Dom Pedro Garajau Hotel

2 readers found this review helpful

Our family of 4 decided to use this hotel as was recommended by our air miles and our first air miles used (being my birth town and i speak the language) we knew it was a 3star so did not expect too much. Hotel is in good location, has local good restaurants and shops across the road which is ideal and short drive from the capital and the airport, though the nearest beach resort is a bit of a drive away too far to walk.
The hotel is in need of a full modernization hint very old building, very smelly had the windows opened all day and night no ac nor fans, the hotel chambermaids on our floor were very loud and often swaring all local staff hint didnt look good working conditions they had to carry all laundry up and down the satirs. Air miles claimed when we booked the hotel had lifts which is not correct and being a very very very long building there are lots of stairs and walking to do whithin the hotel. The entertainment and facilities was ok breakfast not very desirable, 1 toaster for such big place there were always long quees for toast except the local bread was nice and coffee machine i felt was safe to eat.
Very basic for what one pay i guess but i think the hotel would need a start from scratch face lift, ideal for groups of kids and people on very very low budget not professionals, shame we only spent 6days on the island and if we had put a little bit more research we could have stayed in a nice even new hotel there are so mny new ones in Santa Cruz nxt to the airport and would have not broke our bank. No thanks air miles!!

Having read the reviews we were not sure what to expect but we were pleasently surprised. The hotel was fine and our room was very nice overlooking the pool. Maid service was excellant with clean towels etc every day. Local restaurant used the most was Tropicalno (?) directley opposite the hotel and used the Jardin cafe for pre dinner drinks - half the price of the hotel prices.
Not many Brits on holiday types which added to the nice experience! The isle was beautiful and trips to Monte, Funcal and Siexley well worth the effort.
The resort was not suitable for evening walks as it was too hilly and therefore not suitable for those who enjoy an after dinner stroll. Access to the sea is pretty limited and therefore would not recomend for a young family.
Overall, a very enjoyable stay, people, food, accomodation, climate and scenery all outstanding. Will return some day.

I don't think it was bad, but it wasn't that good either. For a last minute it was ok. you had a shop and restaurant neer by, but that was the only thing to see in the environment. just one walk to the statue of jesus. We rent a car for 2 days and the island was lovely!!! you have to go once in your lifetime to madeira!
we were in a good block but it took us i hole time to find our room... the outdoor pool was not so far from our block (4) and we were close by the reception. both of the pools were very clean! but if the sun cames trought you hadn't shadow at all. The dinner was not that good, the first 3 days its good, but then, it gets borring!!!
the dishes wasn't well done, and I think the bathroom needs to be upgrated! the building is little old.. but it is ok!
the trip with te boad from funchal is lovely! I would do that again!
I think its a good hotel for that place but the things I don't know if I would go if I would know all the things I now by now..

Good points. Food excellent,dining area and service very good. Balcony view great.Clean towels and sheets good.Room cleaners did the best they could. Reception helpful.
Not so good. Rooms very outdated,broken tiles,kitchen area desperately in need of upgrading,fridge tatty,surface in need of repair. Carrying suitcases up and down steps hard work even for the fittest of folk!! No lift service(which I knew about in advance)but no porter service available either.Indoor swimming pool in a very public area,which was not used to my knowledge the whole time I was at the Hotel,outside pool with bar was several blocks away,and a small pool with a permanent red flag flying nearby!!!.
Over all view. Hotel has potential especially if repairs and general maintainance are carried out ASAP, Physically disabled would have great difficulties in 'getting about' in this Hotel and would have to go to a more expensive Hotel to have disability access.
Value for money good,area around especially local shops plentiful and offered choice and souvenirs at competitive prices.Local transport regular if not a little speedy,especially the return journey from Funchal!!
I would recommend this Hotel to a friend providing the update was completed SOON.

Had amazing holiday, first time in Madeira and loved every minute... Hotel was great very clean and friendly and food was always very tasty. I liked being away from Funchal it was only a short bus ride away and liked Garajau.. nice cafes and just short walk from the coastal views. I would reccommend this hotel as long as you dont have a problem with walking a little to your hotel room.

great choice of food at morning buffet rooms abit small but the size of the grounds made up for that lovley out side pool for the warm day but when it cold thers a indoor swimming pool
freindly staff and great maid. close to a taxi rank with freindly english speaking drivers great restrants exspecialy toragal a cross the road and abus that stops out side the hotel and close to gift shops and supermarket.

We booked this holiday on Friday 25th January and left from Exeter on 28th January. Tickets were actually with us the day after we booked . We had an excellent flight and very quick transfer to our hotel. The staff at the hotel were friendly and courteous throughout our stay. The breakfasts were good with a variety of things for the buffet style, it was an unrushed friendly experience. We went to the welcome meeting the next day and were given quite an informative insight into Madeira, things to do and see etc. We booked for a Levada walk which was an all day one covering approx 14 kilometres with an excellent guide imparting her knowledge as we went. Enjoyed the evening meal trip to sample the food of Madeira with a visit to a cellar afterwards to sample 20 year olf Madeira. Caught the bus from outside our hotel into Funchal and visited Tropical Gardens, travelling up on the cable car.
Plenty of places to eat close to the hotel, we liked the Neptune bar in particular for its food and friendliness, it is a little way down from the supermarket where most things needed can be obtained. Excellent fruit and vegetables available plus sandwiches made up or the makings of in the greengrocers plus excellent cakes.
Pharmacy, excellent Italian restaurant plus snack bars nearby.
Think perhaps it might get too busy for people of retirement age as the summer approached.
We stayed in block 5, top floor overlooking the pool, was a fair walk each day backwards and forwards to main hotel but not too much of a problem. The balconies are very private, try and get one with sea view.
All in all an excellent value for money holiday. Especially enjoyable as a winter sun top up with plenty of walking.

The hotel is situated in a nice area with lovely restaurants around. There is little porterage, the hotel is badly in need of painting and def needs air conditioning. The staff are great and breakfasts super, but no-smoking areas are needed as the germans smoke constantly at meals. Our room smelt damp and next door had cockroaches. I love Madeira but would not go back to this hotel

Room was pleasant, contained a fridge and two ring hot plate.
Staff were friendly and helpful. I particularly liked the indoor pool with sliding glass roof. Food was good on most occasions, although there was the odd poor meal but this may just have been a question of personal taste. Entertainment every evening. Parts of the hotel, mainly the corridors and public areas could do with a coat of paint and air conditioning would have been nice. All in all I enjoyed my holiday and would visit again.