I can not leave a bad review for this hotel. Although not the best I’ve stayed in, it is good value for money!
Firstly, this is a late 1980’s built hotel, with few updates other than maintenance. This reflected in the very affordable price. It is clean, not run down, but dated.
Get a room with a balcony & the higher the better. We changed our room from 518 (facing north/west) to 512 (facing south/west) for more sun on the balcony in the late morning, however the rooms were the same, twin beds decent sized wardrobe and shower en-suite. All very clean, but no kettle or fridge. Take a travel kettle & adapter plug!
Staff were excellent & professional, check-in was easy, they ordered taxis and even organised a well priced car rental for us, together with some great sight-seeing advice. (Sunset beach/Maktub Pub).
The buffet Breakfast is absolutely fine and good selection, however can’t recommend the buffet (school?) dinner! Try the Fora d’Oras for an excellent evening meal near the entrance.
The indoor swimming pool (& jacuzzi) is excellent for raining days but can get busy occasionally, the outdoor pool & bar area great for sunny days & sun terraces are good too.
The sea is a 7-10 minute walk down the hill, but be warned, like most of Madeira, the climb back is steep! The area is fine, but don’t bother going up from the hotel. There’s a nice pub showing sports if you turn left, turn right and head down the hill for loads of descent restaurants & shops.
Enjoy!