Quinta Jardins do Lago

This is an exceptional hotel. The staff are fantastic, the grounds are incredibly beautiful and the quality of the food is first class. One of the cleanest hotels we've ever stayed at - every surface sparkling and walls look freshly painted - even the stairwell between floors. The very highest standards of housekeeping. Breakfast is very good indeed, both in terms of the quality of the produce and the setting on a verandah or in a large Georgian style dining room with soft morning sunlight flooding through the windows. The whole of the hotel and grounds have a peaceful relaxing feel and although fully booked, did not feel crowded in the least with plenty of comfortable soft seating in the hotel and gardens, including plenty of sun loungers and a quiet pool area. Our suite was also totally silent at night - no traffic noise, no noise from other rooms and no noise from air conditioning etc - a rarity with most hotels even though the room temperature was perfect. One of our group was coeliac and it's worth noting the provision of gluten free food was, again, exceptional - a bespoke fresh bread basket including the best GF croissant our coeliac diner had ever experienced anywhere. The staff really go out of their way to accommodate anything to make the stay more comfortable. One of our group was celebrating a landmark birthday and this was noted as our passports were presented at check in (and later, we were presented with a cake, a letter from the staff and glasses of champagne!). There was live music in the bar most nights, of a genre tailored towards the older age group of guests present during our stay. The jewel in the crown is the garden. Extensive, beautiful botanical gardens, full of butterflies and even a giant Galapagos island tortoise - Colombo. The immediate setting of the grounds are the best of any hotel we've ever stayed at. A truly stress-free place to stay - quiet, relaxing and utterly beautiful, with service to match.

There is very little to criticise here. Although an ironing board is available at reception, rooms should come equipped with their own at this price point. The restaurant is a white linen tablecloth fine dining establishment with very attentive service (and prices to match). Although there is not a strict dress code, it's worth noting that diners are generally more formally dressed here (jackets, long trousers etc although there was no problem welcoming me in jeans and trainers, I did feel conspicuously more undressed than the majority of diners and it's not a place for t shirts, shorts and sandals - this may or may not be an issue for you). The daytime bistro by the pool is more casual and it would be nice to have a more casual option at night both for dining and clothing (the absence of which was the only reason for us to eat elsewhere most evenings). Quality is excellent though and I only mention this to clarify. We couldn't find any suitable bars or restaurants within short walking distance, so used Bolt to get a cab down to the marina at night (the hotel provides a free complimentary minibus shuttle up until about 6pm). The hotel is such a beautiful place though, that there is little incentive to venture anywhere else other than to seek a more casual dining experience (and menu). Finally, price has to be mentioned. Ours was a very expensive stay, although you definitely get what you pay for.

The hotel is situated in a beautiful garden approximately a 7 minute car ride from downtown. It is quiet and peaceful, and the hotel workers are very kind and helpful. Breakfast is very nice , and dinners are equally good.

We visited the hotel during the carnaval. First, excellent hotel staff that helped us in every thing we needed!!!. big and beautiful room, excellent breakfast and beautiful gardens .

Very pleasant hotel, rooms clean and comfortable, food excellent with an interesting choice of menus on full board.

My wife and I spent 9 nights here recently and we would have to agree with all the other recent reviews, everything was excellent. The hotel and its setting within the beautiful extensive garden is wonderful, as are the amazing views overlooking Funchal. It is a little way out from the centre of Funchal, but there is a shuttle bus from the hotel and it is also possible to walk to the centre, although walking back can be rather challenging as it is a very steep hill! Taxis are quite reasonable. All the hotel staff are exceptional, so helpful and friendly. Overall, we had a fantastic holiday.

Everything about the hotel was pretty much perfect. The common areas and room were spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated. Every small detail had been considered. Staff were friendly, professional and always happy to help. They stopped it was a 50th birthday for one of us and left a cake and personal letter in our room. The choices for breakfast were wide ranging and always tasty. Finally, and probably the true marvel, were the gardens; impeccably maintained with such a range of plants and trees. Highlights were the Hong Kong orchid tree, the Bismarck palm, the Jade vine and Colombo the resident Galapagos tortoise.

On our arrival at the Quinta we were most warmly welcomed and shown to our lovely room overlooking the wonderful six acres of botanical gardens. Our room was spacious with all the luxury features you could expect, lovely large bed, spacious bathroom with twin basins and all the beauty products you could wish for. The colourful gardens were a treat to explore and led down to the amazing pool with jacuzzi and sauna/ steam room ,gymnasium, all available to use. Pool dining and drinks service are available most of the day. Fine dining is available in the Beresford restaurant and bar snacks every evening with musical events on some evenings. Free courtesy transport to and from Funchal town is available throughout the day. To sum up we had a most enjoyable week at the Quinta and all the staff were so welcoming and helpful throughout the our stay, it was our fifth stay and we are already planning our next one. David & Sue Burton.

This was our 7th visit to Jardins do Lago and it certainly won't be our last. Everything about the hotel is perfect in every way - wonderful setting, wonderful gardens, wonderful staff and excellent food. Nothing is too much trouble for the team at Jardins do Lago and we wouldn't think of going anywhere else when we visit Madeira. We can't wait to go back - thank you for another fabulous stay.

This was one of THE most fabulous holidays we've ever had! If you're looking for a luxurious Winter break - look no further. Terrific staff, terrific food, terrific accommodation, terrific island tours and advice from Reception - honestly no one could have done more to make our stay perfect. Will we go back? You betcha we will.