Pestana Ocean Bay Resort

Good,not perfect

We visited this hotel as a family of 3, we have an 11 years old son. We were there during halloween and All saints day. I'll write detailed report of our wonderful stay that was much better in all areas than we expected. Arrival: We arrived by a rented car. The road to the hotel is easily found, you pass neighbouring hotel and arrive behind Pestana Ocean Bay where there is a parking place sorounded by a beautiful vegetation-it was so nice to see all the plants that you usually have as indoor plants, such as Dieffenbachia in a natural habitat and as a huge climbing plant. We always were able to get a parking space, which is free and freely accessible. Location: it is situated directly on the beach. The beach itself is a tourist attraction and i must say that this hotel has absolutely THE BEST location in Funchal! Not only you are able to watch sunset and the ocean 24/7, but you also watch it while you eat your meals. Beach: we went for one swim and didnt repeat it and it was really short. I felt unsafe in the water, like the water is going to pull me away from the beach if i went too far. And the water was not as salty as expected. Also the getting in and out of the sea was tricky. We stayed by the pool mostly, where the sunbeds are very comfortable and the sun area is gorgeus-again observing the flowers, such as Bird of paradise, in its natural habitat. We also loved the abundance of sand lizards playing, they were so cute. Room: we loved everything about it. The design is very thought of, the images of tropical birds on the tapestry, pillows, knobs... The wood of the closet gives a tropical feel as well. All was clean, there we beach towels in the cupboard. We didnt use the kitchenette because there was no need. We didnt use airconditioning, because it was never too warm or too cold. We slept deliberately by widow half closed so we could listen to the crashing waves of the ocean. And the first morning, when i stepped on the balcony, it took my breath away- the birth of a new day, the stillness of the air, the colours of rising sun and the waves, magical. Food: I loved all the food! It was as fresh and home cooked as i would do it at home.. For breakfast i took fried eggs, which were very delicious because they fry them in deep oil, I had also delicious porridge with a splash of Nutella. Lunch and dinner always had 2 fish dishes- tuna steaks, panseared fish, seafood pasta etc. One day there were option to make burgers, beef or chicken. You would get patties, buns and all the fillings. My favourite salad was coleslaw, husbands was string beans. And i must especially mention deserts: signature desserts were custards, creams, puddings. All delicious and even i ate a lot of them, they never left my stomach heavy, such a good idea. By the dinner all the wines were bottled. Staff was very good, quick and discreet. Soft drinks from the automat were: pepsi, pepsi zero, apple juice, pineapple juice, multivitamin juice and water. Plus beer. I also liked th

A group of 12 of us spent 5 days at the Ocean Bay for a 60th birthday. Transfer from airport was only 20 mins which was ideal. Hotel is situated overlooking the beach which is beautiful. All rooms face the sea. Rooms very large and clean with plenty of storage. Lifts to all floors. Sadly no Aircon in the hotel other than the premium rooms on the 7th floor. Plenty of beds around the pool and towels supplied. Pools very clean and close to bar and restaurant area. Daily water aerobics which was great fun! I couldn't fault the food, plenty of choice at every meal. All inclusive drinks were plenty, they never scrimped on the alcohol! Staff were amazing! Nothing was to much trouble. A huge thanks to top bar man Mohammed. This gentleman was a total credit to the hotel. Mohammed helped us arrange the birthday meal - table clothes, cutlery etc. He went above and beyond to make our stay extra special. Bus runs from the hotel to Funchal twice a day. Get to the coach pick up point early as it is very popular. We all loved our time at Ocean Bay and look forward to returning again soon .

Very nice team, very nice people at hotel reception, very nice staff. I forgot something in the room when leaving the hotel : the reception quickly organize the post transfer. Thank you again. Thank you for the good week of holiday in your hotel.

We paid a reasonable price through Easyjet and felt we certainly got what we paid for and more. The hotel was pleasant, rooms had no air con and slightly in need of an update but the beds were comfortable and everything was clean and tidy. The outside areas were well maintained and the pools were clean. We went in early October and there were always sunbeds available. The clientele does seem to be mostly older couples at this time of the year but the atmosphere was peaceful. Some light evening entertainment was provided which we enjoyed. The food was acceptable, less choice than we expected but perfectly edible and mostly enough to eat. The location is perfect on the sea front and there are numerous bus services into the centre of Funchal. The hotel offers a free shuttle twice a day but it does fill up fast so either queue early or walk up the fairly steep steps and pay 2 euros for a single journey into Funchal. Take trainers for this purpose if no other!! The front is well lit throughout the night and hosts several restaurant huts. Around 3 or 4 mins walk to the south is a spectacular cave- walk through this to find a sheltered lido and continue up the steps for a coast top walkway with more restaurants. We enjoyed several evening strolls and morning jogs along the front. A good variety of drinks to be had in the bar- Mohammed especially made it his business to know our preferences and have it ready when we walked up! We would definitely return.

Really enjoyed our stay. The hotel has a relaxed feel, the staff are friendly and attentive (particular shout out to Beatrix on reception for helping us with a planned hike - even phoning her friend who lived nearby to the hike location to ask for information). The food is plentiful, and the staff work hard to keep the restaurant cleared and resupplied. We’re not food gurus and are pleased to have a straight forward selection of meals on hand every night that doesn’t involve cooking them! The beach front location is a plus, with sunset views every evening. Also space to park the hire car.

The most amazing, hard working, courteous, friendly staff that I have ever experienced in a hotel. Yes this hotel is a bit dated but spotlessly clean, good size pool and great outside seating for drinks and meals looking over the sea. Location was perfect for us, away from the city, the sounds of waves but only 20mins to get into the centre of Funchal by bus (either courtesy bus or no. 2- stops the other side of tunnel). Great value for money, loved being able to take a bottle of wine to our table at dinner. 10 days of relaxation spending time by the pool and seeing the sights. No real gym but if the waves calm you can venture into the sea. Great for sunsets