Pestana Grand

David Penn

Very disappointed with this hotel. It’s not the fault of the hotel or staff but our understanding from Jet2 our tour operators sold this as a 5star resort. It’s far from 5 star. The staff are friendly enough but the place is very much let down by its food delivery. I expect more than buffet style mass produced food. We did try the Italian restaurant which proved a disaster. Two meals rejected. The following day the buffet meal was no better. Why this is classed as 5 star I will never understand. It could do with a full refurbishment to eliminate cracks in the columns and pool surround. There’s a musty smell throughout the hotel. Very disappointing. Jet2 need to get their advertising in order and not mislead customers into something that’s not deliverable by this resort.

David Grimes

We visited Madeira in July and chose this hotel because it was recommended by relatives. It was a first class choice. The hotel sits in a lovely position with virtually every room having a sea view. The rooms are excellent, the staff are very well trained and incredibly helpful. The food is excellent with buffet breakfasts and evening meals offering a wide ranging range of options, so there is something for everyone. One of the best features of the hotel is the swimming pool area. The hotel sells itself as a resort and it's very large outdoor pool (actually two pools) are set in fabulous gardens with many recliners for guests to use. We never noticed them all being used so whatever time you arrive there will always be some available. As you can probably tell my wife and I were very impressed. We travel quite a bit and this hotel is definitely one of the best that we have stayed in.

Kelly Gorfine

This is not a 5 star resort, it is under construction so there is no playground, no spa or indoor pool or kids area (game room). The outside needs a good pressure washing. The rooms are fine but dated, although our AC didn't work the first day. Absolutely not a hotel for kids, it felt like we were in a retirement home. The grounds itself are really well kept and nice and the view is great. The staff was friendly but the service lacked and the food was mediocre at best. We honestly had such a terrible time that we changed our flight and left early. The manager was pleasant and did refund our last day but what a disappointment.

Christopher Howarth

Honest quick review. It’s a great hotel. Food is pretty standard buffet stuff, quite nice, but a little repetitive after a week, perfectly fine, nice fresh salad area. Picky children may struggle. There is no dress code for dinner, there is a suggestion of smart casual and no shorts. Everyone was in shorts. The position of the hotel means that the air conditioning does not win on the sea view side. Our room was very warm and the dining area was particularly hot, especially in the mornings. Hotel is well kept. Staff are friendly and helpful. Clientele vary through the year apparently, largely German and British. Great for families, although it was a mix of older and younger people when I visited in August. Pool area is tidy and large, always plenty of loungers, no bad positions so even the most OCD 6am towel reserver will realise it’s a waste of time after day 1. Walk into town takes around 1 hour, but taxi is around €6 each way. In short if you want a pleasant and quiet hotel with great views and a nice pool area, you won’t be disappointed.

Nattalie Hartwig

Not What We Expected for a 5-Star Hotel This hotel did not live up to its 5-star rating. The decor felt outdated, more like stepping into my grandmother’s house, and most guests seemed to be in their 70s. The outdoor pool is saltwater, which irritated our kids’ eyes and made it hard for them to enjoy. The buffet and à la carte restaurants were disappointing, with uninspired menus and a dining atmosphere that felt more like a canteen than fine dining. The waterfront location was beautiful, but without a car, you’d likely feel stuck. Overall, not ideal for families or younger travelers. The staff was nice, I will give them that!