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Where to Stay in Funchal

Where to Stay in Funchal

Funchal Portugal Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Accommodation Options

  • Hostels:

    Dormitory beds and private rooms, budget-friendly for solo travelers and backpackers. Search Hostels

  • Guesthouses (Alojamento Local):

    Smaller, family-run places with clean, comfortable rooms at good rates.

  • Hotels:

    From economical 2-star to luxurious 5-star, many with pools, spas, and sea views. Book on Booking.com | Book on Agoda | Explore IHG Hotels

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Often in historic buildings, offering unique charm and tailored experiences.

Further Options

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Apartments with self-catering facilities, good for families or longer stays. Find Rentals on Vrbo

  • Quintas (Country Estates):

    Converted traditional manor houses, offering charming, often luxurious stays with lovely gardens.

  • Camping:

    Limited facilities within Funchal. Designated campsites are mainly in nature parks elsewhere on the island.

  • House Sitting:

    An option for longer stays plus one-of-a-kind activities. Explore TrustedHousesitters

Neighborhood Guide

Funchal has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Sé City Center

Pros:
  • Central location
  • Good access to attractions
  • Wide range of dining
  • Public transport connections
Cons:
  • Can be noisy
  • Less residential
  • Fewer green spaces
  • Fewer hotel pools

Zona Velha Old Town

Pros:
  • Charming, historic district
  • Narrow cobbled streets
  • Old-style restaurants
  • Art of Open Doors project
Cons:
  • Can be very touristy
  • Loud in the evenings
  • Some streets are steep

Lido / São Martinho

Pros:
  • Modern tourist zone
  • Larger hotels, resorts
  • Popular promenade
  • Lido bathing complex
Cons:
  • Further from historic center
  • More resort-like feel
  • Less "authentic" ambiance

Consider your travel priorities when selecting a neighborhood.

Safety Note:

All listed neighborhoods are generally very safe. Normal caution applies in crowded areas for petty crime, like pickpocketing.

Monte Area:

A raised, cooler, and lush area above Funchal. Good for gardens and views, but needs cable car or bus access and has limited dining. It is a very safe area.

Booking Strategies

Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-Sept, Holidays): Book 3-6 months in advance due to high demand.
  • Shoulder Seasons (April-May, Oct-Nov): Booking 1-2 well in advance is often sufficient.
  • Low Season (Dec-Mar, non-holidays): Good deals can be found closer to travel date, but weeks in advance is still wise.
  • Trusted platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Airbnb, Vrbo. Direct hotel websites may have exclusive deals.

Policies and Fluctuations

  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not common in Funchal hotels; rare for guesthouses.
  • Always check deposit and cancellation policies carefully.
  • Costs are elevated during high season and major events. Shoulder or low season travel can offer savings.
  • Always read recent reviews before booking for a look into guest experiences.

Tip for Your Stay:

Traditional Charm:
  • For a taste of traditional Madeiran charm, look into lodging in a converted "Quinta" if your budget allows. Many present stunning gardens and historic atmosphere.
Reading Reviews:
  • Guest reviews provide valuable insights into actual guest experiences, location accuracy, and service quality.

Image Caption:

Image Description:

A laptop screen displaying a hotel booking website, symbolizing accommodation search.

Visual Focus:

The image shows a website with hotel listings and booking options.

Relevance:

Connects to the process of finding and securing places to stay.

Accommodation Recommendations

Funchal has excellent options throughout all budget levels and for various kinds of travelers.

Budget and Mid-Range

Budget <€50/night

Hostels, basic guesthouses (Alojamento Local)

  • Neighborhood: City center, slightly outside main tourist zones for value
  • Best For: Solo travelers, backpackers, budget-conscious couples
  • Amenities: Basic room, shared bathrooms (hostels), sometimes breakfast
Mid-Range €50-€150/night

3-4 star hotels, mid-range apartments, boutique guesthouses

  • Neighborhood: Lido (amenities, sea access), City center (convenience, charm)
  • Best For: Couples, families, those seeking comfort and good value
  • Amenities: Private bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi, often small pool/bar, breakfast options

Luxury and Specialized Stays

Luxury >€150/night

5-star hotels, luxury resorts, renovated quintas

  • Neighborhood: Lido (resorts, sea views), City center (historic properties, bay views)
  • Best For: Discerning travelers, special occasions, full amenities
  • Amenities: Pools, spas, multiple restaurants, concierge, sea views, high-end services
Cultural/Historical Significance

Quintas and Chic Hotels in Old Town

  • Quintas: Converted historic manor houses with lovely gardens.
  • Boutique Hotels: Restored traditional buildings in Zona Velha.

Traveler Type Focus

  • Family-Friendly Options:

    Apartment rentals (more space, kitchens) and Resort Hotels in Lido (kids' clubs, multiple pools).

  • Solo Traveler Options:

    Hostels (social areas), Guesthouses in Old Town (personal, safe), Small Boutique Hotels (welcoming).

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Apartment rentals are the most practical and cost-effective, offering kitchen facilities and a local living experience. Look for weekly or monthly discounts.

  • Wellness Focus:

    Many luxury hotels feature comprehensive spa facilities, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation.

Why a Balcony?

  • Morning Views:

    Enjoy your morning coffee overlooking Funchal Bay.

  • Spectacular Scenery:

    Funchal's views are spectacular, and a balcony lets you savor them.

  • Fresh Air:

    A private outdoor space for fresh air and relaxation.

  • Photo Opportunities:

    Capture stunning photos of the bay and city any time at all.

Image Caption:

Description:

A luxurious hotel room with a balcony overlooking the ocean.

  • The image has a modern, well-appointed room.
  • The focus is on the inviting balcony space.
Relevance:

Illustrates a recommended accommodation type for its comfort and scenic views.

  • It visually supports the idea of enjoying Funchal's spectacular views.
  • Highlights a feature of higher-end stays.

Additional Notes

Self-Catering:

Apartment rentals often include kitchens, offering flexibility with meals and potential cost savings.

Accessibility:

Check with properties directly regarding accessibility features if you have specific needs, as Funchal's terrain can be hilly.

Location vs. Price:

Properties further from the city center or Old Town often present better value, with good bus connections to main areas.

Where to Stay in Funchal. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation