Les Suites at The Cliff Bay

Having stayed many times at the Cliff Bay hotel which is excellent, we chose Les Suites as a treat for a 10 day stay in November. We are now hooked so will have to return! Beautiful, spacious suites, very quiet hotel. Fab breakfast with excellent service. We did not have dinner as we prefer to walk out into town and try different places. We did go into the Cliff Bar at the Cliff Bay next door most evenings for a nightcap via the internal walkway, very handy. Not a cheap stay but well worth the expense.

After making our reservation we received helpful advice to plan our 5-night visit. We reserved the transfers recommended which were quick and comfortable with Paulo. We took a day tour of South/East Madeira through Paulo, very enjoyable and scenic. We were welcomed with an arrival drink and escorted to our room (41) with a garden terrace, comfortable seating under cover and in the garden it has a clear sea view. We ordered breakfast by phone and it arrived within 30 minutes, but could have pre-ordered. The menu(s) are extensive, almost confusing the fruit plate was large enough for two. The Cliff Bay Hotel is adjacent to Les Suites and is connected for easy access and has facilities of a large hotel. Cliff Bay, is quiet in November, has access to the sea level via a lift in the gardens. The mid level was closed for updates but the lowest level was a very nice and a good option for lunch and was popular with many guests. Four of our breakfasts were at Avista, only 1 outside as the weather was not cooperative. The options are plentiful and fresh. The seating outside of the Avista restaurant has just the right feel for before/after dinner drinks.   Two dinners at Avista (Vegetarian Innovation with wine pairing – truly memorable), we made a second reservation to try a la carte, which was also stunning. We visited Reid’s Palace restaurant ‘Villa Cipriani’ (next door) which has a nice atmosphere, the staff were excellent, but was expensive for fairly standard dining. They surprised us with a small cake for our anniversary, which was perfect. Post dinner we enjoyed a drink on the terrace at Reid’s, great views. Overall we found Avista a better experience for dinner, but suggest you take a stroll to Reid’s to enjoy the history and terrace. At the recommendation of Les Suites we used the local bus (#48) only a few euro, cash only, to Monte to visit the Monte Palace Gardens. It avoids the long wait for the cable car (as large cruise ships were in port). Well worth your time. The #48 bus is probably for the thrill seekers, the famous toboggan sleds are quite tame in comparison. Scream and the driver will probably go faster. The trip is around 30 minutes. We used the cable car for our return and later a 10 euro taxi to Les Suites. We walked into Funchal fairly easy and arrives at the seafront which is pleasant. The main town is pleasant to explore and enjoy lunch drinks etc. The rain was due so we used a taxi to return. The only regret we had was that our stay was too short. We began to consider the logistics of staying longer. Sadly we could not, but Les Suites certainly delivers for us and a return will have to compensate for our error not planning more time away.

This is an amazing place to stay. We loved staying in a garden suite. Everything was good. The staff are friendly and Avista restaurant was really good. It was our 30th wedding anniversary and we were spoilt with champagne and flowers it was a wonderful stay

This trip was to celebrate a special occasion, so it was a delight that we were upgraded to Les Suites. Staff were lovely and efficient and the environment was everything we could have wished for. We will return.

Nothing to criticise here, we enjoyed a really good stay. Les Suites is situated adjacent to its ‘big brother’ hotel, the Cliff Bay. There are only 23 suites meaning that you can enjoy the seclusion and privacy of a small hotel environment and yet have easy access to the pools, restaurants and other amenities next door. As for the Suites area itself, it has a great outdoor space with plenty of sun beds, a large infinity pool, snack bar, outdoor jacuzzi and stunning views of the Bay and nearby central Funchal. It’s a very calm, peaceful place to relax. All the suites look to be of a high standard. We booked a duplex suite - it was huge with 2 bathrooms and two balconies and comfortably furnished. The fundamentals were spot on : a very comfy bed, a powerful shower and easy to use tea and coffee making facilities. All the added extras were appreciated - free soft drinks, a daily fruit basket, a nightly turn-down service and a complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival. Breakfast was served at Les Suites own restaurant, Avista. It’s high quality with plenty of choice and the option of eating ‘al fresco’ to take in the breathtaking views and the last of the sunrise. We also had two evening meals in Avista which were both excellent. Worth booking in advance as it's a very popular venue. We also ate in the Rose Garden at the Cliff Bay and the more informal,Il Basilico Italian restaurant, a 15 minute walk away at another Porto Bay hotel - both were very good. Three, more things to highlight. First, without exception, all the staff at Les Suites were brilliant : friendly, polite and professional. They matched the atmosphere of their surroundings. Second, if applicable, well worth joining the Prestige club. It costs nothing but we enjoyed a 10% discount off all drinks and meals at all Porto Bay venues and, over a week, this made a real difference. Third, we didn’t use the fitness area or the spa but they looked in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There’s also a cinema room, showing films and live sport, and a library and games room. To sum up, this is unquestionably a 5 star review and would highly recommend. It was our first visit to Madeira and we’ll almost certainly be back. We won’t spend any time looking at alternatives to Les Suites.

We visit Les suites twice a year and are never disappointed, wish we could visit more and for longer . We’ve stayed in the suites and the duplex both are fabulous! We love breakfast , the whole team are fabulous but Marlene (sorry if that’s not correct but think you’ll know who I mean) always know where we like to sit and what we like ❤️ If you’re thinking about visiting stop thinking and just go you’ll not regret it 👌🏼 See you again soon 💕

please see review from before as I need to relax and enjoy the feeling ... finding my perfect holiday destination and same team to make our stay PERFECT