I'd love to say it was awful so that we'd have it all to ourselves, but my conscience won't let me. This was our second stay (over the holidays)-- a total of five weeks altogether, and our favorite of the various similar hotels we have stayed at on the island. The staff is outstanding, truly making this a home-away-from- home. We stayed in the Residence with a small but more than adequate kitchenette, PLUS it actually had storage space for the food we bought. The thoughtful amenities, including bathrobes and extremely soft towels contributed to the feeling of staying in a five-star hotel.
The grounds are so beautiful and so well maintained, we didn't really feel like leaving for day trips. And we didn't really have to, to be entertained, since the Porto Mare and Eden Mar grounds are combined and accessible to guests who stay at either hotel. There is different entertainment every night--some better than others, but still entertaining, a fully-equipped gym (sorry about that) two wonderful indoor swimming pools, several outdoor pools, game room, etc. Who wants to leave? We plan to return the next chance we get.

Another wonderful Christmas / New Year at the Porto Mare Hotel. Thank you to all the dedicated staff for whom nothing is too much trouble. Again the Christmas decorations were superb.
The gardens of the Vila Porto Mare are a delight both for the serious gardener and the amateur. In fact better than another garden in Madeira for which we paid €10 each to enter! A (free) garden tour of the Vila Porto Mare is highly recommended. The subtropical gardens house >470 unique botanical species, all clearly identified. See http://vpmgardens.blogspot.com/ The gardening team are clearly committed and work enthusiastically around the gardens.
Looking forward to our return in March!

Third time we have stayed at this complex - really worthwhile - accomodation and restaurants especially Le med were great. We were celebrating a birthday/anniversary and the mgmt looked after us very well.

My wife and i 35-50 have just returned from holiday after staying at the porto mare hotel in funchal.

We didn't do much research before picking this hotel but were pleasantly surprised when the coach pulled up.

The reception worked really well, quick and efficient and within minutes we were on our way to a room on the fourth floor overlooking the pool and also with a sea view.

It was a huge room with two double beds pushed together , tv, fridge safe (charge applies), tea/coffee making facilities and robes in the bathroom.

The only thing i would say is that we were at the end of a long corridor which was perfect for us, nice and quiet, but if you have any mobility issues ask for a room closer to the lifts.

The hotel facilities are great, several pools both indoor and outdoor, plus spa, gym and tennis court.

The hotel is linked to another one next door and you are free to use the facilities plus i think there are more on the island as well which you can use.

The food was great, we mainly ate the buffet for breakfast but we also ate in the restaurant a couple of times and it didn't disappoint.

There is a supermarket under the adjoining hotel plus a few restaurants and shops. There are plenty of bars in the hotel with varying entertainment.

The blues band we saw were very good but mainly it was house bands doing pleasant lounge music.

There are plenty of other bars nearby, the yacht club (karaoke),the hole in one pub and a few irish bars.

On the promenade there are a few hidden bars you can't see from above but are worth a visit.

The road leading upwards from the main road (spar shop on right) has a few hidden gems of bars well worth the climb.

The walk into the old town funchal takes about 30 to 45 mins depending on your speed but taxis always available under 10 euros.

I would also recommend strawberry world tours located close by for their tours well worth going on to east and west sides of the island and at 22 euros for a full day tour its half the price of other tour operators.

The tour guide was so knowledgeable we had a really good time.

Must do's - the toboggan ride from monte 30 euros plus taxi fare 10 euros the botanical gardens are well worth a visit but it is a bit steep so again anyone with mobility problems be careful. All in all cant fault the hotel had great time. I would and have recommended hotel and madeira to any/everyone hope you have a good stay if you are heading that way