- Madeira Holidays
- Funchal
- Orca Praia
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Orca Praia
Portugal, Europe
Funchal
Peacefully lying on a sloping terrace overlooking the mix pebbly/sandy Arieiro Beach, this superb hotel provides an idyllic setting on the mesmerising island of Madeira. Guests will find themselves within easy access of a myriad of bars and restaurants which lie a mere 400 metres away, while links to the public transport network are to be found just 50 metres from the hotel. 6 km from the hotel lies the lively tourist hub of Funchal, which is easily accessibly via the hotel shuttle bus. The nearest shops and Camara de Lobos are located 2 km away, while the closest nightclub can be found 6 km from the hotel. Guests of all ages will appreciate the hotel's serene setting, warm hospitality and excellent facilities. The guest rooms are beautifully decorated and complete with modern amenities for visitors' convenience and comfort.
Facilities
- Car park
- 24-hour reception
- Late Check-out*
- Mobile phone coverage
- Wired Internet
- Wi-Fi*
- Car hire*
- Transfer service*
- Airport Shuttle*
- Laundry service*
- *Some facilities may incur an additional fee
Due to the surrounding area and the number of steps around the hotel, it may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
The Local Area
Tripadvisor Reviews
4.0 Very Good803 reviews
Excellent
40%
Very Good
39%
Average
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Fabulous hotel but avoid if you have any sort of mobility or health problems
Hotel is in a fabulous location overlooking the sea. Everywhere is spotless, the staff are friendly and helpful, the room was very nice and the buffet breakfast was excellent. But if you have any sort of mobility problems then you need to avoid this hotel. There are around 200 steps to/from the pool which includes 2 steep ramps. There is no other way down but to walk. To get up to the road there are 2 very steep ramps. I can't see this mentioned on their website but it should be as if you have health problems you would be totally stuck. Because of this we wouldn't go back which is a shame because in every other way it's fabulous. Once down on the promenade, if you turn left there are 3 bars/restaurants all decent. But our favourite was on the road, left out of the hotel - fabulous restaurant with great food and service.
Unfriendly and unhelpful - hotel is generally okay
I spent a week touring Madeira with an e-bike. At the end of my trip, I stayed two nights at the Hotel Orca Praia. At every hotel during the trip, charging the battery was absolutely no problem. A separate, lockable room with a power outlet was readily available for free.
Unfortunately, this wasn't the case at the Hotel Orca Praia. The receptionist told me that the e-bike couldn't be parked or charged there. Even after asking several times, my request was denied. I have to charge the bike outside the hotel !!
I then asked to speak to the manager. He had the receptionist inform me that I would have to pay € 20 per day. Then, he said, they would have a solution.
I have never experienced such arrogant, rude, and unhelpful behavior.
The tour operator also didn't understand the situation. That same evening, the tour operator provided me with a fully charged battery. This allowed me to explore Funchal as planned without any problems.
I absolutely cannot recommend the hotel's service.
The hotel isn't the newest. But aside from the service, it's basically okay, especially the view. The bathroom is a bit dated.
Review by juhu5556 Funchal, Portugal
Beautiful experience
We spent 4 days in this beautiful ocean-view hotel. The room was spacious, bright, and clean, and the staff were very kind. On my birthday, they surprised me with a bottle of sparkling wine in the room along with a birthday note. I highly recommend Hotel Orca Praia.
Lovely hotel
Lovely hotel, we had a deluxe room , comfy beds , large balcony and lovely sea view. Very clean , good breakfast . The shuttle bus is good , we booked it the night before online. The bus drops you at the port in Funchal. The pool area is lovely and clean and the snack bar food is very good. The only reason we wouldn’t go back is the challenging steps down to the pool /bar and promenade although we did it most days we did struggle coming up again especially in the heat.
Freezing pool, dull & overcooked food
Although the location on the cliff side was lovely it came with disadvantage s especially for anyone disabled. To get to the (icy cold) but beautiful pool you have to go down 110 steps plus one very steep ramp. Of course going back up after a swim is worse. There is no warning of this on any hotel info The other disadvantage is there are no local eateries which leaves you with an overpriced (€40) buffet in the hotel restaurant. The chef overcooks everything and doesn't use seasoning and the dessert of cake and fruit every night is uninspired. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Even though I'd requested a quiet room I was put close to the reception/bar where the awful noise of an aged duet on the organ kept me awake. I moved rooms (unaided) which solved that problem. I wouldn't return to this venue or recommend I'm sorry to say
Review by susan m Dublin, Ireland
