Suite Hotel Eden Mar

This was our first visit to this hotel having previously stayed in a different one. The Eden Mar is a beautiful hotel located near the lido with loads of bars and restaurants nearby. The hotel itself is part of the Portobay resort and we could use the facilities across the three hotels which meant a choice of restaurant for breakfast, different bars and a variety of pools. The grounds are gorgeous and beautifully arranged so the resort never felt overwhelming or overcrowded and there was always a quiet space if required. The staff are brilliant - so hard working across the housekeeping, restaurants, bars, pool and garden areas.

We stayed b&b in a junior suite which had a small kitchen unit featuring a kettle, 2 ring hob, fridge and combo oven. There was enough crockery and kitchen equipment to make good use of the excellent Pingo Doce super market nearby. The room was lovely with a decent sized balcony overlooking the pool, air con was good and Wi-Fi decent. We mainly had breakfast and stayed round the pool in the Eden Mar. The breakfast offer was the same but bigger area in the Porto Mare hotel area but we liked the quieter location. Breakfast was very good, perhaps could have benefited from some salmon / other fish element but that feels bit churlish as it was plentiful and very tasty.

Location was very good with a short walk into Funchal and we got a very cheap uber a couple of times when the walk was too much in the heat. Hotel is also very convenient for bus stops.

Overall we had a great time, lovely feel to the hotel and the self catering element was very useful. Hotel bar/ food prices were a little on the expensive side compared to nearby venues but there is plenty of choice nearby. We will definitely return.

We had a great stay here and loved this hotel.

The hotel has great facilities, the staff are very helpful and polite, the pools and swimming facilities are fantastic, the cocktails are strong, the beds and pillows are comfy and the cleanliness is great. Its also a great location for local bars and restaurants and a short bus ride to the centre of funchal and cable cars.

The hotel has a beautiful orchid garden that you must visit.

There was only one downside to our stay. We stayed in a studio suite, which was located directly above one of the main bars and restaurants, which stayed open until 11pm. And on weekend evenings had live music until 11pm. For some this would be great, but for us, after a full day exploring I wanted to rest and sleep and did find the noise stopped that.

It wouldn't stop us staying again, but we would stay in a different part of the hotel.

We absolutely loved our stay. We were unexpectedly upgraded to a larger suite. The rooms are spacious with great views. Ours could have used a refresh in terms of carpet and furniture, but the outstanding, consistent friendly service offers throughout the entire complex (and the fact that all guests are welcomed in all Portobay facilities) made for a wonderful, relaxed experience. The buffet breakfasts were elaborate and meet every taste. Horta restaurant was fantastic. Even room service food was well above average. We felt welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The location about 1 1/2 miles out of town was good. There is no direct ocean access, but we swam daily at the free public lido swim area—just steps from the Portobay residences entrance. There is a public bus at the Porto Mare entrance. And most all day tour providers pick up there. Front desk clerks are able concierges. In fact, one of the most noticeable things about the outstanding service is that every staff member seems to have some cross-training and is willing to help with any issue.