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Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

5.0 out of 5.0
Overview Reviews Amenities & Policies
4.5 out of 5
93.0% based on 2527 reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
Value 4.5
Rooms 4.5
Cleanliness 5.0
Service 4.5

Recent guest reviews

Wasn’t really sure what to expect, knowing that Porto Santo is such a small island. However, we were very pleasantly surprised. The resort was a good size in that it wasn’t too big and we were based in the older section where the bigger pools are based. In our view this is the best place for families as the newer hotel next door is limited for pools and feels more ‘adult’. Just depends on what your ‘thing’ is. Rooms were fine - well kept and clean. Food was good and remember to book the a la Carte restaurants for a change. There are many comments about queues - yes you have to queue at times but it’s not for long at a time. The island is quite small but there are a few things to do. Of note is the 4x4 tour - highly recommended but beware if you or anyone in the family suffers from motion sickness! Staff are all very friendly - a credit to the hotel. The animation team were amazing and entertainment very high quality. They took a lot of time to make it special for the kids (special mention to Chloe). Will likely return one day.

This tiny Portugese Island ticks all the boxes. Calm, tranquil, relaxing - with the most amazing fine, yellow sandy beach. It is unspoilt, visit the traditional Portugese Village and the windmills for a bit of history. And, walk a short way to Calheta Beach for a glimpse of paradise. If, you don't want to move beyond your hotel - Pestana Porto Santo has everything. Friendly staff, a choice of restaurants, 2 huge swimming pools, and well tended manicured gardens. Plus, an excellent choice of evening entertainment from Magic Shows, Circus extravaganza, Dance Night and a brilliant local band. Don't hesitate to book - you really won't be disappointed.

This was the third year in succession that my wife and I have stayed at the Pestana Porto Santo and, once again, we had a really enjoyable fortnight. It helps that even in as OAPs we still love beach holidays, and you’d have go much further than Porto Santo to find a longer, better and less spoilt one. On top of that, the hotel still delivers a combination of good rooms, food and drink from its buildings grouped around and along the brilliant pools, and the staff are absolutely wonderful. Among them there are locals, who are there year after year and set the standard, and they are joined by some (often younger) from Madeira or mainland Portugal. In earlier years we were quite disappointed by the wifi in our room (some blocks were worse than others), and we caught up with the previous day’s emails by taking our tablets to reception - where the signal was strongest - each morning. This year things had improved dramatically, and we had no problems. As so often, the Porto Santo weather in late August/ early September was a bit mixed, but this is something you just have to expect, and not blame the hotel for. Many days start off a bit drizzly but then the sun burns the cloud away and you then have a mixture of little clouds and hot spells. Just as you’re getting too hot for comfort (there’s no pollution), you are grateful for a minute or so of cloud. Pestana Porto Santo is a real joy, and currently our favourite place on earth. Yes, we’ve booked up and will be there again this year...

We visited the Pestana in half term week (Oct 2017) which happened to be the last week of the season. It is hard to find any fault with this holiday - it was fantastic. I have stayed in many 4/5 star hotels and this one has to be in my top three favorites. I have listed some of the best bits..... Flights/Airport/Transfer - Roughly 3 1/2 hour flight, airport was small, very clean, smart and no delays, transfer on coach took 10 minutes. We even managed to take off an hour early on the return trip. Hotel - It is not a large sprawling complex that you spend too much time wondering from your room to A,B or C. When we stayed there were around 300 guests (max 800) so it was incredibly chilled out and quiet. Beautifully spaced out villa blocks that were spacious and very clean. We had a mini suite with a separate bedroom - this worked perfectly with our two children. Beach - Simply perfect! Long stretching beach only 2 mins from hotel. Sea was lovely and warm and the waves were just right - varying from flat and calm to body surf-able breakers (given the "best bit" award by my 6 year old daughter). We hired 2 sun beds and a shelter - well worth it in midday sun. Sea temp dropped slightly towards the end of the week - but only youngest (6) really noticed it to be fair. We spend at least 2-4 hours in the sea everyday. Weather - perfect lovely warm sun (mid 20's) all week. Swimming pools - Two large lagoon outside pools - one salt water and one fresh water. Very spacious and clean. Also fantastic heated indoor pool which was great for when youngest got a little chilly in the sea. Food - There was not the vast selection I have found in other larger Tui hotels (Riu hotels take some beating on food!), however the food was all freshly cooked, very tasty and plenty of it. Luckily I have two children that are not ridiculously fussy with food and were more than happy. Breakfast was particularly good. Lunchtimes we ate at the snack bar beside the pool - delicious freshly cooked burgers and toasted sandwiches. Service was very good all round . Restaurants - we did not get to try the specialty restaurants as they booked up really quickly (unless we wanted to eat at 9pm or later - no good for a 6 year old). Entertainment - Again we didn't see any of the evening entertainment as it didn't start until very late. But to be honest, after a full day on the beach and in the pool, the children were glad to see their beds each night. All inclusive drinks - I'm afraid we're not much use on this one as we don't drink lol. Soft drinks were great though. Reps - Reps were great, friendly, helpful and good fun. Entertainment team - all very friendly - the last day was great as they all did the usual daily lunchtime dance next to the pool and then all jumped in, even the other hotel staff went in. Great fun and the kids loved it. The only slight negatives I can think of are: Tui only fly here on a Monday - thank god for Inset days at school. I think high season it may become a little over crowded. We had a lovely, relaxing holiday in a peaceful, beautiful hotel - which is exactly what we wanted. Overall we loved this holiday and would certainly return again.

We have been in this hotel 2 years ago and we had a lovely experience, food was amazing, the staff super friendly and nothing is to much... the entertainment team were great even let's put our old school Oliver gnoma songs lol, our daughter keeps talking about returning to paradise (that's how she described this place) so and we decided to go back again this year. To be honest can't wait !! :)

We visited the Beautiful island of Porto santo in October 2017, we choose this hotel based on the beach and the premium label which Thomson gave this hotel. On arrival the hotel made no effort for our Honeymoon, once we spoke to the tui rep they made a slight effort, nothing compared to guests who had their birthday whilst we were there. Where to start following the arrival, the hotel and grounds could be beautiful but due to travelling in october and the hotel closing for the winter that month you could tell, the grounds / pool weren't up to the high standards which we were lead to believe, The food also was very repetative and bland, with not much varied choice especially at night, although the Dunas bar at lunch was amazing for fresh burgers / toasties. As from other reviews there is a lot of queing for drinks at the bar, especially at night, I'm not sure if this was always the case but the staff who were working said that they had reduced the amount of staff due to close for the season. The staff are amazing and could never do enough for us the room was always cleaned to an extremely high standard, The animation team produced all the evening entertainment, to a high standard but again very repetative the same music artists and shows were seen for 2 weeks, maybe they could have a 2 week rolling entertainment programme for those who stay for two weeks. Finally the beach and island itself is AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL, this is what I believe gives this hotel its stars, the beach is beautiful which appears to run for miles, there is a free shuttle bus provided by the hotel into the town which is well worth a visit, from there its only a short walk to the harbour. We also did the 4X4 jeep tour which i would highly recommend to see this beautiful island from all different areas. I would return to this hotel but in the summer months where there maybe more going on. TRY THE A LA CARTE RESURANTS

I visited the hotel in September last year it really is a very nice hotel in a beautiful location. We were upgraded to a family room which is not what I booked and I asked for the room to be changed as I had booked a high floor room as didn't want to be on the ground floor which is what had been allocated to me. By way of apology we were upgraded to a 1st floor suite which was wonderful. Food in the hotel was typical all inclusive but was of a good standard and hot most of the time. I was unfortunate enough to fall ill on my trip and the staff were amazing organising hotel transport to and from the hospital. Staff checking with my husband that I was OK asking if there was anything they could do. This hotel is very child friendly and staff made a fuss of my little boy every time they saw him which was nice. Hotel offers a free bus into town which was useful to get a change of scenery. The town is nice with lots of cobbled side streets and little shops and cafes also the odd museum and of course the promenade. Obviously this is a very small island with not much to do but is very beautiful and was perfect for a week. I would hare no hesitation in recommending this hotel.

Was recommended to this Island by a friend and first stayed in 2015. Mario, the holiday rep explained everything to us and we had a great time in the sun and enjoyed he lovely beach. Couldn’t wait to book for the following year. Back in 2016 for our honeymoon and felt comfortable as we had such a good time the previous year. Had a lovely suite this time round and was greeted by Luciano for a second year in a row. Thompson’s Holiday rep was not as good this time round and missed Mario. 2017 back again and this was the year that highlighted things that were missing from our first visit. These things included lack of staff across the complex. Luciano and the animation team worked their socks off keeping. Everyone entertained and should be praised for the hard work they put in. The bar staff were often off hand(not like the lovely guys in previous years). Love the different themed restaurants across the complex as this made it something to look forward to of an evening. Always lots of sun beds free. There were a few reserved all day which should have been addressed by the staff. The beach is a short walk on a private gate that is gorgeous. About 30 moms slow walk into town which is lovely and in he other direction a lovely cafe with great views of the island. This year we hired a twizzy and this was an excellent way of exploring the island!! Totally recommend if you get the chance as we’ve said we wanted to do it and went to the top of the cliffs. Would recommend this place, have made some good friend and happy memories here...oh and get a late checkout if you can!! You’ll still get a maid knock on the door asking you to leave but explain you have a late checkout as it appears this message doesn’t get passed on to them.

4 years running at this hotel and this year they let us down. Paid for our suite up front as usual and didn’t get it with no explanation. Now no one will email me back!! Disgusting behaviour 0 stars. Cost us over £2500

One thing i will say is the beach is beautiful and clean and you can walk a long way either side. We were supposedly in the premium section.The sister hotel if which you can use all the facilities is far better, except can't comment on the rooms as didn't see them. We went away as 3 couples. Friends, Yes, but we didn't expect to be put altogether in one apartment. It was modern, spacious and clean but we really missed our privacy and when I saw the rooms we each should have had, the ones we booked with free standing baths (the day we had a courtesy shower when we were leaving) I was guttted!!! The food was Ok, nicer some days than others, but service was shocking , huge queue at hers as no where near enough staff. We were never offered a drink around the pool and very rarely were empties cleared away, again due to lack of staff. Restaurant and bar areas have some furnishings that are in a very poor state, they really need replacing, not premium standard at all. The other hotel is far better, more lively much more attractive pool area, ours was quite depressive , a concrete block looked like it was built in the 70's!Service still not good though at either hotel. It was very disappointing and this wasn't a cheap holiday. All in all,overall, clean resort but too expensive for what we paid as not up to premium standard. Waffle/ ice cream bar at Poole is fab and burger at other pool bar good too. Can't be bothered to complain as your company's do buggar all about it anyway!

Estrada Regional 120 Porto Santo

Hotel highlights

  • Free breakfast
  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free parking
  • Onsite dining

Located within a leisurely stroll of Porto Santo Beach, Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive is within a few miles (5 km) of Pico Ana Ferreira. This 295-room, 5-star hotel welcomes business and leisure travelers with 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. It's on the beach and also within a 15-minute drive of Pico Castelo.


Dining

Free breakfast is included with your stay. There are ample dining options with 4 onsite restaurants, including Restaurant Mares, which specializes in international cuisine. Order from room service to satisfy your hunger without leaving your room, or make new friends over drinks at the bar/lounge.


Rooms

The 295 air-conditioned rooms feature kitchenettes. Guests can expect to find cable TV and stay connected with wired Internet. Bathrooms offer hair dryers, free toiletries, and bidets. Minibars, safes, and phones are also standard.


Property features

Guests of Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive have access to a full-service spa, 3 outdoor pools, and an indoor pool. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this all-inclusive hotel include a children's pool, a health club, and a sauna.

Reviews from Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor aggregated rating

93.0% of guests recommend this hotel

Total of 2527 reviews