We stayed at the Aparthotel Imperatriz twice and their receptionists remembered us straight away when we came back for the second time. Two of their staffs, Duarte and Victor are very friendly, helpful and can speak very good English.

This hotel is in a good location, only about 15-20 mins walk to the centre compare to the other hotels in the “Hotel Zone” area which is about 40 mins walk. The Pingo Doce Supermarket is only about 10-15 mins walk which is very useful if you want to use their kitchenette. We stayed at the side of the hotel and it’s very nice in the evening when the sun was shining into our balcony every time we come back from our day trips. In July, we can watch the sunset until around 10pm! They also have a very private swimming pool on the roof with a nice view of the sea and Funchal.

Hotel ideally situated just 7 mins. walk into Funchal. We had a top floor, side view apartment which was lucky as the front is noisy with traffic and bars and the back has no sun. We had a good sized balcony that was sheltered. Bedroom was large and cleaned daily. Staff were very friendly. Cooking facilites are limited. Two solid heating plates only. Please note there is no toaster, kettle, microwave or oven/grill. Only 2 saucepans and a frying pan and very limited cooking utensils. Enough crockery and cutlery. There is also no hairdryer. There is a TV with 4 English Channels, two News Channels, an Old Films channel and TV Gold repeats. Apartment had a safe (hire charge). There was a roof Sun Terrace and small swimming pool which is adequate, but you are overlooked as Hotel is surrounded by other hotels. The rooms do not have new furniture, but I found it comfortable and met our needs. The Imperatriz in a convenient location and good value.
Tips: Get the AUTOBUS right outside the arrivals at the airport. Cost 5€ pp. each way.
Tell Driver your stop 'Casino Park' he will remember to drop you there (he makes a note)
Alight at your stop, cross the main road, and look for the 'no entry' sign. That is the road you need 'Rue de Imperatriz' Hotel is 100yds downhill on the right.
Shopping tip: Get a top-up travel card from a Kiosk on the promanade, journeys cost 1€
For groceries use Pingo Doce supermarkets, water is 29 cents for 5lts!!! The nearest Pingo Doce is situated in the Dolce Vita shopping centre. Walk towards Funchal down the hill past the gardens. At the Marina Roundabout take the first exit left (keep the BBVA bank to your right). The Dolce Vita shopping centre is 100 yds on the right and Supermarket is on the ground floor.

Dont expect a five star hotel, but it is a good hotel for what we paid. The pool area is simple. The location is good for walking and a few bars nearby with free wifi. Lovely restaurants nearby. Could cook in room as well. Downsides...Ladies take your own hairdryer. They only have 1 to share, so had to ask for it every morning. There was alot of noise outside at night and early in the morning, so was not a restful area, but a pair of earplugs sorted that out! There was no aircon, but we went at a cooler time so that did not bother us.

Its a small clean hotel perfectly located near the casino and city centre (20 minutes from harbour). It is halfway Lido zone and Historical centre of Funchal.
The room has a small kitchen for your small everyday needs (tea, breakfast, etc).
Near the hotel there are some pubs with can became a problem with the late drinkers; if you value your sleep a lot, don't choose this hotel during high season months.
The towels were clean but the only against is the lack of hair-dryer, douche gel, shampoos, etc. We were given only two small pieces of soap for the entire week.
I recommend the hotel for people who loves the casino and night life.