Hotel Catedral

Superb value hotel right in the centre of Funchal with fabulous friendly, helpful staff. The room (501) was large and airy with a huge balcony overlooking the mountains. The beds were firm and comfy, the bath and shower hot and high pressured and everything was spotlessly clean. Also, a very good buffet breakfast.

Brilliant location in central Funchal, a short walking distance from airport bus stop 6 on Avenida do Mer and close to main sights and many shops, cafes and restaurants. Excellent value We booked directly with the hotel. Rates vary according to the time of year and whether it is a festival time. Very helpful and accommodating reception staff. They have information about local trips and can book these for you. There is a 24 hour concierge so it felt very safe. There are 5 floors of rooms, standard and superior. We were in 502, on floor 5, a 'superior' room which had a lovely small private terrace overlooking the mountains at the back of the hotel. There is also a larger communal terrace on this floor at the front of the hotel with wonderful views of the Cathedral and surrounding area and the harbour. It was fascinating watching the cruise ships come in and out almost every day. The lift is quick and efficient. 502 is a good sized room with two single beds pushed together (see previous review), a desk, two chairs, TV with some English programmes, ample storage, plenty of coat hangars, a small fridge, safe (10 euros extra + 5 euros refundable key deposit), a good clean bathroom with bath, shower over bath and bidet, hairdryer and good magnifying mirror. Wi-Fi and air-con were good. No noticeable noise when we were there either externally or internally. NB No tea making facilities in the room. Very good choice of food at the buffet breakfast which was included in the price. There was always a lovely variety of bread, rolls and pastries which varied from day to day and fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, cheese and ham as well as boiled or scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages and a variety of teas, coffees and juice. Everything was replenished constantly and very clean. The only negative as has been mentioned in previous reviews is that the restaurant area is small and it felt uncomfortably awkward. However the positives far out weigh this negative and this hotel definitely merits 5/5.

The location was excellent, very central but we had difficulty locating the hotel as it is a single entrance door with reception on the mezzanine floor and rooms above. We were on the first floor. Breakfast was really good with hot and cold food and coffee or tea made for you but you have to collect. Rooms cleaned everyday and staff very nice. Being central nights were a bit noisy (we slept around 23.00) but could still here noise from the streeet outside. Two days after we arrived the local council decided to erect 2 portable toilets directly below our room in the street which exacerbated the noise and with the toilets being cleaned at 07.00 in the morning we strongly complained to the hotel. Nothing could be done at the weekend but We saw action on the Monday and the toilets were moved further down the road so full marks to the hotel on sorting this problem for us.

This was a last minute stay. Great location by the Cathedral in the middle of the city. Staff were friendly and efficient. Breakfast was included and excellent. Room was a little sp****. ‘Double bed’ was actually 2 singles so if important please verify beforehand or at checkin