Dorisol Buganvilia Studio Hotel

“First Visit - definitely not our last visit”

This was our first stay at Buganvilia studio hotel and it will not be our last. We have been coming to Funchal for the last 9 years, in December and until now always stayed at a different hotel. When we saw that TUI were offering a week's B&B for £314 inc flight, bags and transfer we thought - why… more

This was our first stay at Buganvilia studio hotel and it will not be our last. We have been coming to Funchal for the last 9 years, in December and until now always stayed at a different hotel. When we saw that TUI were offering a week's B&B for £314 inc flight, bags and transfer we thought - why not - give it a go. We were pleasantly surprised. Arriving before the 3pm check in time, we left our bags and nipped out to get essentials - milk, fruit etc. Our room was ready on our return, on the 8th floor ( as requested) with a view over to the port. The room was spotless and has everything we need for a comfy stay. The bed was comfy, pillows a bit too soft - but fine with a cushion under them. Fridge with freezer box, 2 ring hob, microwave and kettle - what more do you need? Basically the rooms are what you see in the photos. The rooms was attended to every day and there are recycling bins on every floor for plastic, paper etc . There was plenty of hot water for showers after a day spent walking in the hills or along the levadas. Yes, the hotel is a little dated in places but gradually the hotel is being upgraded. The evening entertainments are in the sister hotel, making the Buganvilia very quiet at night - there is noise from other guests returning ( the hotel is built around an atrium which amplifies sound) but soon settles. Think there is a quieter bar in this hotel but we did not use it. We looked around the other facilities - pools both indoor and outdoor, sauna and gym all seemed cleaned and free to use. We only had breakfast, but there was a very wide choice - even baked apples. We did not try any cooked items so cannot comment, and we did not eat in the hotel in the evening. The hotel is ideally placed being mins from bus stops, shops and the lido and is about a 20 - 30 min walk into the heart of Funchal. The staff were all friendly. The Buganvilia is now our hotel of choice for our annual pre Christmas winter warmth holiday.

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“Good location and spotless hotel.”

Arrived around lunchtime and couldn't access our room until 3pm so we were told we could leave our cases and go and explore. Hotel was about 2 kilometres from the centre of Funchal which was a pleasant walk. When we got our key we went to our room on the 7th floor which was spotless. The hotel doe… more

Arrived around lunchtime and couldn't access our room until 3pm so we were told we could leave our cases and go and explore. Hotel was about 2 kilometres from the centre of Funchal which was a pleasant walk. When we got our key we went to our room on the 7th floor which was spotless. The hotel does have some areas that needed updating but the location and the hotel was perfect for what we needed. The restaurants were fine with a good selection of food and very friendly waiting staff. Would happily stay here again.

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“Good location,amenities nearby and in a good bus route if don’t want to walk into Funchal. A good weeks holiday.”

Tired hotel,needs a bit of TLC , rooms adequate, was a room with kitchenette in , but no plug nearby for kettle , microwave didn’t work. Bathroom where ok was a step in shower over bath, maid comes in and tidies up, balcony seating area,pillows on bed a bit musty and blanket in cupboard smelly.

“Great Location. Great view from balcony”

Getting to the hotel was extremely easy on the Airport bus . It’s €6 one way or €10 return but must be used within a week . The stop number is 15 I received a warm welcome from Alexandra . I arrive early at about 11am . I was totally aware that check in was 3pm so there is no reason at all to kic… more

Getting to the hotel was extremely easy on the Airport bus . It’s €6 one way or €10 return but must be used within a week . The stop number is 15 I received a warm welcome from Alexandra . I arrive early at about 11am . I was totally aware that check in was 3pm so there is no reason at all to kick up a fuss like some people are inclined to do . I just left my bag in reception and walked around Lido Area , went for a wine , walked around Pingo ( supermarket) and looked at trips available in the many travel agencies. I was in a high floor overlooking the port of Funchal which is actually what I asked for when I emailed my request to the hotel . The room is on the basic side and a tad outdated but it’s comfortable The door locks with a key ( rather than a card ) so as a solo lady traveller I did feel a tad uncomfortable with this at times . The kitchenette consists of a fridge , microwave and 2 hobs My balcony had the sun in the morning and shaded in the evening The room has no air conditioning, only a fan . The room was warm in April so I’m sure it would be like a sauna in July and august The pool area was ok . Lacked a bit of atmosphere so I would use the sister hotels’s pool . This one had a restaurant with lovely staff and great coffee . There was hardly any British folk in Buganville hotel so I used to go to VidaMar hotel . I used their pool area and chatted to lovely fellow Brits . Thank you VidaMar , you have a lovely hotel . Breakfast is served 07.30 to 10.30 Lovely coffee and fruit . However was disappointed to see bacon in the scramble eggs ( I’m vegetarian) But I loved the pastries and the potato croquettes. If you are vegan there is a vegan restaurant 1 min walk down the hill on right . All the bus stops are down the hill opposite Santander Bank Bus 1,2 and 4 will take you into Funchal for €2 I went on a lovely horse ride in the Levadas and taxi was €60 return Buses and taxis are good however I wished I rented a car. Parking at hotel is €7 a day Friendly , lovely island. I’d recommend and turn in a heartbeat

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