we stayed here the first week in july.we were quicklysorted out at reception by a very nice lady and were taken to our room,a junior suite by a member of staff who carried our suitcases to the room.
the suite was very spacious with a day room and a large bathroom and also a very large balcony with views of funchal and the sea.
the air con was very good and the room was nice and bright.
the swimming pools were small but adequate and were warm.
breakfast was included and the food was good with plenty of choice.
the main meals were very pricey so we went to funchal for our evening meals,and there are many good restaurants there with plenty of choice.
the hotel has a bus which will take you to town free but it stops about 1800hrs,after that there are plenty of taxis which cost about 7 euro.
overall we had a great holiday and all the staff were friendly.
i would recommend this hotel.

I just returned from a 7 days trip to Funchal and I am very pleased to have chosen Quinta das Vistas Palace Gardens. The staff was absolutely lovely, polite and efficient. The Hotel is very well located, near to everything within a short taxi ride or by using the "carrinha" a transportation to and from Funchal center town. The restaurant is a must know and the chef is creative using the natural ingredients of the Madeira Island and the best of Portuguese and International cuisine. The Views that give name to the Quinta is superb, so is the swimming pool, the gardens, the room and the Spa. I dont recomend for children but I do recomend to people in need to rest or have a romantic or quiet pause. Beds are excelent, and I think all the staff is able to speak at least German, English, Portuguese and French. It is luxury at a Portuguese traditional level of hospitality. Free wi-fi Internet, a cumplimentary bottle of Madeira wine and Honey Cake, piano bar with a piano player. Transportation from and to the Airport avaiable. Wonderfull time I had.

Quinta Das Vista is a truly lovely hotel. We have just returned from a seven day stay and just cannot wait to go back to the same hotel in the spring. Staff are fantastic, the hotel is pristine, the pool and spa and hot tub are to die for, looking over the beautiful Madeira bay. We do not think this is a hotel for children (not much in the way of play areas) but for the more mature person who wants a quiet restful time, you cannot do much better. One small complaint, the courtesy bus does not run on Sundays, also, it could do with running a little later in the evening to Funchal. Also, tea/coffee making facilities would be nice in the room. Madeira is a lovely clean island, no graffiti or litter, no lager louts, as I said, we can't wait to go back.

Just returned from an excellent stay at the quinta das vistas.

Plus points:
Beautiful views over Funchal with superb restaurant terrasse.
Pool bar.
Breakfasts (although the bacon could be crispier for my taste)
Pleasantness and efficiency of the staff.
Quiet and relaxing environment.
Big bed.
Excellent dinners.
Beautiful music piped through the restaurant and terrace area at breakfast time.
Pianist on Mondays and Fridays for dinner.
Overall a very sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere.
Cleanliness.
 
 
What could be improved:
Bathroom was fine although I would have expected something slightly more luxurious in feeling for a hotel of this category.
Carpet had a couple of small stains on it and was starting to look just a tiny bit worn.
Restaurant food in the evening is not cheap when you stray from the set menu (although the food is very good).

Tips:
Must go to "joe's bar" in the hotel Quinta da Penha França...amazing and inexpensive cocktails...order a "long" cocktail and you'll be amazed by the fruit decorations!
Also try the goldengate "grand café" in Funchal for coffee or meals.
Try the organised walk from poco da areiro.
Rent a car for a day and tour the island.
Visit the fruit Market and try the local produce on the first floor of the mercado dos labradores. Also upstairs at the market, enjoy a fresh orange juice at the beautiful bar on the balcony outside also upstairs on the first floor and get tips for sightseeing the island from the friendly staff.