Pestana Vila Lido Madeira Ocean Hotel

My wife and I spotted the unique Pestana Vila Lido Hotel when we were on a Dolphin trip on a previous Pestana holiday in Madeira Nov/Dec 2023, both my wife and myself thought this is a hotel where we would like to stay and more or less booked it straight away for a 2 week winter break when we arrived home in the United Kingdom, the Hotel has a Pay on Arrival Policy which gave us some time to save up for a holiday in February/March 2024 The holiday itself, we flew from Leeds and Bradford Airport and arrived in Funchal Madeira Airport, from the Airport we chose the Aerobus (6 Euros per person)which you find outside the arrivals area and this takes you into Funchal and Hotels at various stops, it is to be noted that this service doesn't take you directly to the hotel but at various stops along the route which are close to the hotels, we found out that our stop was stop 15 the Lido area and which is just at the top of Rua Gorgulho where the Vila Lido is situated at the bottom of the hill towards the sea. The Pestana Vila Lido Hotel is even more impressive close up with it's unique shape and the traditional part of the hotel is equally striking and with the check-in procedure a breeze we paid the amount and were shown to our room. Our room one of the Classic Sea View rooms was light and airy with the best views ever of the Atlantic from the room and balcony and dependent which side of the hotel you are on you either have the sunrise or sunset. There were a couple of minor issues with the room and these were pointed out via an online review of our stay so far. To our surprise, the following day we were offered by the Hotel Manager an upgrade to a superior room which was out of this world and had the best views of the Atlantic we had ever encountered, with a view to the West of the Island for the amazing Sunsets. It has to be said that we once again had some minor issue's with the Superior Room and we addressed these at a later internal management review of the hotel. My wife and I like swimming and there is ample opportunity for this with the hotel pool which was awesome and also an option if the sea state is ok to enter the sea safely with ladder access and egress, the area is fenced off and appropriate warning flags raised when the weather is too bad to swim safely. The breakfast facilities at the hotel are perfect with the staff being very friendly and accommodating to our needs which are not extravagant just some tea and a poached egg sometimes, there are coffee machines and an excellent choice of hot and cold food available, you can even sit outside to view the ocean whilst you have breakfast should you so wish. In the traditional part of the hotel is a bar and A La Carte Restaurant where the menu has a variety of options As well as the Hotel Bar and Restaurant where we dined on 2 occasions there are a number of nice restaurants in close vicinity and further to the West is the Public lido which has adjacent bars and restaurants, something for ever

Great when things go as planed but don't expect the arrogant staff to help you if you have any changes to your flights. My wife and I had our flight delayed by 24 hours on our first day and were told at the concierge that they can't help us and we need to rebook online or come see them after we checkout. First I'm not sure why you stand behind the desk if you can't complete a simple room extension and second I'd expect at least an apology for the inconvenience. I don't recommend this hotel, pay a little extra for a place that knows customer service

Pestana vila lido deserve 5 stars. From the moment we arrived we were treated with utmost courtesy and friendliness. All the staff were very willing to help with the most basic of questions. The food is amazing and we really enjoyed the variety of fresh fruit at breakfast and evening dinner. Such a variety of savoury dishes beautifully presented too. We do not have any dietary needs, but no doubt these are catered for on request for guests that do. The hotel is on a hill with a very short walk to the main road where there are small supermarkets, gift shops, bank etc. Buses that go to the harbour which is just a short ride away. Also 'Discovering Madeira' open top sightseeing buses which take you up about 3,000 feet on good roads, offering wonderful views. We were in a very comfortable room with comfortable beds and a nice view of the pool area and beyond for 2 days, before being offered an upgrade. That was equally comfortable with a view looking towards the harbour area. In both rooms tea and coffee making facilities are provided.

We stayed 14-days half-board in a very spacious Suite Superior Seaview with a sizeable balcony equipped with coffee table set and sunbeds. The bottle of ice-cooled Sparkling Wine along with delicious Hors d’oeuvres in welcoming us is a fine gesture & very much appreciated. The friendliness of every Staff member we met are remarkable, genuine, giving to service whole-heartedly and always with Smiles. The Vila Lido Restautant is excellent, dishes prepared with passion, great, attentive service throughout the Dinner. We got to mention, they spared no effort to do everything in dealing with our concerns so that we can just be eased, satisfied and glad. Particular in our case, as 14-day guests, when craving for a change in the food array is anticipated, we’re given the option for the days that follow just to say what we wished to eat - off the menu & dishes were prepared with the same passion and excellence. Huge appreciation to the Chef… to Luis, Joao & the whole team, Hamza, MD, Leonardo just to mention a few along with those at Flor do Mar Restaurant … specially to Veronica for preparing my favorite Omelett always with her Smile. Many thanks as well to the housekeeping, clean room, fresh, extra towels, the little surprises with fruits, cakes and other sweets … when we got back in late afternoon after a tiring day out is just a nice touch. Pestana Vila Lido is A Home away from Home for us. We have been taken care of, made Our Stay Relaxed & Unforgettable

Very friendly and helpful staff. The room was spacious with a big balcony overlooking the ocean. On request could park at the hotel. Room service was sometimes very late but friendly and helpful on requests. Breakfast buffet is very complete.

The hotel environment is lovely and relaxed. The staff make this place amazing. There a such a good and chilled vibe from all the staff which is difficult to find in most places. Stayed in a seaview room which is a must to enjoy the calming sound of the waves. Couldn’t have asked for more . Perfect stay and looking forward to return. Thank you all for welcoming us to your beautiful island.

This place is must if you are staying in Madeira location view service every thing is 5 star

We stayed for week february 2024. Everything working perfect from arrival to departure. Professionel service from all staff. Breakfast buffet was very good. Never missing a thing.

This property is a lovely sea side property. You can open your patio door and hear the waves (very peaceful). The property has a spectacular breakfast which you can book with your room. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The housekeeping is daily unless you decide otherwise. The staff go above and beyond trying to assist with all of your needs. Truly a great experience with this Hotel - would come again.