Pestana Royal

After one hiking week we spent on the other side of Madeira we where looking for some relaxing and luxury. This was our honeymoon, so they gave us an upgrade to one of the suites on the top level. That was SO nice. Everything (except the pool bar and tables there) is spotless clean and most of the waiters from the restaurants are really nice. The pool area is also very pleasant and lovely. The hotel has a lift to the stone beach, which we thought was a nice thing. Drinks where nice, they didnt seem to be thinned with water as they do in many other all in hotels. The hotel is certainly better than many 4 stars all inclusive hotels I have been to, but if you are used to 5 star hotels, keep in mind that this hotel stays an all inclusive hotel, 5 stars or not. At least we thought it wasn't as good as a non all inclusive 5 star hotel. We had a great time in general! For us it was easy to overlook the shortcomings and would come again one day.

The staff at the pool bar where really not very friendly, especially the 'sandwich lady' made the food ordering quite uncomfortable. The tables at the pool bar were so dirty. The guests were cleaning the tables themselves, as the bar staff didnt bother. The animation team was rather disappointing. Only Sisi was very committed, funny and helpful. The coffee was awful! And the food was fine, but after a couple of days all tasted the same. The hotel could do with an extra buffet restaurant space (so you dont have to go to the same place 3 times a day). Also some extra space to sit outside for a pre - or post dinner drink (on the days the other restaurant is open) Even though they say that reserving the loungers is not allowed and the pool boys would take the towels away if they are left for more than 1 hour, the pool boys didnt bother and so some annoying people reserved anyway. Even though it was not necessary, as you always found two, no matter when you come to the pool. I wish the hotel would follow their rules about this annoying habbit from some people

The restaurant staff were very friendly and helpful and always on hand if you needed a top up.

The breakfast and lunch menus were standard and OK, however the evening meal was not to everyone's taste and the only option was to eat out as the alternative restaurants were overbooked weeks in advance, not very helpful when you were only staying a week, and when paying for full board you expect more choice. The courtesy shuttle bus was sometimes full and you were stranded at the hotel or town until the next one.