Hotel Do Carmo.

I chose this hotel based on the tripadvisor reviews I had read. Location:- It's in a good central location not too far from the Mercado and the cable car and has spectacular views from the rooftop terrace. Swimming pool areas:- there are ample sunbeds on a rooftop sunbathing terrace, and the level below has the swimming pool which is a good size and further sunbeds, together with alcoves in the shade with tables and chairs. Reception:- open 24 hours and very friendly. On arrival you are greeted with a glass of prosecco. Rooms:- we had a room with a balcony on the 4th floor, there isn't much of a view although we could just about see the front of a cruise ship, and a view up the mountain. The room is spotlessly clean but very basic and like the rest of the hotel all of the woodwork is a dark brown which gives it a very dated look. There are no tea or coffee making facilities or bottles of water. The bathroom is a bath with shower over which was very good and nice hot water, small sachets of shampoo/shower gel so do take your own. Daily maid service and I was happy that they were not trying to get into the room early in the morning to clean, in fact we didn't see a maid at all, even in the corridors, during our stay. Breakfast:- the breakfast itself was very good, a choice of 3 cereals, homemade yoghurts, bowl of freshly made fruit salad, fruit bowl with apples, bananas and oranges. A variety of breads, croissants, bread rolls and cake, and some small squared of french toast, good selection of jams, honey and nutella. There was salad, meats and cheese and the hot food consisted of scrambled eggs, boiled eggs and a choice of either sausages or bacon. There was a machine for tea or coffee and a selection of juices and prosecco. What would make this hotel better? There were no facilities for drinks in the room, unless you went to the bar itself, so a couple of bottles of water in the room or a vending machine selling drinks and snacks would be a good idea. The breakfast room is very dark and while we were there 13-16 December they were playing very sombre and quite loud classical music and hymns during breakfast, which wasn't to my taste. I felt like I was eating my breakfast in church. It's a hotel based on a sixties theme, it would have been so uplifting to have some sixties music playing quietly in the background. The tables weren't cleared at breakfast until you left, so it would have been nice for the waitress to come and clear things away.

This was a quirky and very good hotel with 1960 themed rooms and many antiques from that era with excellent, friendly staff and fantastic location. The breakfasts were good with plenty of variety and local fruit and breads.

I stayed at this hotel for 1week in mid July on a Jet2 holiday. Situated on a quiet side street but a 5 minute walk to the mercado and centre of Funchal this was an ideal base for any type of holiday. The hotel was immaculately clean and well presented and all staff pleasant and helpful. The rooms are large as are the bathrooms - very comfortable bed and pillows and plenty of hot water with good shower pressure with efficient hairdryer. I chose to have a balcony which was a good size and looked over the street. The hotel also has a lovely rooftop pool- very clean and well kept with great views of Funchal and out to sea - and a separate sean terrace. Lounge and bar were well maintained and the outdoor garden terrace peaceful. Breakfast was excellent and the evening menu was typical of most Madeiran restaurants. A short walk will take you to local buses, tour buses and the cable car as well as sightseeing areas. I very much enjoyed my stay here and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for a holiday.

Theme of the hotel was the 60''s, which was fun. Room was clean. Balcony overlooked a road with no views so not really worth having. Good choice of breakfast. Evening meal in hotel very basic and not good value for money. Outside eating area was often used by smokers so not pleasant for non smokers. Good location to the town centre. Friendly receptionists. Pool on roof terrace is nice with great views at night but not used in the evenings, it would be good to sit and have a drink up there.