Quinta da Casa Branca

I am not writing this for the hotel but for other travellers considering staying at Quinta da Casa Branca. The hotel amidst large gardens is exceptional. It is just stone throw from the tourist area of Funchal. In this review I am only pointing out things that should not exist in a five star hotel or should be executed differently: 1. This is a small hotel and breakfast buffet is very limited for a 5-star place. Warm items are made-to-order. Breakfast restaurant is rather small and can get crammed 2. Rooms at the garden wing are on the small side and soon in need for a thorough renovation. There are water leakages in the corridor walls and in the ceilings. 3. Too few power sockets - non around the bed 4. Shower in the bathtub - very narrow and difficult to get in and out 5. Air conditioning is very loud at full speed. Just loud noice with no added effect. 6. Beds need replacing. The mattresses are wrapped with the cheapest available plastic covers (pee protectors). Also the polyester pillows and blankets are wrapped in this cling film making the bed extremely sweaty. Cherry on the top: bed linen are of polyester blend 7. Outdoor pools are fairly cold even-though heated 8. When the hotel is full one may not find a parking place Some positive and exceptional features worth 5 stars: 1. The hidden library in the newest building at the back of the property 2. Also in the same building but in the basement: jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and relax room All other things (including the exceptionally well kept gardens) are fine and up the 3,5 - 4 star standard.

An absolutely delicious hotel with extensive gardens full of exotic flowers, shrubs and trees. Far better than the Palace or Botannic Gardens, and access for hotel guests only. Now that I have discovered QCB I would not dream of staying anywhere else.

Beautiful garden, well-kept rooms and attentive, courteous staff. Central yet quiet location, within walking distance of the harbor and many recommended restaurants; by car for day trips to all places on the island – Better than Reid´s, what more could you want? We will be back.

Five wonderful days in room 3 of the manor house suites, a large elegant and cool space, private balcony across the hall pleasant but not too much sunshine. Half board includes dinner with meat or fish option, plus amuse bouche, starter and pudding. All quite delicious, sometimes exceptional. Flight of wines is extra and worthwhile - can begin and end meal with Madeira. Breakfast also excellent with lovely eggs Benedict, other hot largely egg based a la carte options, extensive buffet. Thirty minute walk to town centre but plenty of taxis available, excellent choice of restaurants ranging from tourist to fine dining (prebook before arrival), A**s, shops within walking distance. Local roadworks to end May '24 adding to traffic. Staff discreet and helpful. Quiet delightful gardens. Booked through Kuoni in UK.

Our third visit to this lovely hotel. We had booked a Manor House suite this time and upon arrival discovered we had been given the Pool Villa. An unbelievably kind gesture. What can I say … we were beyond delighted … it was a beautiful, elegant, tranquil oasis, we never wanted to leave. We were happy just taking the occasional stroll round the glorious gardens and returning to our little bit of paradise. Breakfasts, as usual, were excellent. We also had an excellent evening meal in the bistro, eating outside on the terrace. All the staff at this hotel are welcoming and professional be it Reception (must particularly mention Gorete), dining staff, lovely lady who looked after our room and the lovely smiling lady gardener who never failed to greet us as she busied away. It’s very difficult to put into words just how much we enjoyed our break this time.

This was our second visit in 15 months and we enjoyed the hotel and its facilities even more this time around. The major improvement is the re-opening of the Quinta bar and terrace from noon until late, serving excellent food and a wide range of drinks and with a ‘happy hour’ too. We ate there on 6 of our 12 evenings. It was so good (having been out during the day) to shower, change and just walk over to the Terrace for a lovely meal. No buses nor taxis nor steep hills to worry about! The food choices ranged from tasty snacks to a good selection of excellent main dishes, beautifully cooked and served. The starters and desserts were innovative and well presented. Everything was also sensibly priced. One evening I fancied just a simple Portugese omelette with a salad and French fries - no problem at all - even though it was not on the menu. The gardens are as always immaculate; the staff are very professional but friendly too. We enjoyed our time round the main pool, with waiter service on call. We shall return to the urban oasis which is the Quinta.

This hotel is Excellent from superb grounds ,lovely comfortable rooms to great restaurants and food. The staff are lovely and friendly. It’s a world apart from the high rise concrete blocks around. The grounds are like a botanical garden with birdsong from canary’s and blackcaps etcand Monarch butterflies flying around complete with a lovely swimming pool. If you like tranquility this is the place for you. If I could give it 10* I would