Pestana Royal

Matt G

This is most definitely not a 5-star hotel, at best 2 to 3 stars. We had a lovely 7 nights in a hotel which was rated four stars and was a much, much nicer hotel (modern, clean, no cockroaches, nice food etc.). My partner and I were staying for two nights due to a cancellation of all flights (weather) and this was the hotel Jet 2 arranged. In hindsight, I wish I had just booked my own accommodation. The first room when we arrived had a very strong moldy smell and had bird poo all over the balcony. The bathroom was also moldy and about two plug sockets it the room. My partner is pregnant, so we asked to change due to the potential health issues. The staff were very helpful and moved us to another room. This room was a little musty but not as bad. However, we then had ants and cockroaches to attend with, so I guess they probably have no good rooms. The hotel is very dated, and needs a refit (starting with the bedrooms). I am not a fussy eater, but the food was terrible. As stated in other reviews, the only good point going for the hotel is the staff. The outdoor space and gardens were nice and good access to the beach. I would not repeat not book this hotel. Also, if your flight gets canceled, definitely book your own hotel room. I can see why the airlines book this at a rock bottom price.

Barbora Veselá

Beautiful traditional hotel in a fantastic location with amazing views of the ocean. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, and really made our stay feel warm and welcoming. It’s close to Funchal and the hotel offers a free shuttle twice a day. There are buses going to different towns around the island too, which makes it easy to explore. The food was excellent every day (especially the desserts) and breakfasts were made extra special by live music every morning – guitar or piano – which added a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. Room service was excellent too! The hotel is suitable for everyone: elderly guests, young couples and families. There are several pools, plenty of sun loungers, a mini golf, a tennis court, and even a simple spa and a gym. I loved how close it was to the beach, with an elevator leading down the cliff straight to the sea – very convenient, and the waves were great fun! The only minor issues were a slight damp smell in the cupboards (all my clothes smelled even after arriving home and washing the clothes in the washing machine...), and the coffee, which wasn’t great – if you’re a coffee lover, you’ll probably want to find a café outside the hotel. Overall, we had a wonderful week, met lovely people, and left with great memories. I’d definitely recommend this hotel and will happily return!

Louise Jones

Stunning hotel. We were fortunate to be able to stay here when our flight home from Funchal was grounded due to high winds. The hotel lobby certainly has the wow factor and it also has beautiful gardens that stretch down to the pool and jacuzzi areas. It is also close to the beach, which has black sand. The hotel is all inclusive and the food is amazing. When we stayed, the theme was French cuisine and there was plenty of choice and lots for us to eat as vegans. Everything was delicious and fresh. The staff made sure our wine glasses were always topped up. There is also a bar where the entertainment takes place and this has a cocktail bar as well as self serve areas and a snack bar. We enjoyed the board games and musical entertainment. The indoor pool was a bit cold but we enjoyed our swim and the sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. The rooms were very clean and well maintained. Our balcony overlooked the beautiful garden. Thank you for looking after us during a difficult situation and making us feel like welcome guests. The staff were all so kind to us.

Chris Adams

We stayed in room 606 which was a lovely large room with a large balcony and a great view.its easy to nit pick and point out areas which overall are not quite perfect, but the staff were lovely and very helpful, especially in the restaurants. The breakfasts were truly excellent with everything you could think of available. The evening meals were very good also , truly excellent salads and fantastic deserts . The location of the hotel is very good , about a 1 mile walk into Funchal which we liked very much . Walk in then get the bus back . There is a very good shopping centre about 300 metres towards Funchal and on the other side of the road. Overall I would give this hotel a 5 star rating and we were sad to go home.

Sam Snook

We stayed here for a week from December 19-26. We are an American gay couple who have only been to one other all-inclusive, in Mexico. I would rate this a strong 4 star property when comparing it to the Mexican and Caribbean resorts we’ve stayed at. Great: -The common spaces, grounds, landscaping and staff were all very nice and accommodating. -because we arrived on a Friday, the hotel was full until Saturday and we were put in a suite (as purchased) but on the perimeter with a partial view for that night. We asked to be moved and they obliged for the next day. We ended up with a suite with a terrific view on the interior of the property. -everything is included; alcohol, wine and beer. Coffee stations and tubs of wine and champagne are everywhere. People could help themselves to everything but spirits. Good: -For the winter, the sun was plentiful, we had 3 hours more daylight than London, which was wonderful, and the high was about 60 every day, but clear. Great to lay out, too cold for us to swim, but really nice to be outside. To my knowledge, none of the pools were heated, at least not warm enough to “hang out” but a lot of people took a quick dip. -value was terrific, considering everything that is included. No up charges, nothing not included, none of the “exclusive floor” BS I hate about other resorts. Just OK: -the rooms are comfortable, but showing some age. I liked that the decor is on the classic side, and certainly very clean, but this is a well loved property. Not Great: -we paid a premium for the Christmas Eve dinner, which was compulsory, and it was the same food and drink, but with tablecloths and timed entry, which guests were ridiculously impatient for. It seemed like a money grab, to be honest. -the beds are hard. Incredibly hard. We feel ready for tatami mats. I usually slept on the couch. -there was a leak in our tub, but it was next to a drain in the floor, so maybe it’s supposed to? Anyways, lots of sopping up water. General Information: -although there are two restaurants with wait service, you have to sign up for them at a kiosk in the lobby, and there isn’t always availability. The food was generally better there. -the main restaurant is very nice looking, and they have a lot of variety. It is buffet style, but drinks are served by (very nice) wait staff. There is a long stretch of “feeding time” between 7:30-mid-afternoon, they close to prepare dinner, and then reopen in the evening. You can get snacks and food in the interim at the pool/outside bars. -music/karaoke goes to 11pm which is loud, but then people can stay in the central area. The staff seemed to clear them out at 1:00am, but it was Christmas Eve, so it was festive. We could hear it from our room, but it wasn’t horrible because it’s vacation! -we don’t mind kids, but this is definitely a family destination. -we stayed in a suite, which by design includes a living room/kitchenette and a bedroom. There is an adjoining room to the living room, and the noise bleed is really bad. On the bedroom side of the wall, we couldn’t hear our neighbor at all. I think all suites are like this, so it’s not a bad thing, as there’s nothing to do about it! -there is no one at the desk of the Magic Spa, as the receptionists are the aestheticians, so just email them off the QR code. -if you want late checkout, it’s €10 per hour, a good value if you ask me. I assume this is subject to availability. -as gays, we felt incredibly comfortable and welcomed. Lots of families, lots of different cultures and ages, and no one gave us a second glance.