Decided to go to Madeira? The perfect choice! But there's one more responsible decision to make, which could determine the rhythm of your whole holiday - the hotel. Although Madeira is not a large island and it is possible (and recommended!) to explore the whole of it during your holiday, the hotel you choose becomes an important starting point for your holiday. Daiva Strumskienė, Sales Manager at tour operator Itaka, shares her tips on how to choose the right hotel for your tastes.
Expecting a five-star holiday? You'll find it "Meliá Madeira Mare Resort & Spa"
The most popular in terms of value for money is the five-star "Meliá Madeira Mare Resort & Spa" Hotel in Funchal's Lido area. It has been awarded the special ITAKA BURE nomination for the highest quality of service for several years.
In addition to elegant and stylish rooms, the oceanfront hotel offers delicious dining in one of its two restaurants, Mare Nostrum or Il Massimo, and refreshments in the La Luna and Ilheu bars. The exclusive Malo Clinic Spa should also be mentioned. It has 7 treatment rooms, an indoor pool with hydromassage and 2 cascades, a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, Vichy shower, Scottish shower and chromotherapy.
Sasha, who lives here, emphasises that this hotel is special. Sasha is the hotel's falcon, who protects tourists from pesky birds.
Love city life and the mysteries of museums? Choose a boutique hotel in the heart of the capital "Castanheiro Boutique"
If you want to feel the pulse of Madeira's life during your holiday, you should stay in the island's capital, Funchal. Here, in historic 18th-century buildings, is an exclusive four-star hotel "Castanheiro Boutique". All the capital's top attractions can be reached on foot from this hotel. Museums are just 300 metres away, the harbour and the oceanfront promenade are just half a kilometre away, and the Botanical Gardens are about 3 kilometres away.
"Castanheiro Boutique" special not only because of what's nearby, but also because of what's inside. Small and cosy in the heart of the Old Town, the hotel has a tasteful interior and a rooftop bar and a panoramic swimming pool to impress. So you can spend a warm and pleasant day not only swimming in the pool and sipping cocktails, but also admiring the unforgettable rooftop panorama of the Old Town. And that's not the only place to relax, the hotel has a professional spa with a hydrotherapy pool inside.
The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, while lunch and dinner are a la carte. Dinners include live music performances. This hotel is ideal for couples who appreciate cosiness, city life and romantic walks.
Do you dream of enjoying a breathtaking panorama every day? We'll take care of that for you "Madeira Panoramico"
The fact that "Madeira Panoramico" located on a hill, the reason why you can dine on the hotel's terrace and get a magnificent panoramic view of Funchal as an included bonus. The view is so spectacular that guests from other hotels and locals alike come to dine at the Paladar restaurant in this four-star hotel. The chef's excellent cuisine is not the least of the attractions for regulars and newcomers.
This hotel will particularly appeal to those who appreciate a high culture of service, helpfulness and professionalism. "Itaka's D. Strumskienė confirms that this is the perfect place to spend a special holiday in Madeira for those who appreciate quality. When choosing this hotel, you should bear in mind that it is located on a hill and the descent to the centre of Funchal is the most convenient by public or private transport.
Looking for great value for money? Follow the example of Itaka travellers directly to "Rocamar & Royal Orchid"
"Rocamar & Royal Orchid" The hotel has become one of Itaka's travellers' favourites over the past year. Located on a cliff in the south-eastern part of the island, the 4-star hotel is just 800 metres from the ocean and the closest beach is the pebbly beach of Reis Magos. For those who want even more water activities, we promise there's no shortage of them, with three swimming pools right next to the hotel - one of them carved out of the coastal rock cascades and filled with ocean water.
Another advantage of the hotel is its location. The island's capital, Funchal, is just 11 kilometres away, while Cape St. Lawrence, one of the island's most visited destinations, is 25 kilometres away. There is a bus stop close to the hotel, so you can travel comfortably even if you decide not to rent a car.
Want to get some peace from the mountains? You'll love "Monte Mar Palace"
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city during your holiday, Madeira is home to some of the most peaceful natural oases. "Itaka Sales Manager D. Strumskienė recommends a four-star hotel "Monte Mar Palace", which is located in the northern part of the island. It offers fantastic views of the ocean and mountains. As well as admiring the mountains, you will also be able to come face to face with them, with spectacular hiking routes in the north of the island.
The hotel's location away from the hustle and bustle of the city makes it suitable for those looking for a quiet and deep relaxation. It is not only the hotel's surroundings that create tranquillity, but also its interior. The Montado Restaurant is located in this hotel and offers regional, Portuguese and international cuisine.
With a large freshwater swimming pool of almost 300m² and a smaller children's pool, the hotel offers a great atmosphere for couples and families with children.
Daiva Strumskienė
Sales Manager
www.itaka.lt
English 
Lithuanian