Funchal, Madeira
Historic clifftop hotel in Madeira with landscaped gardens, ocean‑view pools and a Michelin‑starred restaurant overlooking Funchal Bay
Our review
We enjoyed Reid’s Palace so much, we returned within a month. If we hadn’t had 140 other hotels to visit, I think we might have made a third trip.
The flight time to Funchal from the UK is short and the drive from Funchal airport takes around half an hour, so we left our home at a reasonable hour in the morning and were sitting around the hotel pool by late afternoon.
There are several things to love about the hotel. We had a deluxe room with large balcony and sea view. Rooms all have balconies or private terraces and most overlook the sea. Crashing onto the rocks far below, the sound of the sea is never far away. The swimming pool is a generous size and has a terrace with a number of steamer chairs. There seem to be plenty to go round and so there is always somewhere to sit. Breakfast is exceptionally good, served in the Pool Room and included in all room rates. Nickel and diming is thankfully not present here. There is complimentary Wi-Fi, soft drinks, local honey cake, DVDs to borrow and if you fancy a game of tennis, a game of billiards or to use the card room with card table, that’s free too.
The hotel is very popular with extended families. The little ones have a Wendy House with qualified nursery nurse and teenage monsters can use the Wii machines or try their hand at being a rock god in the (soundproofed) music room.
There is a fine Italian style trattoria in the grounds overlooking the sea. We ate here on several occasions; you may choose to eat indoors or on the terrace. The formal restaurant is nice enough, but a bit too grand to eat in more than once, I felt.
Afternoon tea here is world famous. I first came here with my parents when I was a little girl. We were visiting from a cruise ship en route to South Africa. I remember the black and white tiled terrace and the lovely raspberry jam. Little did I know I would be visiting again all those years later, with my own little girl. There is something about taking afternoon tea when it is pleasantly warm and short sleeves are de rigueur. Reid’s tea is excellent: assorted finger sandwiches, just-warm scones, delicious proper cakes, such as seed cake and fruit cake (not patisserie) and the most delightful tea, freshly brewed.
Service, and housekeeping in particular, is impeccable and nothing is too much trouble. It will not be to everyone’s taste; it’s a bit ‘old school’ but to my mind, all the better for it.
Rooms
Reid’s Palace offers approximately 126 rooms and suites, most with private balconies or terraces and views of the Atlantic Ocean or the hotel’s subtropical gardens. Accommodation is classically styled, combining traditional décor with modern amenities such as marble bathrooms, air conditioning and refined furnishings. Suites provide additional living space and enhanced sea views.
Food and Drink
The hotel features a range of dining venues. William Restaurant holds one Michelin star and serves contemporary Portuguese cuisine using seasonal Madeiran ingredients under the leadership of Chef Luís Pestana. Ristorante Villa Cipriani offers Italian cuisine on an ocean‑facing terrace, while Brisa do Mar focuses on traditional Portuguese dishes.
Additional venues include the 1891 Bar for cocktails and light dishes, the Tea Terrace known for its traditional afternoon tea with bay views, the Tea Library showcasing exclusive tea blends, and Gelataria San Giorgio serving artisanal gelato.
Wellness
The spa at Reid’s Palace offers treatment rooms with ocean views and a menu of massages and beauty treatments. Wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and several heated outdoor swimming pools, including seawater and freshwater pools, set within the hotel’s gardens.
Facilities
- Subtropical landscaped gardens
- Heated outdoor swimming pools, including seawater pool
- Direct sea access
- Spa and wellness treatments
- Fitness centre
- Tennis courts
- Children’s club
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Afternoon tea terrace
- Complimentary shuttle to Funchal centre
- Free Wi‑Fi
- Meeting and event facilities
Location
Reid’s Palace is located on a cliff above Funchal Bay in Madeira, close to the city centre while retaining a secluded setting. Nearby sights include Parque de Santa Catarina, the CR7 Museum and Funchal’s historic centre. The elevated position provides panoramic ocean views and convenient access to the island’s cultural attractions.
Getting There
Address: Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Arriving by air: Funchal Airport and Santa Catarina Airport (22.7 km – 14.1 miles), 19 minutes drive to the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.