Location

This very traditional, exclusive luxury hotel lies high on a mountain at the end of a landscape dominated by steep cliffs. Guests are able to enjoy a wonderful view over the Bay of Funchal and the beach can be reached in a few minutes on foot. Numerous shopping possibilities and public transport links lie within a few metres of the hotel. The town centre with its various nightclubs and bars is around 1m from the hotel. The airport is about 20 km from the hotel.

Facilities

The hotel was built in 1891. Guests have a choice of 35 suites, 16 single rooms and 128 double rooms located in a 5-storey main building and a 6-storey auxiliary building. Multilingual staff (English, German, French) at the reception are happy to assist guests at the reception desk round the clock. Check-in and check-out are available 24 hours a day. Amenities include a cloakroom, baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and cash machine. Wireless internet access (for a fee) allows guests to stay connected while on holiday. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel offers various facilities for guests with disabilities. A lift and wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. A number of shops, including a souvenir shop, are great for shopping or just browsing. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a TV room, a playroom and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the car park. Other services include a babysitting service, a childcare service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, an alarm call service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. A bicycle hire service provides all the necessary equipment for exploring the surrounding area. The business centre is on hand for guests' business requirements and provides a fax machine.

Rooms

Rooms feature a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Air conditioning and individually adjustable heating ensure comfortable temperatures. Guests can relax and enjoy the sea views from the balcony or private terrace of some rooms. All rooms are carpeted and have a double bed, a queen-size bed, a king-size bed or a sofa bed. Separate bedrooms are available. Children's beds and extra beds can be requested for younger guests. A safe, a minibar and a desk are also available. The kitchenette comes with a refrigerator, a microwave and a tea/coffee station. A trouser press is provided for guests' convenience. A direct dial telephone, a television with satellite/cable channels, a radio, a CD player, a DVD player, an alarm clock and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. Amenities provided in the rooms include slippers and a daily paper. Bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bathtub. A hairdryer, a vanity mirror, bathrobes and a telephone are available for daily use. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Wheelchair-friendly rooms can be booked. The hotel has family rooms and non-smoking rooms.

Sports/Entertainment

The outdoor pool complex includes saltwater and freshwater pools, which are in part heated. There is also a special swimming area for little ones. A short break or an entire afternoon on the sun terrace, which features sun loungers and parasols, is time well spent. There is a poolside snack bar as well. A variety of activities are available at the hotel, for example tennis and fishing or, for a fee, cycling/mountain biking, golf and horse riding. Guests can take part in a comprehensive water sports programme, which includes water aerobics and aquafit, with water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, canoeing, sailing, catamaraning, snorkelling and diving available for a fee. Sports enthusiasts are also offered a wide range of indoor activities, including a gym, table tennis, badminton, billiards, squash, yoga and aerobics. There is a wellness area with a spa, a sauna, a steam bath, a hammam, a beauty salon, anti-ageing treatments and a solarium. Subject to charge: massage treatments. Additional leisure activities include an entertainment programme, a kids' club and live music.

Meals

Dining facilities include a dining room, a breakfast room and a bar. Guests can enjoy the culinary delights of the non-smoking, air-conditioned restaurant, which provides high chairs for children. Half board can be booked. At breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests serve themselves at the delicious buffet or order a set menu for lunch. Diet meals and children's meals can be prepared on request. The hotel also offers special catering options.

*=local charge