The Cliff Bay

Doug Kahn

Probably one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The service, location, food, and amenities were all amazing. We paid about $400 USD per night for a Funchal Bay view which felt like a bargain, considering we booked the included breakfast rate. The hotel is nicely situated off the main road, but very walkable to an abundance of restaurants nearby. They have so much live music as well! Happy hour is from 5-6 PM which includes 50% discount drinks. During our stay, they had live guitarists, pianists, violinists, and more. At night, they have more live music in the bar area, typically from 830 PM to 11 PM. Drinks are served with complimentary light snacks. The breakfast is extremely expansive and is held in the Rose Garden restaurant. I highly recommend the fruit as much (if not all) of it is grown on the island. I tasted some of the freshest kiwi and grapefruit in my life here. The Rose Garden also hosts great views of the ocean which we got 5 breakfasts in a row! We typically arrived for breakfast between 8 and 830 AM. Finally, the amenities were fantastic. They have multiple saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, indoor/outdoor pool AND. salt water pool, tons of outdoor sun chairs, a huge spa area, and gym. I would definitely stay here again if back in Madeira.

Y A

We recently stayed at this hotel and found it unsatisfactory. Initially, we booked a Standard Sea View room for €400 per night. For this price, we expected a well-maintained room, high-quality food, and a relaxing environment. However, the reality was quite different. The room appeared outdated and had an unpleasant odor emanating from the toilet. The bathroom needed renovation, as the toilet door was unstable and the shower door did not seal properly, resulting in water leakage. Breakfast in the main restaurant was also disappointing, with limited choices, low-quality food products, and a noisy and crowded atmosphere. After raising our concerns, we were upgraded to a Suite, which was in slightly better condition. Unfortunately, the smell was worse, originating from the bathtub this time; however, we chose to tolerate it at this point. There are two additional restaurants where breakfast costs an extra €15 or is complimentary for suite tenants. The food quality there was marginally better, and the atmosphere was more relaxed. It is important to note that the hotel seems to predominantly cater to guests over 60, which may not be suitable for all visitors. On a positive note, the lower pool area is lovely with direct sea access, and we appreciated the beautiful sea view from the room. The massage in the spa was satisfactory. Overall, it was a poor experience and not good value for money. We would not choose to return.

Lovraj Lachhiramani

We visited the Cliff bar at this stunning, classic hotel in Nov 2024. Although we didn’t stay at the hotel, we were impressed by its beautiful interiors and overall charm. Based on this experience, we’re already planning to stay here for a couple of days next year! The bar itself was elegantly designed—sophisticated with an amazing sunset view at the outdoor seating area. They were kind enough to prepare a vegetarian pasta that wasn’t on the menu. We also ordered a few drinks, and both were delightful. The pasta was well-prepared, and the drinks complemented the ambiance perfectly. The service was excellent—attentive and professional, which made the experience even more enjoyable. There was live music and happy hour between 5-6 pm. The hotel exuded an old-world charm, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Its location was also fantastic, making it even more appealing. Overall, this was a wonderful experience, and we can’t wait to return for a longer stay next time!

Sim Simma

The Cliff Bay is exceptional! The discreet entrance with parking is modern and easy to find. Two staff members welcomed us, opened our car doors, and took our luggage to our room. At reception, we were greeted with smiles, sparkling wine, and a warm explanation of everything—truly inviting. Breakfast was phenomenal: unlimited choices—cereal, fresh fruit, cooked options, even a fresh omelette on request. Fresh juices, sparkling water, and yes, sparkling wine at breakfast! They cater to allergies and vegans, with a separate gluten-free toaster. A pianist played beautifully, enhancing the ambiance. I didn’t try lunch or dinner (ate out), but I’ll explore their restaurants next time. Our room was upgraded to a sea view for my birthday—stunning! It had a shower, bath, bidet, huge wardrobes, a comfy bed (two singles joined), mini bar, two balconies, coffee machine, and fast WiFi. Blackout curtains ensured a great sleep; the hotel is quiet. The decor is crème de la crème—classic with vintage and modern touches. Every space feels unique yet cohesive. The atmosphere is relaxing, perfect for a calm holiday. The crowd is older (I felt youngest), but everyone—staff and guests—was kind, greeting us with “Bom Dia” and smiles. Cleanliness is top-notch. Daily room service replaced towels, bedding, and flannels. Shampoo, conditioner, and cream are provided—just bring a toothbrush! Extras abound: two gyms, two games rooms (adults/kids), yoga room, outdoor workout area, countless pools/jacuzzis, spa, sauna, steam room, massage rooms, hair salon, gift shop, reading room, and lounges. Three lifts kept waits short. The adult games room could use more than a pool table, though. Cost was £1,091.80 for 4 nights with breakfast and flights. A €2/day/person tourist tax applies, plus an optional €1 charity donation. Customer service was phenomenal—everyone was kind and welcoming. Marcia went above and beyond. For my birthday (March 18), they surprised me with cake, a candle, and wine. GM Antonio was brilliant, hosting a Thursday get-together with drinks. He chatted with us personally, later sending sparkling wine and biscuits—a class act! We felt like royalty all week. My first trip to Madeira was the best of any country I’ve visited, thanks to The Cliff Bay and the warm, family-like locals. Safe, relaxing, and unforgettable—I can’t wait to return! ❤️

Joanna Dyer

This is a five star that deserves the rating, the rooms could do with some maintenance as there were some shabby decor niggles. The public spaces were beautiful and the service very good. I would skip the Rose Garden restaurant if you can, the service is slow and the food only adequate even though they give themselves the airs and graces of a way better restaurant.