Vidamar Resorts Hotel Madeira

“My 4 year old loved it!”

I went with my wife and 4 year old son. We had wonderful time. However our son had the best time by far! He really enjoyed kids club with Adriana. She was incredibly kind and caring and there were many fun activities to keep him busy. My wife also enjoyed the spa and I liked how close it was to to… more

I went with my wife and 4 year old son. We had wonderful time. However our son had the best time by far! He really enjoyed kids club with Adriana. She was incredibly kind and caring and there were many fun activities to keep him busy. My wife also enjoyed the spa and I liked how close it was to town. The views are outstanding.

less

“Nothing wrong with it, but definitely lacking something and looking rather tired ”

I've wavered over giving a rating of 3 or 4 stars..... I think I'd probably go for 3.5 if I could. This was actually our 3rd visit to the hotel over the past few years. There was nothing really wrong with our stay this time, neither of us felt it was quite as good though. Previously we've stayed i… more

I've wavered over giving a rating of 3 or 4 stars..... I think I'd probably go for 3.5 if I could. This was actually our 3rd visit to the hotel over the past few years. There was nothing really wrong with our stay this time, neither of us felt it was quite as good though. Previously we've stayed in a garden view room, this time we had a sea view which was lovely. Seeing the cruise ships arrive all lit up early in the morning was just lovely. As others have said, the rooms are looking rather tired. The beds are comfy though and we slept well. We could certainly live without the floor to ceiling mirrors in the bathroom and the lighting in the room could definitely be improved, as could the number and placement of electric plugs. Our sliding patio doors also couldn't be locked. The set up of the buffet area had changed and we're not sure whether the selection has also reduced or of it was a case of certain bits being quite crowded. Somehow it just didn't seem to flow, various pinch points/ congestion with popular areas/ food. The hotel is rather characterless, there's a small bar with live music some evenings. The couple of nights we popped in and the music was good (as we're the cocktails). The bar probably seats 80-100 people. There's definitely no real nightlife in the hotel. I guess most people head out. We spent a day by the outdoors pools (chilly!) and in the sea, great to have direct sea access. No problem getting a sun lounger at all, beach towels changed on demand. Don't get me wrong, we had a lovely week on the island. Will we head back to Madeira for a 4th time? I think there's a very good chance we will. Will we stay at the VidaMar again? I have a feeling not....

less

“Average hotel”

This 5 star hotel is located in a great spot on the coast with lovely views from our 8th floor balcony. Great for watching sunrises, sunsets and cruise ships coming and going. The room was spacious with lots of storage, kettle, fridge, hairdryer, air con, safe and free WIFI. It was very clean if a… more

This 5 star hotel is located in a great spot on the coast with lovely views from our 8th floor balcony. Great for watching sunrises, sunsets and cruise ships coming and going. The room was spacious with lots of storage, kettle, fridge, hairdryer, air con, safe and free WIFI. It was very clean if a little dated. There was a small table and two chairs on the balcony. Two loungers would have been a welcome addition. I found the bed and pillows comfortable and slept well. We didn't use the air con but kept the door open so we could hear the sea. Reception is rather unwelcoming area. Dull and quite dark. Staff were ok but I wouldn't describe them as friendly on the whole. You can eat in three other restaurants but you need to book in advance and there is a cost. The lady who did our bookings was lovely. Signage in the hotel is not brilliant. There is no visible hotel information on show in reception. You access it through a QR code on the cardboard slip containing your room access cards. So if you want any information about what is going on you need to have a QR reader on your phone. The main restaurant has a covered verandah and is large. I found breakfast to be good with lots of choice of food and juice and hot drinks and good quality. The evening meal I would say is adequate. There are no hot drinks available at all which I found odd. My advice would be go B&B. There are loads of restaurants near by including Michelin starred. There are yoga and aquacise classes and there is a scuba diving school. Poolside and the Spa area are not easy to find and access. For us involved three different lifts and was only found after trial and error. If in doubt ask at reception. There is a good cafe at the poolside, lots of loungers, umbrellas and towels. You can access the sea via ladders and steps but it is very rocky with no beach. The poolside area is clean and the infinity pools are cool. It lacks character but that is true of the hotel in general. That is my main criticism and the reason I would not return. It is impersonal, cold and soul less. More like a conference centre with rooms. There is one bar area which again was without character. We tended to go out in the evening so didn't see any of the entertainment in the bar. It is an easy walk into Funchal and we went to The Reid's Palace Hotel most nights for cocktails on the balcony. Expensive but fabulous with friendly staff and amazing views. Treat yourself! There is a local bus service right out front but the drivers have no concern for passengers standing which is common as it is a busy route. We had a great time on the island and met some lovely people but I would not return to this hotel despite everything it has going for it simply due to the feel of the place. Many people we met were returning so it obviously didn't deter everyone.

less