Charmante ALTE STADT Penthouse W Großer Privatsee Balkon

Nice, airy third floor apartment, a short walk from the heart of the Old Town. Excellent pavement café right outside, overlooking the sea. (Live music or DJ on Friday and Saturday but not very late and certainly didn't bother us). Our lovely hostess Elsa offers airport pick-up for less than the taxi fare if she's free. Finding the place from public transport drops might be a challenge: find the narrow restaurant packed Rua de Santa Maria and keep walking East (7-8 mins) until you hit the café Barreirinha (mentioned above). If you are more than a couple there are good sofa-bed options or the scary mezzanine. Note that the bathroom entrance is off of the main bedroom. If we return to Funchal we wont be looking for anywhere else.

My wife and I spent 10 days in the apartment and overall we enjoyed the apartment located in Old Town Funchal. Without a doubt, the most enjoyable part of our stay was lounging on the varendah which had a commanding view of the ocean, cruise ship docks and the villas on the hill. The outdoor space faces south and it gets both the morning and afternoon sun. Elsa has provided all the comforts of home (including candles for wonderful alfresco dinners during warm nights). The apartment is charming with high ceilings and beautiful woodwork (staircase and ceiling). The area of Old Town Funchal is absolutely stunning with many restaurants, markets and museums within walking distance. The bar downstairs provide nice music including live jazz sometimes. Elsa, the host, is really helpful and friendly.

There is, however, room for improvement especially in the bathroom which is in dire need for an update. Although some reviewers complained of loud music from the bar downstairs, it did not bother us at all. What was annoying is the noise from the bar staff cleaning and working behind the bar in the early hours after midnight when they are closing. There were some issues with ants but we believe Elsa is taking care of that.

Overall, an enjoyable stay.

The property is just as described and the location is perfect with great sea views. There is a Lido area right below you as well as a really nice bar that sometimes has excellent music in the evenings. The area is popular with locals and visitors alike but has a really nice ambience. Elsa is really friendly and a mine of information she will for a small charge pick you up or drop you off at the airport if you give her enough notice.

Probably the best location in the old town (Zona Velha) with nice views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains. Easy parking in the nearby parking parking house. The apartment had all the facilities that we needed. The bar downstairs can be a bit noisy during the weekends, but the music is turned off at 11 pm. We have stayed thered there once before and would definitely do it once again. For safety reasons (a vertical 3 meters ladder) we would not recommend to use the mezzanine, so in our opinion the apartment is only suitable for two persons.

our second time staying at the property but we will be back. a very well equipped apartment with the perfect view across the atlantic.

situated in the old town just along from the sao tiago fort.

plenty of eating places and a supermarket near by. directly across the road from the apartment is the newly refurbished lido. well worth it for a quick dip. there is another pebbly beach up the hill and down the step down the cliff. the steps down to the beach are an experience in them selves, but we enjoyed it.

back to the apartment. it is very clean, spacious and i could certainly live there permanently.

elsa (the owner) is very approachable and has picked us up at the airport on the two occasions we have stayed there. nothing is ever a problem.

i would certainly recommend this property to all.

the only point that may be an issue for some would by the steps up to the apartment with it being at the top of the building, but then it is madeira and walking up hill are to be expected :)

we both loved the place. terry & cecilia mcgrory