Arrived at Funchal airport at lunch time...with my Mum,for a girlie weeks holiday.
Airport& transfer very smooth,it took about fifteen minutes to drive,through beautiful scenery,to our hotel.What a lovely position....a little out of the main hotel area,but it looked clean,welcoming,and just what the doctor ordered.
Mariana(on reception) greeted us...very cheerful,informative and welcoming,lovely girl,who couldn't do enough for us.
We stayed in room 509... A twin bedded,ocean facing,light and airey room.Spotlessly clean...lovely bathroom,with full bath and overhead shower...bidet& loo.A small but very adequate kitchen area,with all crockery and utensils if needed....and a kettle( I do love a cuppa first thing :-) ).... Large sliding patio doors,leading to a clean and large balcony with a table & two chairs....oh....and the most stunning view of the Atlantic ocean...and the breathtaking sound of the waves breaking on the pebbly beach :-). Perfect !!!
The reception area is spacious and airey....there is always someone helpful and informative on duty....
Through to a comfortable seating area...then on to the light,clean and spacious dining area.
Through the dining room and out to a large area with tables and chairs...all overlooking the ocean.
To the left is the pool(heated in the winter) with many sun beds,a jacuzzi,and shower too.The flora and fauna around the pool area is gorgeous.
We stayed on an all inclusive basis,and we're not disappointed.
Breakfast...until 10.30am....many types of rolls,croissants....fresh fruit,yoghurts...cold meats and cheese.Also a hot choice,eggs,bacon and or sausages.a fantastic choice....with tea coffee,juices and water also.
Lunch...until 3pm....a wide range of salads,cold meats,cheeses.Two or three hot mains and vegetables.Several choices of dessert :-). Red or white wine & sangria in jugs,help yourself by the glassful.Other alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks available at the bar.Again,tea,coffee and juices,from the machines...help yourself styley .
Evening dinner was in two settings...7pm&8pm...in my opinion,it didn't seem to matter which you went to,no one minded.
Again....wide selection of fresh salads,cold dishes,meats and cheeses.Several hot choices,and vegetables.Also,always a "diet corner" which had a plainly cooked main dish and vegetable.Several desserts...always including Madeira cake(gorgeous).
The staff,without exception,we're polite,friendly and very efficient.
In my opinion,the food and service were excellent,always something lovely to eat.No chips in sight...wonderful :-)
There is a courtesy bus that runs into Funchal town,at regular times throughout the day,also return journeys up until 6pm.
There is much to see and do in Funchal town....well worth a few visits....even if it's just to have a perfect coffee whilst watching the cruise ships come in,by the marina.
We went on a guided day tour of the east side of the island....not to be missed....something for everyone.A fantastic local lunch cost extra,just lovely.Mum and I had scabbard....a local fish,only found in Madeira and new Zealand. A ,sadly,very ugly fish...but don't be put off....it's lush.Typically served with banana....strange combination,but it works.
The other guests at the hotel seemed to be mostly English & Danish ....mostly a little older than me.....which was great....as peace and order were kept :-). Maybe the clientele changes further into the season....but,I would say this could typically be a hotel favoured by folk over 65.... Certainly in the quieter months.
Most evenings,there is live entertainment....very easy on the ear stuff.Some people would have a dance :-)
We had fabulous weather....I wore a t shirt when out and about in the day,bikini by the pool....and a light jersey in the evening....lovely climate.
When out and about....coffee& cake were very very reasonable....the coffee is excellent...as is the cake :-). We didn't eat out....as we were very happy to eat at the hotel.
There is no time difference....which is fantastic....no jet lag :-)
I have no hesitation recommending this hotel.... To anybody.....it's perfectly situated....just far enough away from the hustle and bustle.
The hotel...staff...amenities and food....are of excellent quality.
Mum & I returned to the UK,rested and happy :-)
If I can be of any help,regarding this hotel,or Funchal in general....just shout :-)
Obrigada Pestana Ocean Bay Hotel :-)