Hotel Quinta Mirabela

Built in 1888 and recently transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel, Estalagem Quinta Mirabella is set high on a hill above Funchal Bay, two kilometres from the town centre. This seven-floor hotel features 24 air-conditioned guestrooms featuring contemporary decor, with stone floors, dark wood furniture, bold fabrics and bright prints on the walls. All rooms are equipped with direct- dial telephones, satellite television, minibars in-room safes and Internet connections (surcharge). Bathrooms include showers, bidets, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms have balconies with views over the bay.

Guests can relax on sun loungers around the large outdoor pool and enjoy a drink and a snack from the poolside bar. The hotel houses a well-equipped gym, and guests are invited to work up a sweat in the Turkish bath and sauna or enjoy a massage in the treatment room. The O Refugio do Monte restaurant serves a fusion of local Madeiran specialities and international classics, with tables outside in summer. After a leisurely meal, guests can enjoy a cocktail in Stephen's Bar, try a game of billiards, or browse the complimentary Internet in the lobby. A free shuttle bus runs between the hotel and the city centre from Monday to Friday. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk are on hand to exchange currency and provide room service. Free garage parking is available for guests arriving by car. Funchal town centre is two kilometres away, and sporting guests will find the Palheiro Golf Course seven kilometres from the hotel. The closest airport is Funchal Madeira International, which is 20 kilometres away and can be reached by car in approximately 20 minutes.