Royal Savoy - Ocean Resort - Savoy Signature

Not a 5* hotel… All old and very poor

The Royal Savoy undoubtedly occupies the best location for the leisure traveller. Since 2004, when it first opened on the site of the original Savoy Lido, this hotel is popular with all ages, newcomers, and regulars year after year. Recently refurbished the hotel fails to disappoint

Good place to stay

There are plenty of choices to stay in Funchal. There were several reasons why we selected Royal Savoy. We liked all the positive reviews and they are spot-on. Secondly, the pool area is exceptionally beautiful. Then, too, there are steps out to a dedicated ocean swim area. Thirdly, the town center is no more than a 15-20 minutes’ walk away—even with the doable hill to climb down and up. Unfortunately, it was rather cool in mid-May and never did get to swim. But those views are majestic. The hotel has plenty to offer with a good size gym, several pools, restaurants, a paddle-ball court and dedicated parking. We loved the music at night where people danced. Royal Savoy is truly 5 Stars. The staff most welcoming wearing friendly smiles. One waitress even asked us “if we were coming back next year.” The hotel is rather large and is a combination of Vacation Club rooms and a hotel. Most of the patrons were older English couples. Although, we did see younger families. What we found out that this hotel was built around circa 2000. Our studio room was large. There was a small kitchen and a sizeable bathroom. The bed was most comfortable. The large TV is a big plus. Water was left for us every night. The balcony is large enough for two chairs and a table. The hotel was designed in a weave form. There are some rooms that have side views of other rooms. We were on the third floor, room 1313, with a superb view of the pool area. Some rooms faced west and got to see the Saturday night Reed’s fireworks show. We loved the outside elevator. The entrance to the hotel is on floor 8. The outside elevator makes it feel like you are on a cruise ship which faced outward towards the sea. The speed of all the elevators are quite impressive. No lag time here. The morning breakfasts starting at 7:00am is 5 Stars. Eggs cooked to order by a chef is a real treat. There is so much food on display, you will not eat it all. Coffee is brought to you. Friendly service is a big key point for Royal Savoy. We enjoyed the bar on the 8th floor called Thatcher. There is inside and outside seating. It has superb views over the ocean. Next to the bar is an olive garden with trees over hundred years old, and of course, beautiful flowers. Service at Thatcher’s is quite friendly. Our bartender looked like Ben Affleck. We enjoyed, too, the chips and peanuts offered with our drinks. Our favorite Royal Savoy restaurant is Neptunus Bar by the pool. I am a meat eater, but they have a vegetarian “Seitan burger” which is exceptional made with barbecue sauce. I had that sandwich not once, but three times. The hotel made it convenient with a walkway from the 9th floor over to a street with a good number of restaurants. We enjoyed the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant. In May, Funchal goes all out with a Flower Festival. Then, too, the Jacaranda trees are blooming. There is plenty to see and do in Madeira and Funchal central. We did enjoy taking the

Lovely ambience at the Royal Savoy, cleanliness, friendly staff and restaurants enjoyable. Nice choice for breakfast menus

Fantastic hotel great location food in the bars and restaurants was brilliant and reasonably priced Staff were all friendly and helpuland keen to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable

We visited this hotel for refreshments during a walk and sat outside on the terrace. Ordered drinks and a snack, all very good and reasonable priced. A beautiful hotel in a fabulous location with outstanding views. Staff were friendly and very professional.

Great stay in a superb hotel great views close to the sea excellent staff heated pool. We had a garden room and could walk straight out to the pool.

Again as Time Share owners we returned to the Royal like birds flying south to warmer climbs in winter. Our room, in a superb central position was as usual clean, warm and welcoming. Some say the Royal is a bit dated but it is not yet 25 yrs old. I think the decor is subdued, warm and welcoming. The staff certainly make all guests welcome and I cannot understand comments complaining about staff lacking interest in them because they are not Time Share owners. Speaking to visiting guests in the Armada restaurant we found they were highly impressed with the hotel and the service they received. I noticed that even new staff like Dennis and Pedro were working to the high standards (like all regular staff) imposed by Louis who oversees the running of the Armarda. Breakfast is still an area that can be improved. The restaurants do I believe offer good value and match and in many cases are better quality than many restaurants. Well done the Chefs. We actually took advantage of Room Service one night ordering only a light meal. Delivered by Michael, he was exemplary, setting our table on our large balcony, even flowers for one of the simplest meals on the menu. The experience, and Michael was fantastic and worth the 5 euros service charge and a cash tip to Michael. Please try the experience. Talking of tips, the hotel is cashless and includes a "service charge" clearly on your bill for each transaction. Purely an optional decision. Staff are taxed at 20% on tips given this way. I object to 20% of my money being taxed so I decline this on the printed bill and when settling my final bill also settle, in cash, my estimated tips to the excellent service we receive. Staff do understand this process and I inform them why. Can I suggest guests consider doing the same. Last point. please take a paperback book and donate it to the hotel library. Finally, please complain about the concrete monstrosity of an enlarged sea wall. Necessary but it demeans the pool area.