I'm looking for a hotel in Canico de Baixo right on the coast and 1 or 2 hotels in the mountainous interior, near levadas trails, great scenery and good hikes. Any recommendations?

I thought I'd add that price isn't a big concern but we're not into stuffy, expensive places. We prefer quaint, quiet, slightly off the beaten path, smaller hotels/inns. In Canico we'd really like a room with an ocean view. We'd consider Funchal or somewhere else in the area as an alternative. Thanks!!

Good hotels with splendid coastal situation in Caniço de baixo are: <BR> <BR>Hotel tropical <BR>http://www.madeira-hoteltropical.com/en/ <BR> <BR>Hotel Ondamar <BR>Hotel Galomar <BR>Hotel Alpino Atlantico <BR> <BR>or more expensive <BR> <BR>Hotel Riu Palace Madeira, Oasis Atlantic or Quinta Splendida <BR> <BR>Among those situated inland I would suggest Pousada dos Vinhaticos.

I forgot to mention the new Estalagem do Eira do Serrado in a beautiful scenery.

Hi Paige <BR> <BR>I can't offer any advice on hotels in Canico but I have been to Funchal twice and could tell you about good hotels (and good/ bad locations) for hotels there? <BR> <BR>The good thing about staying in Funchal is the bus system - very easy to get buses anywhere around the whole island... <BR> <BR>Can you give me an idea of what kind of hotel you are looking for? <BR> <BR>Kavey

Hi Kavey! <BR>I think we're going to spend the first few nights in the mountains, then 3-4 nights in Funchal or Canico. We'd like someplace smallish, quaint, with cool views for less than $100US per night, near restaurants and stuff. I don't think we really care if it has a pool. We'll probably have a car the whole time unless in Funchal it's really not necessary. Any ideas? Thanks! <BR>By the way, Pedro has already given me lots of advice (thanks!), I just thought I'd see what you're thinking.

Hi Paige <BR> <BR>The first bit of advice re Funchal hotels would be to avoid any situated in what is referred to as the hotel zone. <BR> <BR>This is an area a little outside Funchal centre, which, as the name suggests, is full of hotels and related services. <BR> <BR>With all the wonderful pleasures of Funchal to be enjoyed in an evening stroll I would recommend somewhere nearer into Funchal centre. <BR> <BR>There were few places we passed often and thought looked well located and pleasant (didnt look inside) but I cant recall the names without checking in a few brochures... I would recognise the pictures and be able to match them up no problem. <BR> <BR>We stayed in the Carlton Casino which is a huge great hotel. Not really what I would normally choose, but we chose it for the superb location (one of the Quintas I mention is just near this and has an excellent location) and also, more importantly, because I work for a travel operator and get travel concessions, and this hotel happened to have a good deal on at the time! <BR> <BR>Staying in closer to the centre gives you access to so many truly excellent restaurants for your evening meals, as well as allowing the pleasure of strolling the harbour and town and parks at leisure... <BR> <BR>When we were choosing a hotel for our 2nd visit, before we narrowed down by price and current special offers, there were a number of excellently located smaller quintas which we considered, one of which was highly recommended by one of our admin team on the island, who was kind enough to respond honestly to my questioning emails. <BR> <BR>I will look them up this week and post the names for you, especially of the two or three we narrowed it down to and which she also recommended... <BR> <BR>Kavey <BR>

Thanks, Kavey! By the way, have you heard of this travel agent: <BR>Strawberry World (Lido Tours) <BR>CC Monumental Lido, 3rd floor, Shop 2 <BR>9000-100 Funchal <BR>I came across them on this website <BR>http://www.madeira-web.com/PagesUK/index.html <BR>I've contacted them about booking the Estalagem Eira do Serrado and the Pousada dos Vinhaticos and a car rental. They want full payment in advance which makes me a little nervous. Any idea if that's the norm? Thanks! <BR>

Paige, <BR> <BR>No I am sorry but I havent heard of them, though that address is in the hotel zone, not that it makes a difference. <BR> <BR>Working for a major tour operator, I have never had to use an agent to book accommodation on Madeira. <BR> <BR>The hotels I have considered: <BR> <BR>Hotel Madeira <BR>3 star <BR>Location is right smack in the centre of Funchal (but its such a small little city that this is good not bad) and is located next door to the municipal gardens. Check building work as they were renovating it recently and this was why we ruled it out for Feb 2001. <BR> <BR>Hotel Porto Santa Maria <BR>4 star <BR>Located in Old Town of Funchal next to Sao Tiago pebble beach. <BR>This is newly featured in my company's brochures so no customer feedback but looks lovely <BR> <BR>Hotel Monde Verde <BR>4 star <BR>Not sure exact location but looks very pretty and nice and small <BR> <BR>Estalaem Quintinha Sao Joao <BR>5 star <BR>1.5 km from seafront and funchal centre <BR>this one was our top choice and highly recommended by my friend in the admin office there <BR> <BR>Penha de Franca <BR>We passed this one often as it is near a couple of very good restaurants, its location is very close to the Casino Park, between that and the Savoy... <BR> <BR>Hope some of this helps... <BR> <BR>Kavey <BR>