Suite Hotel Eden Mar

Just returned from a week's stay at Eden Mar and I can't really fault it. We are a family of four - parents and two young adults. As you probably know, it's one of three hotels situated on a resort where guests have access to all the facilities regardless of which of the hotels they are staying at. The pools are gorgeous - we spent a great deal of time in the spa one which is indoor / outdoor. But all four pools are great. We also made use of the mini golf, petanque and tennis courts (to access courts go through Porto Mare main reception to the front of the hotel and turn left). Poolside is very chilled and relaxed - we had no problems finding an area for four people to settle. The resort is very green and pretty and smaller than I was expecting meaning that everything is easy to find and accessible. Our rooms on the second floor were comfortable, clean and huge. We had a handy kitchen area with a good sized fridge, mini hob and microwave. There is an amazing supermarket right next to the hotel so we stocked up on water and drinks to keep in the fridge as well as snacks as we are always hungry! Prices are low -in some cases much lower than home. Other reviews note that the rooms are 'dated'. I mean, if you're expecting mood-lighting, huge plasma TV screens and edgy decor then I guess you might think that. But we found them marvellous - very comfy beds, lovely balcony and so much space. Oh! And for people like me who suffer from 'horrible holiday hair' there is a good Bosch hairdryer to keep away the frizz! Breakfast was plentiful, fresh and there was enough choice (the usual pastries, fruit, hot choices) There is a selection of non-dairy yogurts and milk available too. We stuck with the breakfast at Eden Mar as when we looked at changing it up and eating at Porto Mare there was always a queue (fast moving but there was never a wait at Eden Mar). We are late risers so maybe this isn't the case if you are an early bird. Hotel staff are all helpful and friendly. Our daughter turned 18 while we were there and on our return from the pool we found a chilled bottle of Prosecco and a gorgeous birthday note in our room. When booking we really deliberated about which of the 3 hotels to choose and I'm so glad we chose Eden as it felt the more chilled. The downstairs bar has screens showing sport including premiership matches which as Man City fans we were pleased about. The resort is quiet at night - there is entertainment but we mainly played cards and board games outside. Restaurant wise - can't review as we always go out to eat on holiday. I can recommend two amazing restaurants minutes walk from the hotel - Solar da Ajuda and Madeira Flavours - both serve incredible local food. We walked a lot - it's a 30 minute walk to Funchal old town but beware - there is a huge hill on the way back. We also walked some of the levada routes which was fun. There is a beautiful beach (black sand) within a half hour walk too. I know it's probably an obvious thing to say but there are a lot of hills including the one outside the hotel to reach street level. I have come home with calf muscles I didn't know I had! Oh! And do the cable car - it's so beautiful and there is plenty to explore at the top including the most beautiful church. There is a very sweet cafe to the right of the cable car station with amazing views and lots of cool lizards scurrying around. We didn't do the second cable car to the Botanic Gardens. Overall, a really enjoyable, relaxing no-stress stay at Eden Mar - thank you (especially as I think we ate most of your free delicious sweets at reception!!)

We could not find fault with anything at the Eden Mar. The hotel and grounds were immaculate, the food was lovely and the staff were great. Would definitely stay again.