Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal

Previously we've stayed in conventional hotels in Madeira and tried apartments this time, as we often prefer elsewhere. They are a bit of a climb above the old town. Not much and if you're fit it's not an issue. And there's a reasonably frequent local bus service from Funchal' centre to the door, especially useful if you get the cheap local bus passes. There's a lovely garden and overview of the city and harbour. Good for relaxation in the evening and apparently some people took their breakfast outside, though it was a touch chilly for that for us at the time of year we visited. The staff were uniformly friendly and helpful. Rooms well cleaned while we were out. We didn't really use the kitchenette much except to have simple breakfasts with local supermarket food. There were sometimes small ants around the sink, but it didn't affect our food and use of the kitchen. The only silly thing that annoyed me was that the room was well stocked with food, drink and coffee in baskets, with a very expensive price list. The coffee capsules (not nespresso) were 2 euros when they can be bought for 30p in the UK. A large bag of crisps at several Euros. We simply didn't use them but bought our own snacks from mini marts in the town! Incidentally the hotel is only 10-15 minutes walk from the wide choice of restaurants in the Old Town. In summary, a comfortable, friendly, clean and quiet set of apartments in an eastern part of the city well away from the main hotel area to the west. Not quite as easy access from the city centre as the main hotels but that was one reason I liked it.

We enjoyed our stay in Arts In Hotel. The staff makes you feel welcome. The room is spacious with amazing views over Funchal. Be prepared for some steep walks to the old town of Funchal which is close-by. Recommended.

Spacious rooms, with basic kitchen facilities, so that you can make your own breakfast if wanted. Good location - we didn't find the walk up the hill from the centre of town to be excessive. Unfortunately the Portuguese still haven't realised that a double bed is NOT the same as two single beds pushed together. But the staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. Strongly recommend this.

We passed rather by coincidence at this hotel as we got stranded at the airport which was closed due to strong winds. We arrived there by taxi late evening once we got the confirmation of the cancellation of our flight. As there were hundreds of people in the same desperate situation queing at the desk at the airport, i booked via booking on my ipad at the airport hall and we decided to get a taxi straight to the hotel, which was a good decision and avoided us waiting for hours at that information desk in order to get a hotel by airport staff. Once we arrived at the hotel, a friendly young man, I think his name was Nuno, welcomed us with a glass of tea and took the pain to try and get hold of somebody from the air company ( TAP) to have us rebooked only 3 days later. This took him one hour, but he did not give up and kept being so friendly. We were amazed by his perseverence and helpfullness and would not have had the patience that day to care about rebooking, as we were exhausted hanging at the airport all day long. As the hotel was fully booked for the following 2 nights, they arranged a single room with an extra bed for us, so that we didi not have to look for another place yet,. Thanks again to him and also to the other staff members who were caring so much during our entire stay. Great breakfast with quality ingredients and fresh smoothies served in the wonderfull garden overlooking Funchal bay. Impressive trees and plants well maintained. City center about 10 minutes downhill and up by taxi for 6€ late at night. We will keep this characteristic old hotel with comfortable, modern extension in really good memory and will certainly pass by should we visit Madeira one day.

We found this gem of a hotel when our flights were cancelled due to wind at Madeira airport. The staff at the hotel made a stressful situation so much better. Everyone was so helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The location is perfect for getting into the old town and the views from the terrace are stunning. Breakfast is the most relaxed I have had anywhere. There are all different types of rooms, I defy anyone not to fall in love with this place.

This was a real find in every way. It's not in a tourist area yet only 15 mins from the old town. If you've hired a car and are using Google maps to find your way from the airport be aware that Google calls this Molhe Hotel, it labels Arts in Appartments as elsewhere. Come off VR1 at junction 13 and follow Rua Conde Carvalhal down, Arts in is on the right hand side. There is no pavement, you need to ring the bell and the garage door will be opened for you. We were met by Nuno who took us up in the lift to the ground floor where we were offered a glass of tea and biscuits while he completed the registration. There is no conventional reception desk just a civilised set of armchairs in which to wait. He showed us the reception room and then took us up to our rooms and showed us the facilities there. You are given a key fob for the garage door as well as keys for the gate, front door and room. We were on the first floor of the new part with views over the gardens and harbour. The suites are big with a fully equipped kitchenette. Apart from the mini bar in the fridge there are bottles of wine, Madeira, spirits, crisps and sweets and a coffee machine with pods. The kitchenette has a basket of cooking essentials. Nuno gave us his card so that we could contact him if we needed to. He gave us some excellent recommendations for dinner. You need to order breakfast, continental or cooked. We found the continental breakfast to be more than adequate. The staff are very friendly and helpful. We ate on the terrace but could have eaten indoors. The reception room also has a tray of wines and spirits which work on an honesty basis. Apparently the Market Box in the garden also works on that basis for snacks but it was closed whilst we were there. Yes, the walk down to the town is a bit steep but there are buses which stop outside. Taxi drivers may need to be told exactly where it is as it is off the main tourist track. The wifi is excellent and you can get CNN on the TV. The rooms have masses of storage space. This is a very comfortable, civilised hotel where you are made to feel really welcome and treated as part of the family. It's quiet and has wonderful views, can't recommend it highly enough.

We had the junior suite. View was great, although balcony is shared with the neighbour room. Service was great, although upon arrival, the small gate means we're not sure if we arrived at the right place. Big indoor parking is great. Breakfast is fresh and well rounded. Frequently had small ants coming in the room, probably need to improve the windows structure.

We really liked this hotel. It is like a home with 14 rooms. Get view across bay from No 210 where we stayed. The staff are very good natured, don't pressurise you and will arrange anything you want very easily and efficiently. Lovely breakfasts on the terrace with excellent coffee; not gourmet but simple and tasty. It is on one side of the town but better for that and away from the main hotel area. Getting a taxi to anywhere is relatively cheap and easy to arrange - all those hills! Highly recommended.

Definitely a good place to stay. Ok it hasn't got 200 bedrooms or a swimming pool but its a friendly converted and extended villa with lovely gardens to lounge around n or have breakfast (which is a bit expensive) but the staff are young, enthusiastic and very obliging and helpful. Its ok for those with moest mobility but a challenge for a wheelchair but then so is most of madeira! Lovely views, very clean and well maintained, a short taxi ride from most things in town and a bus stop outside the gate. Overall well worth staying at.