Quinta Bela Sao Tiago Villa

Have just returned from a week’s stay (4-11 June 2007) at the Quinta Bela Sao Tiago which we consider is fully deserving of its four star rating, and provided us with everything we anticipated. The reception staff were fluent in English, friendly, good at their jobs, and worth consulting for their wealth of local knowledge and recommendations. My wife & I had a twin room in the eastern wing with views over the gardens, pool and terraces, and side views of the sea and westwards across the harbour and lower Funchal town towards the hotels on the headland opposite (Reid’s, Cliff Bay, etc.). Our room was on the bottom level (of three) and the view from the balcony partially obscured by the garden plants (but offering some privacy from the gaze of the guests on the terraces) – the middle levels would offer a better side sea view, but leave your balcony more on show. The side view balconies were nicely shaded until early evening – very pleasant on hot days – and tended to be best sheltered from the breezes. The pool area was beautifully clean, well kept, and with no shortage of sun-loungers or towels. The terrace / cocktail bar area was very pleasant, but the bar prices were comparatively expensive. We didn’t use the mini-bar in our room. The Pingo Doce supermarket (just uphill from, and across the road from the exotic farmer’s market) is a cheap source of alcohol (beer about 2.60 Euros for a pack of 6 bottles, and wine from about 3 Euros a bottle). The only meal, apart from breakfasts, we had at the hotel was a mangnificent FREE barbecue (provided as a concession by our booking agent - see below) on the Saturday evening, as a prelude to the view from the terrace of the one of Funchal’s spectacular firework displays; most guests partaking were paying. A brief perusal of the normal hotel menu showed it to be substantially more expensive than a comparable meal in any of the restaurants in the nearby old town. We had a fairly busy schedule most days, and finding time to shop for supplies for packed lunch proved somewhat difficult – I have suggested to the hotel that it offer to supply packed lunches to order. When we arrived at the hotel we found that there was a student accommodation block being built about 60 yards below the hotel; a crane took the edge off the harbour view, and there was some inevitable general construction noise during weekdays. We were out of the hotel during most of each day, and eating out in the evenings, so we didn’t find the building work more than a minor annoyance, but it would have been courteous of the hotel to have notified us and/or our booking agents, and we feel that that potential guests should at least be aware of the work in progress. In an elevated position at the north-east corner of Funchal’s old town, the hotel offers superb views from the public areas and sea- and side-view over the few rows of red-tiled rooftops between the hotel and the sea front. Turn immediately right on leaving the hotel entrance and it is only 150 yards down the hill to a lovely lido and sea bathing, then turn right again along the comparatively traffic-free cobbled streets of the old town (not ideal for wearers of high heels). No more than five minutes to the first of a multitude of good restaurants and cafés, mostly lining the streets alongside the tree-lined green ‘square’ and garden between the promenade and the cable car station, and the main commercial and shopping area only a couple of hundred yards further on. We can particularly recommend ‘Tapassol / Le Jardin’ and ‘Original’ immediately overlooking the green, and ‘Gaviao Novo’ (specialising in fish dishes) in the Rua Santa Maria’ immediately behind it; all provided attentive, efficient, friendly, multi-lingual service and a wide variety of local speciality food at reasonable prices (we ate well for an average of 35 to 40 Euros for two) – always check the prices of the chef’s recommendation before ordering as some of the fish-of-the-day Piexe (local fish) dishes can be 40 Euros for the main course alone, and lobster is very expensive everywhere. Most of the affordable table wines are Portugese (as the local grapes are mostly diverted into the famous Madeira Wines – drunk as an aperitif or digestif), and the ubiquitous local ‘Coral’ lager beer is inexpensive, light and pleasant with meals. As one of the only two four/five star hotels in old Funchal town (the other hotel being the modern, large, generally more expensive Porto Bay Santa Maria right on the harbour front , and just below and westward from the QBST) we consider the combination of price and position would make this hotel our first choice for a return stay. We would avoid the concrete jungle of the Monumental Lido ‘hotel area’ like the plague. We booked the hotel through the speciality agent ‘Strawberry World’ (based in Funchal and with a UK office in Bournemouth) and found that when the accommodation voucher arrived we also had the concessionary free hotel barbecue offer for two people (see above), plus one free full-day island coach tour (worth 29 Euros) with the company – a very worthwhile package of concessions. If you don’t like cable cars and still fancy the trip to Monte and the Tropical gardens, don’t bother with a taxi at about 15 Euros each way – the number 22 town bus runs from the nearby town centre to the cable car terminal and garden entrance for 1.60 Euros for the return trip. (Entrance to the gardens is an additional 8 Euros each). Likewise, the number 31 town bus runs from the town centre to the municipal botanical gardens (entrance 3 Euros each) for the same return fare of 1.60 Euros (and strap-hanging on the incredibly steep, narrow route is quite an experience, especially on the way down!). We actually spoke to the previous reviewer, Newcastletom, shortly after we arrived at the hotel on 4 June and they were waiting for the airport transfer, and can expand on a couple of his comments. We were on the cocktail bar terrace one evening when there was live music by a keyboard player, and the same musician played during the Saturday evening hotel barbecue before the town firework display. The recommended restaurant where the waiters wore stripey waistcoats was the ‘Original’, and we can confirm the recommendation. One of our other recommendations, ‘Tapassol’, is only two doors away.

Hello and thank you well we have just returned from Madeira on the 4th April--we have had a really lovely time and will most definatley return to Madeira----but maybe wait a couple of years? We booked The Cliff Bay ----- and I was informed by Thomas Cook --two weeks before we were due to go that there was building works due to commence ----an underground car park next door to the hotel---after a lot of thinking we decided to cancel the hotel----This is when we turned to trip advisor for some help-- We tried to get booked into the Porto Santa Maria but it was full-- One of the members recomended to us- The Quinta Bela Sao Tiago - were picked up by taxi transfer which was very nice and taken to the hotel---I couldnt belive how steep the roads were leading down to the hotel-- The Quinta Bela is a lovely hotel the reception staff very helpful and friendly we were taken to our room which was on the second top floor overlooking the harbour I was shocked at first as slap bang in front of us was a crane and hammering and banging going on--bearing in mind we had canceled The Cliff Bay because of building work but had not been informed about this so down to reception to ask if there was another room available there was--but to be honest all sea views rooms youcould see the crane I must admit after a couple of days we didnt notice it at all - --the view was stunning---one day we woke up to see the cruise ship Oriarna in the bay---ok there are a few thing which need sorting like not enough towels at the pool on two occasions ---and really we thought the hotel could have some soft music especially at night --- but as I said overall its a great base immaculate and quaint the breakfast was good ---we booked bed and breakfast and were so please because the resturants and food in Madeira is brill We jumped on the open top bus as it was our first visit to the island just to get a feel of Funchall-- -this is were I will say a big Thank You .we loved the old town much much better than the lido area--and the building work from the Cliff Bay hotel all the way down to the lido area was extensive -- Ifou havent already booked and are thinking of the lido area ---my advice is please dont -- -unless you like building sites---go to the old town-The Porto Bay Santa Maria is very good and the Qunita Bela Sao Tiago is also very good--but it is up a bit of a bank if you have trouble walking--but the views are excellant---the staff very helpfull---can recommend it The first day of our holiday the weather was awful and seemingly the week before it rained every day---but after the first day the weather was amazing---You must visit The Botanica Gardens its a lovely day out---if you dont like heights take a taxi up and miss the cable car If you need an over night stay Manchester Bewleys Hotel overlooking Terminal One its excellant immaculate and the transfer to and from airport was also spot on --your car is safe here---read the reviews on the Brittania Hotels and run for miles----can highly recommend Bewleys--best airport hotel weve stayed in Im so sorry about the state of this message but Im having trouble with my computer---If I try to change things --Im loosing a lot of text --so Im going send this with mistakes and all as it will take too long to change it all The resturant we liked the best we ate there three nights and I can not remember the name--sorry but its about 50yards out of the main gate of the Porto Santa Maria hotel on the right hand side --we ate inside the deco is really nice the waiters wear striped waist coats---the food is really good and the service good and not over the top Hope this helps sorry about mistakes --hope you enjoy your hols best wishes

We stayed at this hotel because it seemed to be in a good location for the town, and we were not disappointed. The front of the hotel faces away from the sea, and belies the excellent seaward side of the hotel with its terraces and outdoor pool (says heated but we found it quite chilly in March - we mentioned it at the end & I think they adjusted it. A lovely pool though). Views of the harbour & town were good, specially having a coffee on the terrace at night. There was a wedding party on the Saturday but it wasn't intrusive or loud. All areas were spotless and the service always friendly - we look forward to going back there sometime.

We took my 80 year old mother(-in-law!) and occupied two of the rooms on the second floor with 'mountain views'. They did indeed look up the mountain, and were adjacent to a road - but a road of the old town - no pavements, some cars - made you feel part of Funchal. The two bedrooms had a small lobby with its own door - which could be closed, allowing both bedrooms to be open and 'connected', making a super-apartment, if you like. We spent most days on trips, but if we had been in the hotel a lot, a room with a sea view would have been stunning. The views are tremendous. The hotel is pretty quiet, and only 5 or so minutes from the the restaurants near the front, and near the start of the chair lift (great ride up to Monte - and I don't like heights!). Monte has good Tropical gardens, and nearby there is a second chairlift across to the famous Botanical gardens, though we didn't go that far this visit. You can also get the sledge ride half way back if you prefer. When returning to the hotel, Mother-in-law was glad that they opened the garage door (and quickly, after pressing the bell) as this saved the last, steep 50 yards up to the road at the front. The hotel is clean, the staff are friendly and helpful, the breakfast was good and plentiful, the local restaurants are good and plentiful and cheap enough. All food was good, it is just that some restaurants are even better than the norm - Tapposol and The Jardin, as mentioned previously, were excellent. But there are others nearby which are always full - suggesting good food. We did not even cross town towards the concrete jungle of tourist skyscraper hotels (like the Savoy!) and the posh nosh over that way. We went with Thomas Cook and were happy with the trips they sold us. The prices were possibly less than we expected. The trips to the West and East of the island were each for a complete day, the lunch thrown in was good enough. The scenery was outstanding. There is a complete new road system, with many tunnels, so travelling is easy and comfortable. We did the easiest Lavada walk, which was just over 3 miles long. We will go back to do more of these! The Old Town was smaller than I thought it would be, and scruffy I suppose, but it was pleasant walking the few hundred yards through it back to the hotel in the evening. How long before it is redeveloped I wonder? We benefitted from the last three days of Carnival, after which everyone went back to work and the town became quieter, though not quiet. A great island and town (except if you are a clubber) and a very comfortable hotel and grounds. We do not usually return to a venue, but this could well be the exception.

This is one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in! It has lots of original charm and has an old colonial feel about it. The bedrooms are beautifully appointed and ours was huge. We didn't bother with a sea view (for which you pay quite a lot more) because we were out most of the time so it didn't matter. Breakfast was served on the Governor's Terrace, with lovely views over the bay, and there was a vast choice. The hotel is located in the old town which we think is far nicer than the 'hotel zone' at the opposite end of the bay. We wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else if we returned to Funchal.

We spent five nights in a room with a balcony which had a great sea and pool view, well worth the bit extra. The mountain view is really facing a road. I wouldn't consider the hotel four star perhaps three and a half. The room was nice, but I found the bed a bit hard but that is a matter of personal preference. The pool area is beautiful and well kept plenty of towels and lounge chairs. Only it was not heated when we were there and a bit too cold to swim in. They have a remote lighting system to save electricity which my husband never got the hang of which we both found a bit annoying. The buffet breakfast was good, plenty of fresh fruits, cold meats, eggs, bacon, cereals, yogurts, and breads and pastry. The hotel is located in an area of the old town of Funchal it is interesting with a lot of restaurants just a short walk away. As other reviews have mentioned there is a short steep hill that can't be avoided but we enjoyed the exercise . The staff spoke English and were very courteous and helpful. I would not reccomend using the laundry service if you want something in a hurry. All in all we had a good time and would consider staying again.

Stayed here for a week mid October. The staff are excellent, they are friendly, polite and professional. There are lovely views of Funchal and the harbour from the hotel. Some rooms have a great view especially on the higher floors, lower rooms have partly obscured views. We stayed in a twin room with a side sea view in one of the two wings built onto the original house. The rooms are quite large, and have fairly standard hotel decor, could perhaps do with a few extras, decor wise. There is no tea/coffee facilities, which as a tea drinker I missed. There are loose mats on the wooden floor which slipped when you stood on them. I would be a little concerned for elderly guests in case they fell. The bathroom is fine, just had an extremely loud annoying extractor in our case, not good for relaxing in the bath. Our shower, which was over the bath had a small plastic shower head which didnt fit too well on the fitting. There are bathrobes in the room. We found that people got up early in the hotel, from about 7 onwards, and because of the wooden floors sound carried. We were aware of doors banging etc most mornings. The hotel is possibly best suited to those who have early nights and mornings, ie walking hols etc. The breakfasts were excellent. There was lots of choice, starting with fresh fruit, pineapple and kiwi etc. There was cereal and lots of different bread. There were lovely pastries some mornings. The cooked breakfasts were buffet style with a great choice, bacon, sausage, tomato etc with delicious cooked bananas. The pool area was quiet and relaxing. There are towels available, the pool was a bit chilly though. The fitness room equipment is only suitable for a light workout, there is a jacuzzi sauna and steam room also. Guests were mainly mature couples, though there were a couple of families with impeccably behaved teenagers, proves that not all young people are loud and troublesome. There was a mixture of nationalities. Evenings were very quiet just a few people in the bar area or sitting on the terrace, which is lovely at night. We booked our trips at reception and they were fine, really enjoyed them, spectacular scenery. Dont bother to book a trip up to Monte, just walk to the cable car station which is not far from the hotel. We ate at the little restaurants in the old town, try O Tapassol in our opinion the best one, some of the others served plain grilled meat with frozen veg, adequate but dull. There is quite a steep walk back to the hotel - good for fitness but maybe not so good for anyone with mobility issues, though there are taxis readily available. Also watch out for cars in the narrow streets of the old town as the streets are very narrow, also watch where you walk as there are quite a lot of stray dogs in that area and there are 'deposits' on the streets and paths. On the whole we really enjoyed our stay at the Bela Sao Tiago, its a good spot for a relaxing, quiet break.

just arrived home from our 14 day trip to Madeira where we stayed for the second year running at the Quinta Bela Sao Tiago hotel in the Old Town. We are totally depressed to be back as just like last year we found this hotel to be the best we have ever stayed in. Without bragging , we have travelled worldwide but rate Madeira and this hotel by far the best. Yes there are some steep hills and traffic as you try to walk down some of them can be a nightmare but they are a small price to pay for all the other attributes that Madeira brings. A tip for larger ladies like myself that found the hill by the side of the hotel very testing after a big dinner , you can press the buzzer by the large gate which leads to the hotel car park and someone opens it for you . It certainly cuts out the last and by far the steepest bit of the hill ! This year a new restuarant appearred very near the castle and we ended up having dinner there for 5 nights as it was so enjoyable. A little tip for music lovers is to go into The Porto Santa Maria Hotel after dinner where a lovely English Lady named Marina sings at least three times a week. She is both entertaining and fun. Whilst my husband usually has to be dragged kicking and screaming shopping at home he loves the big new complex called Madeira Shopping wherer there are some classy shops and a food hall. There is also a large cinema (should your feet need a rest !) where nearly every one of the five or six screens show films in English. I hasten to add that we only went on a wet day but it really made a change from walking all day !! You can get a number 8 bus which takes you right outside . Goodbye Madeira - till we meet again -- SOON !!

Very nice quinta/hotel with pool, outdoor breakfast and dining area, and balcony. The reception and staff speak english, and were friendly and pleasant. Buffet breakfast was good, as was dinner, though dinner in tends to be more expensive than eating out. Its location is at the fort end of the old town. Don't wander down the Rua bela Sao Tiago towards town, its relatively boring compared to the parallel street (nearer the sea) which has a lot of outdoor restaurants and is more pedestrian-friendly. Our favourite regular lunch/dinner place was Estrela Do Mar for flambee dishes: pepper steak and prawn curry (surprisingly good) aswell as excellent fishes of the day and acorda (garlic soup). Very clean and very fresh. Just beyond this was the also very good restaurant Tapassol on the corner, with excellent service and food, and reliable teetotal sommelier, and 100yds on the cable car for the Tropical Gardens and Monte. A VG little tourist shop with booze, fags, presents and english spoken well was opposite the cable car "Arco Velho" on street leading to the restaurants just mentioned. We also liked "Beerhouse" well along the prom in a marina area with other eating places below ground level nearby. The Cherne kebab (halibut cubes) and Esporao Branco made a luxurious lunch. Market is worth seeing but very busy and lots of drunks hang around the front and sides. So a pretty good location - quiet and luxurious. Cabs back from town, if youve walked enough, were cheap and none objected to the short ride, though one or two are clearly used to tourists and volunteer day trips there and back while they wait outside the gardens for you. Tropical Gardens was very beutiful - particularly the palace area with the very large fishpond and fabulous view. Go on teh cable car so you have lots of time. It starts at top of hill, by the time youre at the bottom you are tired, so allow some extra stamina to make it back uphill!. We also lovedthe jardim botanico plants and views (our cab man gave us 90 mins and it was fine, 2 hours would have been perfect). Having tourists all year round showed a bit, the locals seemed friendlier than season only destinations, and english was widely spoken. We were very pleased with Madeira and having the Quinta Bela Sao Tiago as a base was a very sound move

After booking another Funchal hotel and being diappointed to be told that they had an "overbooking situation" we were offered this hotel as an alternative. We were worried it would not live up to expectations-how wrong we were. From the moment we arrived the staff at the hotel made us feel very welcome. Our rooms were fantastic, spotless, spacious and very luxurious ( it was a suite) The hotel pool and grounds were beautifully cared for and all sunbeds lined up and set up everyday. (No-one put towels on beds to save them!) There were plenty of sunbeds to go around and clean pool towels everyday. Breakfast was plentiful and varied and eating on the terrace admiring the view of Funchal was perfect. Our meals in the hotel restaurant (complimentary because of "overbooking situation") were A starter, fish course, and a meat course followed by dessert-all delicious and served by waiters. We did make the short walk into the old town to look at the restaurants, which all looked very nice but took advantage of our complimentary meals at the hotel. A luxury hotel, fantastic location, sunny weather and wonderful food-lovely!