Hotel Girassol - Suite Hotel

“Adequate but could have been much better with a few extra touches”

What this hotel has going for it are the following : one, strategic location on the lido next to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets (including two Pingo Doce and a Spar within easy walking distance) car rental and tour agencies; two, super convenient for buses, with several bus stops wi… more

What this hotel has going for it are the following : one, strategic location on the lido next to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets (including two Pingo Doce and a Spar within easy walking distance) car rental and tour agencies; two, super convenient for buses, with several bus stops within a 50 metre radius; three, lovely gardens punctuated by two large swimming pools; four, sizable rooms configured as suites with separate sitting area and ample storage and wardrobe space. What lets it down, however, is the dated decor. The emphasis may be on minimalism but some pictures or decorative objects in the hotel corridors will make them less spartan and more welcoming. The breakfast, while adequate, also leaves much to be desired - mainly canned fruit to go with the yoghurt and no egg station. A few crusty pieces of rather dry cake are the only sweet items on offer even though pancakes did make the occasional appearance. The juice tastes like diluted cordial but there is thankfully cava to compensate for it. Bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and hash browns etc tended to be lukewarm at breakfast although sufficient provisions have been made for those needing to be gluten-free. The breakfast room also has the ambience of a cantina instead of exuding the sleek sophistication of a typical hotel dining room.

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“Enjoyable week in scenic Madeira”

A lot to like about this hotel. It's a great base in a prime location, maybe a 20 minute walk to Funchal city centre. However the street the hotel is on has a number of decent bars and restaurants even more locally, with a nice promenade and lido area only 5-10 mins walk down the hill the other way… more

A lot to like about this hotel. It's a great base in a prime location, maybe a 20 minute walk to Funchal city centre. However the street the hotel is on has a number of decent bars and restaurants even more locally, with a nice promenade and lido area only 5-10 mins walk down the hill the other way. We stayed all inclusive and the food we felt was of a very good standard, if only lacking a little in choice, however; understandable for a hotel of this size and the fact we have two fussy eating children. The pool areas and gardens are pretty clean and the suite was of a good size for our family of four. We didnt use the spa or gym facilties but both looked to be of decent standard for this type of accomodation. The staff were in large very helpful and courteous around the main restaurant, reception and 1st floor bar area. Some of the staff around the pool areas weren't always most pleasant, however I understand some guests can also be very rude. The kids were very happy around the pool areas and with their stay, there is not a lot of water attractions or evening entertainment but we didnt go for that on this break. So the hotel may be of strong 3 star standard based on facilities, however we would give it 4 stars if only for based on our positive experience during our half term stay.

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“Why only 3 star review, is something wrong !!!!!!!”

First time in Madeira and we really enjoyed the holiday. We went with jet2 and read the reviews for the hotel before we went, we went for for Girassol as it was rated 4 star. Check in was good, staff were pleasant and spoke really good English. we paid the Euro 1.50 per night for the wall safe in t… more

First time in Madeira and we really enjoyed the holiday. We went with jet2 and read the reviews for the hotel before we went, we went for for Girassol as it was rated 4 star. Check in was good, staff were pleasant and spoke really good English. we paid the Euro 1.50 per night for the wall safe in the room and the tourist tax levy which you can't avoid, don't lose the key for the wall safe as it will cost you euro 75 to replace !! Rooms are spacious, beds are comfy, linen changed often and the hotel is very clean, if a little dated. We went for the All Inclusive (AI) option, but in reality the AI at this hotel is full board with a few extras, if you are used to some other countries version of AI, with food available all day and soft drinks/lager available with guest dispensers, then you'll be disappointed. There is so much to do in Madeira, that when we go again, then we will go half board as we only ate lunch a couple of times at the hotel, lunch at Girassol is served by the pool bar and really should be classed as a snack lunch, although we were never short of something to eat. I would say the food is basic without a huge selection, although as I said, we never didn't find something to eat. I gave this review 3 stars as the Hotel is tired and dated, although very clean, with attentive staff. In my opinion the Girassol should be a 3 star Hotel, definitely not 4 stars. Would I stay here again, I'm afraid the answer is no unfortunately, however if you're aware of these shortcomings and go half board, then you will have a nice stay, don't opt for the AI.

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“Slightly disappointed.”

The hotel was ok decor wise a bit tired. The cleanliness was excellent. Rooms a nice size comfortable for two, nice having separate seating area. The dinning room was ultra old fashioned and not very welcoming. Salad bar, deli and sweets were good, hot food was awful, canteen like. Bar upstairs ve… more

The hotel was ok decor wise a bit tired. The cleanliness was excellent. Rooms a nice size comfortable for two, nice having separate seating area. The dinning room was ultra old fashioned and not very welcoming. Salad bar, deli and sweets were good, hot food was awful, canteen like. Bar upstairs very sparse with really crappy tables what were varnish peeling and nothing on the walls, no pictures, just walls. The pool area was lovely with exceptionally well kept gardens. Unfortunately restaurant staff were not in the least friendly, never spoke and faces like thunder. Not the friendliest of places to be honest.

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