Balancal Apartments and Villas Palheiro Village by Holiday Rental Madeira

The view

Some of the appliances didn’t work like dishwasher, bidet and WiFi wasn’t great

Very comfortable accommodation (spacious as well - we had three double bed rooms for the two of us though) Well appointed, quality fittings. Great to have bathtub as well as showers. Fantastic views over to Funchal and out into the Atlantic. Great restaurant at the Golf club at the top of the complex (but a steep hike). On a very steep hill (like a lot of Madeira), so good for running if you like a lot of exertion. Hot (luke-warm, actually) tub with our apartment, plus an outdoor swimming pool in the centre of the complex (cool temperature).

There is no shop on site. Like other contributors I would advise a hire car because the bus down into Funchal is only every 30 or 60 min (cheap though). Warning: we hired a car via Booking.com from MadeiraRent who had very dubious practices, such as adding my stored signature from another document onto the one showing where any damage on the car was - BEFORE I had the chance to inspect the car (which as it turned out had damage which was not listed on what I had "signed"). Despite that I would advise hiring, but from someone else; as usual watch out for dodgy practice. Missing instructions in the booklet on how to use: TV/cable, "DVD player", Aircon, Hot tub, underfloor heating. The DVD player could not be made to work by the helpful member of staff who visited (at our request) after a couple of days to demo the appliances, and although he said that he would bring a DVD player for us that never happened - never saw him again! Lowermost apartments may have significant road noise, we didn't though.

The apartment is excellent, equipped with everything you need. The views are exceptional from both bedrooms. Check in was smooth.

Everything: the views, size, cleanliness, decor, etc.

Nothing

Very spacious place with spectacular ocean, garden and city views. Well equipped with everything you might need during your stay. Close to supermarket and pharmacy. Nice shared swimming pool uphill in the middle of the complex. Easy and clear instructions concerning checking in. Friendly facilities management to help you with questions. Highly recommend.

It is slowly getting outdated and may soon require renovation. You see it here and there all over the apartment… Swimming pool is not the cleanest. In case you would like to use a gim, it is not for free.

Location, view, cleanliness, interior design, comfortable beds, two bathrooms, personnel, very calm environment, pool towels, lovely little balconies on each of the windows

Two minor things: - Ants in the kitchen when you leave e.g. Pasteis de Nata in a paperboard container - Water heater is rather small. If four people shower one after the other, one risks running out of warm water

The location of the appartment is excellent, you have superb view on the Funchal, The apartment had everything you need and even more: all necessary staff for cooking and living, air conditioning, fireplace, amazing terrace. It was very comfortable, cosy and felt like home. On the territory of the hotel you can also visit restaurant and spa. Just perfect

Great location for golf and tennis. The view of Funchal, the sea and stars from the balcony were amazing. Views from both bedrooms, living room and main balcony. Handy for bus into town, only 2 Euros each per journey, or a taxi for around 12 Euros. Friendly and very helpful staff on estate, which are mostly up at the golf club and Casa Velha. Apartment was spacious and homely. Beds were very comfortable too.

Food is pretty expensive on the estate compared to Funchal, but very good. A car is a must, to get to the top of the estate. The door is stiff on the cleaning cupboard so thought it was locked for several days - inside is the airer, seat cushions for outside and cleaning equipment. Watch out for sharp corners on coffee table, as each one of us got scratches from it during out stay.