at Orca Praia a week before Christmas for a 28 day break. It was absolutely brilliant. Before we left the UK we were a bit concerned that it might turn out to be too far from Funchal, but it was great. The Hotel, the area, the food, the service and such friendly Management and staff made this a near perfect holiday. I would recomment this hotel to anyone that is fit enough to do some walking. The free hotel bus makes it possible for people that are not as young and fit as they used to be, to go down into Funchal. Even the public transport is regular and a short distance from the hotel so you can get around easily without hiring a car.
Christmas and New Year were made special by everyone concerned and by the end of the break in January we felt 10 years younger.
Absolutely Brilliant - we will be back

2 readers found this review helpful

Took my 23yr old daughter with me on this holiday as a last minute booking. Did a bit of research on hotel locations, as there were a couple available. Glad I chose this one in the end. I did not find it a problem at all that the hotel is 'a bit out of Funchal'. The views from balcony, sound and smell of sea air more than satisfied, going to sleep with the sound of the tide, rather than noisy traffic. The room was spacious,clean, and well serviced.
The breakfasts were delicious, and catered for everyone's taste, you could certainly fill yourself up for a day's sightseeing.
All trips booked picked-up and dropped at hotel, there was a courtesy bus if you booked the night before, or public transport stop just up above hotel in road.
The pool bar and area is kept exceptionally clean, and is lovely for having some time-out, or swimming.
Evening meals were good, with a selection that certainly enabled my picky daughter to not go hungry. There were lovely salad selections, and she loved the sweet choices!
We were lucky with the weather, and have gone home with some lovely memories of Madeira, our hotel, the well organised trips through First Choice, and the over-all friendliness and flavour of the Island. We packed a lot into our week, and feel I can well and truly 'tick' Madeira off now. If I was pushed to pick one thing that seems a pity, it would be that the promenade walk would be lovely if it was re-built, and extended properly into the next bay and the cave walkway. I understand rock-fall has caused a problem here.
I can definitely recommend this hotel to others as a destination if, like me, you prefer the peace and quiet rather than 'town-life', and an early night due to being exhausted and ready for trips the next day!

1 reader found this review helpful

Agree with the previous comments about the hotel and it's location, especially those about the helpful staff. The chef even produced a specially cooked vegetarian meal each evening!
As far as building work is concerned, by Oct 2007 the nearest were some roadworks some half mile away, neither visible or audible from the hotel. The only noise at night was from the waves on the beach.

2 readers found this review helpful

Ended up at the Orca Praia due to our original apartments being unsatisfactory. What a lovely location BUT what are the Madeiran government doing? They are carrying out pointless building work and it's not anything to do with the hotel. The hotel have no control over it and they are losing revenue the longer it goes on. Such a shame.
The hotel is clean, modern and the staff are great. Had to move rooms (noisy neighbours!!!) and it was no problem. The housekeeping staff work flat out. Huge room and two sinks in the bathroom. Clean, fluffy towels and complimentary soap/shower gel. HUGE balcony with great views, especially sunsets. Pool area/toilets immaculate. Pool maintained daily.
Food well cooked and fresh. Something for everyone. A bit "school dinners" with the main course served for you but it does stop people fiddling around with it. Drinks and snacks well priced for hotel fayre.
Location a little way out but I prefer that. Courtesy bus available plus regular buses and reasonable taxi fares.
Would definitely return.

1 reader found this review helpful

Don't be put off by the distance out of Funchal this hotel is. Courtesy bus good (but book quick as it's a small vehicle), regular buses (buy tickets in advance at hotel-cheaper) and a taxi from Funchal is very reasonable.
Hotel clean and quiet. Rooms spacious and balcony lovely. Listening to the sea at night was ace. Worth the distance from town.
Food varied and hot with plenty of salads, veggies etc. Yummy desserts. Breakfast rather catered to the German guests but ok really.
Staff very helpful and spoke good English. They really appreciate your efforts to speak Portuguese though.
Would definitely go back and I don't say that very often!!!