I stayed here in July 2011 for 5 nights after my parents recommended it. I was travelling alone so decided to splash out a little as I knew I would be spending a bit more time than usual in the actual room.

On arrival the hotel looks like it is in a strange location as you have to go through the entrance of a shopping centre (which was to prove very handy) to get the the lift for the reception. I agree that the communal areas of the hotel are a little dark but that is more in keeping with the design element of the hotel.

My room was gorgeous! MASSIVE super king bed that I didn't want to get out of most mornings. The bathroom was open plan to the room but it had doors separating the toilet and shower. The sink was very funky and the mirrors around the sink were PERFECT for doing my hair (such a girl thing to say I know)...

There was a big flat screen TV and hidden wardrobes at either side of the bed as well as a mini fridge which I used to store stuff in more than for the items they sold (which were over-priced as they usually are with hotels).

A few people have commented on the electronic lighting system but once you got used to it, it was easy to use. Even the light coming on when you got up in the night wasn't really an issue.

The biggest downside to the room was the lack of plug sockets. Not being able to charge your phone by the bedside was odd!

Ok so...out of the room the hotel didn't disappoint either. The roof top pool is simply STUNNING! The loungers are so comfy (towels provided) and there are showers and toilets for changing etc if needed. One word of warning...be aware of sitting on the loungers closest to the glass walls. The sun reflecting off these made for some strange burned strips on my left leg and left arm!

I ate lunch at the roof top bar once (sushi) and it was amazing and reasonably priced. Most days I went for a wander and found somewhere near the hotel - and even popped down to the shopping centre food court one day. I also used the supermarket in the shopping centre for bottles of drinks, fruit and toiletries when needed etc.

The breakfast in the hotel was perfect! Cold food as well as hot food made to order, I sat outside each day. The staff could not have been more accomodating.

Also...one thing I am gutted I didn't find out until the last day. The spa in the basement is free to use (sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, relaxation room). I didn't book any treatments but spent an hour enjoying the facilities!

Also, a little restaurant tip...I found it on TripAdvisor and went on my last night. Armazem Do Sal. You do have to hunt a bit to find it. It isn't one for sitting outside really but the food is FAB! I wish I had gone more than once to be honest!

we have just returned from a week at the hotel,our first visit to funchal,the staff are wonderfull and nothing is too much trouble especially the waiting on staff,the uva restaurant was wonderfull and worth a visit,the prices were reasonable too,at lunch time try the sushi its fantastic.The rooftop pool and the views were great day and night,the spa is also great and take advantage of the free facillities down in the spa there were only ever two of us in there,a trip to the casino is good and very inexpensive to sit at the bar people watching.The fx bar is worth a look in as there is live music all weekend,they have the best pizzas ever.no kids which was great breakfast is buffett and made fresh to order which i find a real bonus,the lighting system is simple to use and the under bed light goes off after a minute or you con swith it off on the bedside panel.The shower is great with a waterfall effect.I will be returning as i found this hotel so calm and peacefull and a welcome break,it is quite central as well.take a one way trip on the cable car and come down in the whicker baskets its so funny you should try it,food everywhere is very reasonably priced and lots of choice.

Compact but beautifully laid out rooms, with at home comforts. Excellent service and facilities - Rooftop restaurant + pool. We stayed in Nov '10 and enjoyed every minute. The location of the hotel above a shopping centre sounds strange, but it's very convenient. Breakfast was all you could ask for and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. I'd love to go back.

The Vine in Funchal can be found on top of the central shopping centre - very convenient for buying cheap booze and food in the basement supermarket and having a night in with a picnic in the tub in the middle of your bedroom whilst watching your flat screen in ambient sensor controlled lighting! Great hotel, fantastically quiet roof top infinity pool and spa, no kids in sight - hurrah! The included individually cooked to order breakfast is a bonus. UVA, the 3* Michelin restaurant on the roof is pricey but worth a visit; especially when Antoine Westermann, the head chef is in residence. An excellent central hotel - look out for special offers theough Secret Escapes or Voyage Prive.