just back from two weeks at the Gardens - brochure didn't mention the disused oil terminal right next door, or the mountain to climb to get to restaurants, shops etc., or the tunnel you had to practically swim through to go the other way to the restaurants ( there was still a hill to climb that way). The apartments were excellent, very clean and spacious - the maid service was second to none, clean sheets & towels every day. BUT there was no pool bar, although the facilities were there they were not in use. OK it's only next door to the Bay hotel where the pool was much better, but if you wanted to stay around the pool & have a drink it was at the Bay - also no night time anything at the Gardens, entertainment, bars etc were all the the Bay. Beware if you are less agile as the hike to the main road is daunting and the 'promenade' along the beach consists of pallets!! It's a bus or taxi to Funchal unless you are extremely fit. This is our 4th time to Madeira and we've usually stayed in Canico, but thought we'd have a change but it's back to Canico next year.

We Stayed at the pestana ocean gardens aparthotel, it is right next door to pestana ocean bay aparthotel.
As we seemed to be out of season or the ocean gardens wasn't busy as no bars etc were open in the hotel, swimming pool and jacuzzi were though.
We used the facilities at the ocean bay which is right next door only a few minutes away. we had b&b and this is where we had our breakfast, buffet style which had eggs, bacon etc.
some guests had all inclusive and this is where all the food is served. only one restaurant here so if you want to eat out then there is only a couple of places local to walk to.
A cab or car ride into town is only about 10 minutes drive away
although the restaurants do seem to do the same and octopus is the only "fish" which isn't imported or so i was told. we ate out every night and never had a bad or expensive meal.
hotel itself was lovely, maid service every day and we felt really safe. pool could have been a bit warmer as it was heated but still only 23, and jacuzzi was nice too at 32. steam room and sauna nice aswell.
Hotel staff very helpfull and english spoken very well as it was on most of the island.
Most of the guests were 60+.
There isn't a sandy beach on madeira just rocky ones.
overall an a1 holiday and would use pestana again.
Madeira is well worth a visit.
any questions email me
myholidays@number9.me.uk