Santa Cruz (Madeira) hotels

Pros: I was overwhelmed by the whole experience. I had paid for the airport shuttle, and was picked up with my name on a card in the company minibus and it was just me. The amount of facilities you had access to, as a guest of the hotel, was incredible-the two hotels, the sports centre, the spa, the restaurants and bars-it was amazing. My room was available to check in to, early. The receptionist went above and beyond to inform me of all opportunities. The spa was incredible and I had the best massage I've ever received. The views were breathtaking. It is a great location; not too far from Funchal-only 2.20 Euro for the bus into town. The receptionist also helped me book my whale and dolphin spotting experience, with Magic Dolphin, which was incredible. The staff could not have been more helpful or accommodating. I went at the beginning of June for a short solo break and it was perfect. I will absolutely be returning.

Pros: Very nice gesture of the hotel to upgrade us to suite knowing it was our honeymoon trip! We like the responsive and friendly staff. Views from the hotel room is amazing. Room is comfortable and good cleaning service daily.

Cons: Atlantis restaurant is overrated. Breakfast spread is limited and food quality has plenty of room for improvement. We also tried their lunch, and disappointed with our tuna and beef fillet. Taste is meh and not worth the price and stomach space!!

Pros: The view from the hotel is just WOW! The rooms are very spacious and comfortable. Breakfast was a great with many options, and the restaurants/bars on site are incredible! I liked the variety of sun beds/lounges by the pool.

Cons: The gym was in a sister hotel across the road, would've been ideal if it were in that same building.

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

Pros: breakfast was good. staff was very friendly and helpful

Cons: I expected more for the high price the "beach" was always very crowded because the partner hotel was using it as well

Pros: Wonderful Stay and the gentlemen at the front desk was so Welcoming !! And accommodating and Great Attitude !! Breakfast was awesome , loved the all natural honey from the actual bee hive !! That was amazing !! Lovely place , highly recommend and nice location ...

Cons: Everything was awesome !!

Pros: Stayed in the Galomar (adults only) part of the hotel complex and had an amazing stay. We stayed for three nights as part of our honeymoon and have already recommended the hotel and the location to many of our friends.

Cons: Not much to not like really, a most enjoyable experience.

Pros: Being a small hotel it doesn't feel crowdy despite being at full capacity

Cons: Despite having booked almost 8 months in advance was placed on the first room nearest to the entrance and therefore a very noisy room

Pros: We stayed for here for our honeymoon, and it was the best stay ever! the hotel is very modern, environmental friendly, has all facilities in mint condition, food is great too! the bonus part, our room was full ocean view! massive door which let us enjoy the outdoor scenery to the max! loved every minute of it!...having said all this...we constantly miss our room & view! I'll recommend it to everyone!

Cons: Breakfast starts at 8, most tours we did picked us at 8.20 from the hotel, breakfast was in a rush from our end, perhaps if they can start it at 7.30 it could be better....but its just 1 minor thing...still survived :D

Pros: I honestly liked everything about the property. Rooms are spacious with an amazing ocean view. Beds are comfortable. AC works perfectly with almost no noise. Infinity pool and Spa sections are incredible. Taking into account that sauna was always empty I enjoyed it every day. Breakfast is for Portuguese standards excellent. So much variety and what is most important it was freshly made and very tasty. I was looking forward to it every morning. Restaurant and Bar/Lounge area are also very comfortable and offer a beautiful view with a delicious menu. Hotel and Restaurant Staff was extremely friendly, we really found Duarte Santos helpful with every facet of our visit. Also cleaning staff (I believe her name was Sonia) was so kind and made our stay as comfortable and clean as possible. We really appreciated patience, kindness and care that we have encountered in this hotel.

Cons: N/A I really enjoyed every aspect of this hotel.

Pros: Very nice hotel with big rooms equiped with kitchen. Stunning gardens around. It is a place to stay there all the time. Clean swimming pool, good restaurants and very nice, warm and helpful staff. Located 10 mins away from Funchal and the airport. Easy to reach the west, east and north of the island from there. We will repeat as soon as possible.

Cons: Leaving

Pros: Even the very mediocre weather couldn't spoil our pleasure at visiting the quinta once more.

Cons: The weather!!

Pros: Beautiful hotel surrounded amazing botanical pleasures. Awesome scenery and views of ocean and sunrise. Excellent facilities and customer service.

Pros: The location in the centre of Canico was excellent. The hire car parking was inside and the ground floor apartment was very suitable for our use of a folding mobility scooter. We particularly liked the botanical garden tour which has over 1,000 species of trees, plants and shrubs from around the world. Having stayed here previously some 15 years ago, it was nice to see the additional apartments, large patio areas now completed with a perfect vista out to sea.

Cons: The apartment was spacious, well laid out, with full kitchen facilities, kitchen appliances, oven and hob (if required) to be self sufficient but one thing missing was a microwave cooker.

Pros: I loved the whole stay. The staff were very friendly and the grounds were amazing. The spacious spa was a plus.

Cons: The breakfast was expensive at €17 and the hot selection was very poor.

Pros: Room service ,was excellent and so was the Restaurant amnd staff

Pros: This was our fourth stay, this time we had a room overlooking the pool, which I think is the nicest we've had. The hotel grounds are very pleasant to wander around. We like the location in Canico, with good bus connections to Funchal and elsewhere.

Cons: I don't think you can be held responsible for the weather - but the rainbows were nice!

Pros: The hotel facilities, location, views, food, spa, garden and staff were amazing - 1st class.

Cons: Although the location was stunning, Canico is very quiet and does not have much to walk to as an alternative to the hotel.

Cons: The apartment was cold (it was February). Parking was an extra charge & a hassle every night. Breakfast was expensive for Madeira.

Pros: Nice breakfast, close to water, no beach, good views

Cons: Dinner was buffet only, no order off menu, so have no idea when food was cooked, what it is and I would like it, and who else handled it. Not the healthiest meal. We ate dinner out every night. Everything was extra money, like the safe.

Pros: They allowed us to check-in early without requesting beforehand. They were friendly and helpful at check-in in making activity recommendations. They allowed for early morning check-outs as well. Bus stop near by.

Cons: We had a pretty early flight, in which they allowed us to check-out when needed. However, our reservation also includes breakfast. They told us they could have a small breakfast ready for us in the morning at check-out. We were not expecting a huge spread so early in the morning, but we were told we could serve ourselves in the restaurant and they had left out American toast bread, ham, and cheese (all covered by plastic wrap). The cheese and meat were room temperature at best. They could at least have offered cereal or fruit that doesn’t have to be kept cold. We didn’t need anyone to serve us, but this was unacceptable. We would have been happier being told they couldn’t provide breakfast so we could prepare our own from the supermarket. Definitely NOT four star hotel material.

Cons: Pictures on the website do not reflects the actual hotel. Old furniture, Old sheet, safe with no combination lock, paper thin room door with huge gap. Therefore we were able to hear every single noise. Room lacks four star hotel amenities like slippers, bathrobe, daily complimentary water refill. Always cold and untasty breakfasts. Unpleasant and unhelpfull staff. Housekeeping to early before end of breakfast. Pool cleaning during breakfast hours in front of guests. We do not recommend this hotel but if you want to relive the 90s it is perfect hotel for you.

Pros: The swimming pool was fantastic - great temperature and amazingly clean.

Cons: It was a bit quiet in the evenings. I preferred going to the Bistro by the roundabout just up the road.

Pros: Very kind and helpful staff (Our family member had an accident in mountains and a guy from reception contacted rescue service. He made sure they found her and he kept me updated about the whole rescue operation. A big thank you!). I also liked the sauna and the heated pool (inside the hotel) - perfect for those chilly days. Breakfast was good as well.

Pros: Good breakfast buffet Staff happy to help

Cons: Entertainment poor

Pros: Location staff food Spa

Cons: Beach cleanliness gym pool table pool

Pros: nice hotel, on the beach, which is rarely on Madeira. Food is lovely, all the rooms have the seawiev. I asked for room on higher floor and the sea wiev from my balcony was spectacular. There is also very good bus connection to Funchal.

Pros: Fantastic view from the balcony. Good breakfast. Large room. Nice well kept garden.

Cons: If onee wants to be picky the fruit at breakfast could have been more interesting considering the wide variety of fruit found on the island.

Pros: Good location, close to Funchal

Cons: SPA is closing at 8 PM. This is really too early!

Pros: location

Pros: Beautiful ocean view from the room, nice personnel, comfy beds, very clean, great location

Pros: Safety ,facilities,confort simplicity and good taste. Sugest:focus to work independently from attached lamp by bed side.

Cons: noise from air extractor in bathroom

Pros: Wonderful view from the apartment with ocean view. Quiet and clean rooms and surroundings. Very delicious breakfast with big variety. Spacious apartments with comfortable beds.

Cons: Only shower gel, no shampoo. No body lotion. No toothpaste. No shower cap. Disturbing noise from water pipes.

Pros: Brilliant holidayp

Pros: The breakfast buffet was superb! The food selection was incredible, lots of variety from egg stations to fruits, meat, yogurt, different breads including healthy options.

Cons: Parking on the street some days a bit of a challenge, but always found a spot.

Pros: Location, ocean view, balcony, pools, breakfast

Cons: Twin bed, not double bed

Pros: - Excellent location. Hotel situation 2-minute walk from bus stop to Funchal, 2 minute walk to nearby restaurants and not even a 5 minute to the nearest Spar shop which has everything you need. - Airport transfer at additional cost: 1 Person: 18,00 € per way / 2 persons: 10,00 € per person/way. On weekends, bank holidays and between 09:00 pm and 06:00 am there is a surcharge of 20%. The journey between the hotel and airport is only 10 minutes. - Hotel twin room with balcony was the perfect size for 2 people. Beds were comfortable, there is a pillow menu should you require additional pillows. The room is equipped with a lounge chair, long desk, tv, mini fridge bar, very large wardrobe and two bedside tables. - The balcony has a table & 2 chairs, definitely large enough to sit out on - The bathroom is great. Very large shower, big basin area with 2 wall mirrors as well as a magnifying mirror. A Hairdryer is also provided as well as several bath towels. - Our room was cleaned at roughly 9am each day, which for us was perfect! We were in the room one of the mornings and the lady who came in to clean was very thorough but also very quick. - The beds were comfortable and there were additional blankets in the wardrobe if needed. - There was also an aircon monitor (which we didn’t need to use) in the room. - The TV came with TV channel list of availability which was super helpful (several channels in English/German/Portuguese). Included BBC Entertainment, TLC and ENews. You could also log in to your own Netflix account via the TV, which was a great addition! - Hotel facilities are perfect. The gym facilities are included in your stay, a great perk! As are the exercises classes, of which there are several in the morning and afternoon to choose from. Definitely take advantage of this – classes range from Body and Soul (Yoga/Pilates) to Body Pump and Spin. - As guest we also had the use of the Galomar hotel next door which included the Spa area.

Cons: - Given that the hotel distance from the airport was only 10 minutes, the airport transfer fee should be included in your stay!

Pros: The breakfast selection was very good. The views were lovely. Beds were comfy. Room was a good size.

Cons: We didn't like the fact that we weren't told when we booked that there would be renovations going on so it was quite noisy and not relaxing. We could use the facilities of the neighbouring hotel but that wasn't what we were expecting. Not many sun beds that were actually in the sun.

Pros: Probably one of the best holiday resorts I've been to. Beautiful location, excellent service, wonderful clean rooms and any facility available that one could wish for.

Pros: very friendly and good value for money. Would go again

Pros: hotel staff is very competent and very friendly, location for sports activities is great (hiking, mountain biking, gym, diving ...), breakfast is very good

Pros: The room was comfortable with a lovely sea view. The breakfast was really good with lots of different choices on offer.

Pros: The gym/sports facilities are very good. The sauna/spa area is very useful after a day of walking. Swimming in the sea. Breakfast is very good.

Cons: Facilities are rather spread out and involve crossing public areas.

Pros: The variety of activities supplied by the hotel.

Cons: A kitchenette would have been perferred and/or a fridge for our use as opposed to a stocked mini-bar.

Pros: The hotel was well organized and I had the change to relax a lot because of the plenty physical body activities.

Cons: I couldn't find shampoo in the bathroom, there was only one product for body and hair, a four star hotel has to provide nice different products for body and hair.

Pros: sea view, staff service

Cons: very old furniture, ancient leaking shower in the room, tough pancakes, awful coffee and half-done omelette for breakfasts

Pros: Hotel location, breakfast and health center.

Cons: Furniture and plumbing!!! Hotel definitely needs new furniture and renewal of plumbing accessories.

Pros: The room was perfect and the view was very good

Cons: There was a lot of olg germans, no young people at all. I also recomend to make tea/coffee facilities in the room free

Pros: swimming safely directly accessible in the Atlantic

Cons: quality of the coffee at breakfast

Pros: Staff were all very pleasant and helpful. Sea views and different levels for sunbathing with some fairly private. Able to find a sheltered spot on windy days.

Cons: Bed was rather hard.

Cons: New years eve and no fire works..!?!? Realt bad

Pros: Room clean and comfortably large, furniture and bed super. Food good quality but clearly mass catering (all self serve). Facilities (potential) good, but this was February and weather restricted use of outside! Free bus to Funchal.

Cons: Breakfast choices very good, but why do hotels with a large number of UK guests never get the cooked breakfast right? To be fair I'm not a fan of most hotel cooked b'fasts!

Pros: We loved our 3 nights at Royal Orchid, staff very very professional and clean, specifically mrs Augusta da Silva. Will come back and recommend to our friends.

Pros: location

Cons: bad wifi connaction

Pros: Good & clear studio room. Nice kitchen area.

Cons: Decor is very 'tired', both inside and out. Limited food choice. Too many stairs.

Pros: I liked much to swim in the atlantic ocean, but also the jacuzzi and the indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Pros: breakfast very good

Cons: no facilities for children pool closure with no previous notification. Overcharged for extra bed in room although this be a mistake by booking

Pros: Staff very friendly and good service, access to the sea for swimming, good gym and massage etc. Opted for sea view and it was fantastic

Pros: The views from sea view room, Lee Hamilton restaurant onsite and able to walk out for other bars and restaurants etc, the pool outside and in, the staff very friendly and helpful, room cleaned every day and towels etc changed very regularly

Cons: Photos of hotel from sea obviously old as a lot of sunbathing, areas to sit etc unused and quite worn looking, paintwork in some areas needed attention

Pros: The breakfast buffet was excellent and well worth the money. It was great to be able to use the facilities at the hotels and the shuttle bus to Funchal.

Cons: The beds were a bit firm!

Pros: Location. Access to ocean.

Cons: -

Pros: Very professional personnel

Cons: Too warm into the room, need AC

Pros: The staff were so friendly . We were welcomed with a glass of Madeira. . The terrace overlooking the ocean was spectacular , and the dinner delicious , especially S we were given a wine voucher !

Cons: Nothing

Pros: Amazing location

Cons: Grumpy waiter

Pros: Welcome drink. Big spacy room with small equipt kitchen. We left early, so lady brought us a breakfast the evening before. You can order dinner on beautiful terace.

Cons: The rooms are far from the reception (different streets). Very bad view (towards the wall of the room in front). Parking place is somewhere in the street. Far from the sea.

Pros: Good location, nice staff.

Cons: Apartment was further from the reception and main hotel about 200 meters. Breakfast - no variety. Apartment needs renovation- toilet broken, insekts (small ants in the kitchen), the shutters do not close in the bedroom, not all electrical sockets work, and the main important thing- strong chlorine odor, that we could not air. It was probably used for the pull disinfection.

Pros: Good staff, food and location

Cons: Dated property, needs modernizing, dodgy electrics, no heating in pool, noisy appliances

Pros: So close to the sea. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Cons: Noise from building going on around.

Pros: Amazing breakfast, the perfect sea view from the room :) Nice atmosphere and plenty of activities close by

Pros: Beautiful views, Nice room, a lot of facilities out and indoor swimming pools, restaurant, bar with happy hour service, terrasses

Cons: Many steps

Pros: Beautiful sea views. Interesting layout on several levels.

Pros: The staff were friendly and polite. Breakfast was good. A few areas of the hotel and gardens are very lovely.

Cons: It was ok.

Pros: Good, basic hotel

Cons: Room was quite a way uphill from reception if you've heavy bags

Pros: The view And thé swiming pool !

Cons: À lot of notice during thé night !

Pros: - pool areas

Cons: - no Wi-Fi inside the room

Pros: we spent only 1 night, for longer vacation we would choose an another accomondation. For us i recommend Quinta Splendida.

Cons: No fridge, breakfast, nothing special. No restaurant, no bar after 6pm

Cons: There is no wi-fi in the room

Pros: Nice breakfast helpful staff great pools

Cons: Nothing at all

Pros: Big size beds, bathroom and rooms. Some off them with fridge for free. Very clean

Cons: Closet furniture need an upgrade asap. There's no Wi-Fi in the rooms. There's no car park on the hotel, and almost none near the hotel, and the ones that exists are all paid. Breakfast should have more healthy variations. There should be a fruit selection bigger than 3 fruits and they should be peeled. Also milk, cheese, cakes etc without lactose for intolerants.