The Views Monumental

“Week holiday”

Absolutely brilliant hotel in a great location, we had a welcome pack of sparkling wine and fruit and cheese on arrival as it was our anniversary. The rooms were spotless although our bathroom was a bit smaller than it should be The pool was amazing

“Fantastic stay”

We have just returned from a one week stay at The Views Monumental and we absolutely loved it. The hotel was lovely and clean and had a fantastic pool area. We were self catering, so we didn’t eat at the hotel and therefore can’t comment there, however we did enjoy a few drinks around the pool. A... more

We have just returned from a one week stay at The Views Monumental and we absolutely loved it. The hotel was lovely and clean and had a fantastic pool area. We were self catering, so we didn’t eat at the hotel and therefore can’t comment there, however we did enjoy a few drinks around the pool. All of the staff were really helpful and friendly, as previously mentioned, you could choose how many times you wanted the cleaner to come to your room and in return you get €3 credit for every day you don’t have your room cleaned. However, the cleaner still came and provided toilet paper and topped up the tea, coffee and milk sachets provided and emptied the bins. The hotel was in a great location, just about a 20 min walk to get to the centre of Funchal. We do like to walk and we live in Cumbria so are used to walking up/down hill but, some of the roads are very steep and I thoroughly recommend wearing trainers or walking shoes/sandals, rather than flip flops or regular sandals, if you do plan on walking anywhere. There are lots of transport options though, so you don’t have to walk anywhere, if you really don’t want to. We paid €24 for a 5 day pass on the yellow hop on hop off bus and used it for getting to Camara de Lobos and Cabo Giroa (Sky Walk) and just having a tour around the city to get our bearings, which we thought was excellent value and the bus stopped right opposite the hotel. We really enjoyed our stay and there are so many bars and restaurants close by, you’re spoilt for choice. We would thoroughly recommend this hotel.

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“Lovely chilled holiday”

This hotel is fabulous! It is spotlessly clean, all the staff are brilliant and so friendly and helpful at all times. No matter what time of day, I could always get a sunlounger and parasol. Yes there are one or two naughty people who bag a bed and then disappear for hours, but honestly they a... more

This hotel is fabulous! It is spotlessly clean, all the staff are brilliant and so friendly and helpful at all times. No matter what time of day, I could always get a sunlounger and parasol. Yes there are one or two naughty people who bag a bed and then disappear for hours, but honestly they are in the minority. There are 3 areas for sunbathing and there were always loads of beds free at any one time, even round the main pool area. I stayed on a bed and breakfast basis, breakfast is buffet style and there was always plenty of choice, if you can't find anything to eat, you really ARE fussy! The "hot" breakfast items were a bit hit and miss, sometimes only lukewarm, which did put me off, particularly the eggs (but there was always someone available to make a fresh omelette if requested) so I ended up choosing cold food most days, the selection was plentiful. The safe is 15 Euros to rent for a week, worth it in my opinion, but I have to say, it's the first time I've EVER had to pay for one, they're usually included in the price of the holiday. Pool towels are also available from Reception - your first one is free, if you want replacements during your stay they are 1 Euro each. Water is OK to drink from the tap, although there is a nearby Spar that sells bottled water if you'd rather drink that. The hotel is doing its best to be "green" so there are coloured recycling bins by the pool bar and also in the rooms. If you don't want your room cleaned, for every day that you choose not to, they give you 3 Euros to spend in the bar in the form of a chitty to show to the bar staff. On non cleaning days, they'll just empty bins. There are loads of bars and restaurants nearby to choose from. Directly over the road and down the (very steep) hill, there are some lovely ones. As a single traveller on average I spent between 17 - 25 Euros on an evening meal; this included garlic bread, a main course, sparkling water and 1 or 2 glasses of wine. The hotel has entertainment on at the pool bar every night, some great singers, and one night was Madeiran Night where some folk dancers in traditional garb entertained in between the singers. I was actually quite happy sat on my balcony with a couple of glasses of wine and watching it from there. Bus numbers 1 and 2 will get you to the Marina area and back. Fare is 1.95 Euros each way, bus stop is literally across the road. A taxi back will be around 8 -10 Euros. There are lots more restaurants and bars down there. I was here while the Euro football championships were on, the atmosphere was brilliant on both occasions that Portugal played (and won!) If you are booking any trips, Lido Tours are very good, they are situated on the left as soon as you exit the hotel. The red open top hop on hop off bus tours also stop across the road and tickets are valid for 24 hours. I really enjoyed my time here and would definitely stay again in the future if I were to return to Madeira. Final word of warning, it is a MUST to use high SPF, I never ever burn when sunbathing,I usually go straight brown, but I did here, using SPF15 which is all I ever use normally. I got horribly burnt even through the clouds and when it was only 21 or 22° it took 4 days to calm down and not hurt. Lesson learned, it'll be SPF 30 from now on for me. ***** PLEASE TAKE HEED OF THIS!! BE VERY CAREFUL IN THE SUN, EVEN WHEN IT IS OVERCAST*****

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“Great Stay Great Hotel”

There really is so little or lots to say about this hotel 1st Rate Breakfast and dinner Great choice and diversity always hot and or Fresh. Only thing is labelling for allergies and suitability for food types could be better. Excellent Staff nothing was too much trouble Pool area was spotless ... more

There really is so little or lots to say about this hotel 1st Rate Breakfast and dinner Great choice and diversity always hot and or Fresh. Only thing is labelling for allergies and suitability for food types could be better. Excellent Staff nothing was too much trouble Pool area was spotless and loads of beds but could do with a few more umbrellas Rooms were perfect and cleaned to a very high standard All in all a great stay and would happily go back anytime

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