Guest User
June 5, 2024
There are plenty of choices to stay in Funchal. There were several reasons why we selected Royal Savoy. We liked all the positive reviews and they are spot-on. Secondly, the pool area is exceptionally beautiful. Then, too, there are steps out to a dedicated ocean swim area. Thirdly, the town center is no more than a 15-20 minutes’ walk away—even with the doable hill to climb down and up. Unfortunately, it was rather cool in mid-May and never did get to swim. But those views are majestic. The hotel has plenty to offer with a good size gym, several pools, restaurants, a paddle-ball court and dedicated parking. We loved the music at night where people danced. Royal Savoy is truly 5 Stars. The staff most welcoming wearing friendly smiles. One waitress even asked us “if we were coming back next year.” The hotel is rather large and is a combination of Vacation Club rooms and a hotel. Most of the patrons were older English couples. Although, we did see younger families. What we found out that this hotel was built around circa 2000. Our studio room was large. There was a small kitchen and a sizeable bathroom. The bed was most comfortable. The large TV is a big plus. Water was left for us every night. The balcony is large enough for two chairs and a table. The hotel was designed in a weave form. There are some rooms that have side views of other rooms. We were on the third floor, room 1313, with a superb view of the pool area. Some rooms faced west and got to see the Saturday night Reed’s fireworks show. We loved the outside elevator. The entrance to the hotel is on floor 8. The outside elevator makes it feel like you are on a cruise ship which faced outward towards the sea. The speed of all the elevators are quite impressive. No lag time here. The morning breakfasts starting at 7:00am is 5 Stars. Eggs cooked to order by a chef is a real treat. There is so much food on display, you will not eat it all. Coffee is brought to you. Friendly service is a big key point for Royal Savoy. We enjoyed the bar on the 8th floor called Thatcher. There is inside and outside seating. It has superb views over the ocean. Next to the bar is an olive garden with trees over hundred years old, and of course, beautiful flowers. Service at Thatcher’s is quite friendly. Our bartender looked like Ben Affleck. We enjoyed, too, the chips and peanuts offered with our drinks. Our favorite Royal Savoy restaurant is Neptunus Bar by the pool. I am a meat eater, but they have a vegetarian “Seitan burger” which is exceptional made with barbecue sauce. I had that sandwich not once, but three times. The hotel made it convenient with a walkway from the 9th floor over to a street with a good number of restaurants. We enjoyed the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant. In May, Funchal goes all out with a Flower Festival. Then, too, the Jacaranda trees are blooming. There is plenty to see and do in Madeira and Funchal central. We did enjoy taking the