5 Best Hotels in Funchal, Madeira

The latest hotel from Madeiran design wunderkind Nini Andrade Silva, this large-scale complex has everything a hotel guest might wish for—seven restaurants, a gigantic outdoor pool, a well-stocked gym, and one of the largest spas in Portugal. Rooms are spacious (if generic), done up with light colors and brass details; ask for one with a balcony facing the sea. Savoy Palace houses a plethora of restaurants including modern Madeiran, sushi, and Mediterranean, and three bars, including a rooftop cocktail joint offering gorgeous views. You’ll want to save time for the large spa, which has a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam room, plus a 24-hour gym.

A sunny terrace shaded by snowy white umbrellas and a glittering swimming pool are among the best reasons to stay at this simple but pleasant hotel on a quiet street in the center of town. Rooms are straightforward but cozy, and some have pleasant views of the municipal gardens.

Part of a complex by Oscar Niemeyer, the famous modernist architect who designed the Brazilian capital Brasilia, this large hotel sits on concrete stilts next to the Casino da Madeira. Although the exterior may not appeal to everybody, the interior has modern facilities and is flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Guest rooms are bright and airy, and each has a balcony. Three pools (one rooftop, one infinity, and one indoor), a spa, tennis courts, and a gym add to the appeal.

Tucked away just above Funchal Harbor, the Quinta da Penha de França is for people who prefer their resorts casual and friendly rather than glitzy—though be aware that there are two sides: the charming but more old-fashioned "quinta" side and the more modern seaside "mar" side, each connected by a footbridge. The quinta's four-story manor house with green shutters is surrounded by gardens and a sun-drenched pool where you can lounge under the shade of banana trees. Every room is slightly different, and the antique furnishings resemble those in an old English townhouse. The mar side features brighter sea-inspired rooms and a large pool overlooking the water. Each section has its own restaurant and bar, but it's also an easy walk to nearby eateries and nightlife.

This large glass-fronted hotel overlooking a spectacular stretch of oceanfront has modern and tastefully appointed, if generic, guest rooms, most with balconies offering water views. Rates include breakfast and dinner; guests can choose from five restaurants, including Portuguese, Italian, and sushi. Other amenities include a stunning sea-level platform featuring a bar and two seawater swimming pools; a kids' pool and an indoor pool; a thalassotherapy (uses the benefits of seawater) spa; and a well-equipped fitness center with a variety of classes. The hotel is also more family-friendly than many others on the island, offering Aquatica Kids' World for children up to age 11 and 24-hour babysitting services (for a fee).