Madeira Holidays
If you've ever wondered what the Garden of Eden looked like or Paradise for that matter then look no further than Madeira. This lush, verdant archipelago (a group of islands but of course you knew that) is an oasis of sub tropical beauty, a true emerald isle. Situated in the North Atlantic about 400km from the Canaries it is an autonomous region of Portugal and approximately 4 hours flying time from Dublin. Its location provides for a warm climate year round without the extreme high-summer heat of the Canary Islands. And it's this perfect climate that has allowed for the spectacular scenery synonymous with the name Madeira. Without a doubt it is an all year round destination. As Madeira is a volcanic island the majority of the beaches are pebble but there are some artificial sand beaches too. The beaches are all very well maintained and suitable for families. Watersports are available.
Although it seems as if Madeira was designed with relaxing, do-nothing holidays in mind, the truth is there's much, much more to it than that. Party animals are more than well catered for in Funchal as well as those seeking fine dining and local cuisine. You can take a cable car ride to the summit of Monte before experiencing the famous wicker toboggan down the slope under the expert guidance of the Carreiros do Monte. Yes it's as fun and crazy as it sounds
Beyond the capital there's the lava swimming pools of Port Moniz, the exquisite 18th century town of Canico de Baixo, the Cabo Girao skywalk a spectacular 580m high cliff walk, an invigorating climb up Pico Ruivo (Madeira's highest point), Whale and dolphin watching and for the really adventurous there's canyoning (travelling through river canyons either swimming or abseiling or rafting expect to get wet!). To get beyond Funchal you can easily hire a car or book a taxi. There are also tour bus companies and the public bus system.
When it comes to shopping, Funchal has a wonderful mix of European high street and local stores. Embroidery, Wicker, Wine and Flowers are the mainstays of the local artisan shops and the experience is made all the more enjoyable as you soak in the atmosphere of the colonial architecture and small town feel.
The Floating Garden that is Madeira awaits the jaded traveller with open arms.
3* Dorisol Estrelicia
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Highlights
- Swimming Pool
- Kids Pool
- Air Conditioning
- Near Restaurants
- WiFi
- Massage
- Gym
- Entertainment
- Golf
- Tennis
- Playground
- Room Service
Location
This hotel lies on a hillside in the centre of the resort just 200 m from the beach. Shops, bars and restaurants are all located in the hotel's vicinity (100 m away), links to the transport network are also just steps away (50m) and the popular lido swimming pool is just 400 m away. The nearest nightclub is easily reached within walking distance, around 1 km away, the centre is a short trip with the hotel bus, roughly 2 km away, and Funchal airport is a 30-minute drive away.
Facilities
The hotel has 148 double rooms, which are located on 11 storeys and are reachable by lift. Guests are warmly welcomed by multilingual staff (English, German, French) at the 24-hour reception desk in the lobby. Check-in/check-out service is available round the clock. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a drinks machine. Wireless internet access (for a fee) allows guests to stay connected while on holiday. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a newspaper stand, a TV room and a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the car park. Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car hire service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, an alarm call service, a laundry service, a hairdresser and a coin-operated laundry. A bicycle hire service provides all the necessary equipment for exploring the surrounding area. A fax machine is available for guests' business needs.
Rooms
Air conditioning, central heating and a fan ensure that rooms maintain comfortable temperatures. Guests can enjoy the garden view from a balcony or terrace. Extra beds can be requested. A safe, a minibar and a desk are also available. Guests will also find a mini fridge included among the standard features. Other features include a direct dial telephone, a television with satellite/cable channels, an alarm clock and WiFi. A hairdryer and a telephone are provided in the bathrooms, which include a shower and a bathtub. Cosmetic products and a selection of towels provide additional comfort in the bathrooms. Wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are also available. The hotel has non-smoking rooms and smoking rooms.
Sports/Entertainment
The freshwater pool complex includes indoor and outdoor pools, which are in part heated, as well as a children's swimming area. Guests can treat themselves to refreshing drinks at the poolside snack bar and a relaxing soak in the hot tub. A short break or an entire afternoon on the sun terrace, which features sun loungers and parasols, is time well spent. For guests who wish to keep active, tennis and golf are available. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy water aerobics and aquafit. Guests can enjoy a wide range of indoor sports, including a gym, table tennis, billiards, darts and aerobics. A spa, a sauna and massage treatments are available in the wellness area. Additional leisure activities include an entertainment programme, live music and a dance club.
Meals
Dining facilities include a breakfast room, a café and a bar. Guests can enjoy the culinary delights of the non-smoking, air-conditioned restaurant, which provides high chairs for children. Catering options include half board and full board. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests serve themseves at the buffet or choose their preferred fare from the menu (for lunch and dinner). Diet meals and children's meals can be prepared on request. In addition, special catering options, picnics and snacks are available.
