The Residence at Vila Porto Mare

The Residence is part of Vila Porto Mare which has magnificent gardens as well as five restaurants and five pools. It is like staying in the garden of Eden and deserves far more than four stars

Managed to get a very reasonably priced apartment in The Residence as part of the Porto da Mar group. Wonder full stay and food and facilities really spoilt us. Thanks to the staff.

We stayed at the Residence for a week with our 14 month old daughter in a one-bedroom apartment. The staff were all very friendly and willing to help and the hotel was amazing. The apartment was big, with a large bathroom split into two (one with a bath and sink, the other with a toilet, bidet, sink and shower. The living/dining room was also a fair size & kitchen was stocked with everything you would need for basic cooking. The bedroom was plenty big enough for the three of us, with two double beds pushed together forming one HUGE bed, plenty of drawer and hanging space and a large mirror/dressing area. The balcony was great, lovely view over the resort and sea (I'd recommend asking for a full sea view room when you book - higher levels are nice too). One of the best things for us was the black out curtains, especially with a toddler for naps! It was lovely and dark at any time of the day with them pulled. The AC worked great and was easy to control, the housekeeping staff were very pleasant and did a great job. They even washed up the few bits that we'd left by the sink, including our daughters bibs, cups etc. If you are travelling with little ones or a baby, there is an indoor play area with toys/ride-ons which was great. The pools were all lovey and clean, & indoor ones warm enough for baby. Breakfast was good, got a bit samey but plenty of choice. Free shuttle into Funchal is useful & lots of restaurants nearby. Large free car parking area if you rent a car too.

A large complex with great facilities - good pool areas and a surplus of sun loungers which is missing at many hotels. It took some time familiarising to the hotel complex layout as this complex shares restaurants and facilities with two other adjacent hotels. The map wasnt that helpful to navigate internally in the hotel but a minor point - overall the hotel was great,

We spent 9 days at this beautiful hotel in September and had a great time. The rooms are spotless and very large (if a little dated) and the facilities are second to none. Location is ideal - not in the centre of town but close enough to walk in ten minutes, Lots of restaurants and some shops nearby. The only negative is that we'd actually booked into The Residence for our stay, looking forward to a kitchenette and access to the resort's well reviewed restaurants and gardens. Two days before we were due to fly, I received an email saying our reservation (fully confirmed, paid for and 'guaranteed') was no longer available as the hotel was overbooked. We had no choice but to accept to offer of the alternative hotel as it was such short notice. Overall, if we'd booked the Cliff Bay to start with, I'd give it five stars, but the uncertainty of being moved at such short notice plus the bar and food at the Cliff Bay being that much more expensive, it gets a lower score. We also ended up with a 'garden/mountain view' room which basically looked out over the entrance to the hotel and the road. In terms of food, the breakfast was fantastic, bar food ok, buffet overpriced and disappointing

We had a great stay, our apartment was faultless, as were the grounds and facilities. Only problem we had was navigating our way around the complex, it's very confusing and signage could be better. Amazing breakfast.

We stayed at the Residence and we absolutely liked it. Nothing to complain about really. The room was massive, with everything that's needed to cook. The staff at the reception was super helpful and nice. Their command of English (and other languages such as French or German) is truly impressive. If you are still hesitating to go there, we can only recommend to go for it. You won't be disappointed.

The cleanliness and well maintained facilities are hard to fault. Good breakfast on a pleasant, shady terrace. Useful courtesy coach to Funchal, but you need to book it in advance at reception. The free wi if in the room worked fine for email etc. Well equipped kitchenette and roomy balcony with table and chairs (for 2). BBC News as well as Sky News. Effective air con. The staff clearly take pride in keeping things up to a high standard and are professional and courteous.

THe residence is a family hotel .THe staff are very helpful The music from the hotel next door and other surrounding areas was not good although it did stop at 11pm My overall experience of this hotel was good would I go back sorry it has to be a no due to the sound of the music

Great holiday and location, staff very helpful and the food was superb. It was our first time there but we have already booked to return next year.