This hotel was a exceptional value for money. It was well situated for the Lido and the sea front and all the shops and resturants in the Lido area. Within about 200m there were at least 6 resturants, a bar, tourist shop, wine shop and small supermarket, Within 1/2 mile ther were dozens and the sea front. It is located with 2 others from the group and so it is large enough to run a regular free coach to the City centre which was a quality service, never overcrowded, and ran regularly throughout the day. It was a decent walk to the tourist area of Funchal and up hill on the way back, it took about 1/2 hour, so not something to do two ways every day but there were so many good resturants local to the hotel as you didn't need to travel in every night. The hotels share facilities which were very clean and tidy. There were 2 outdoor pools with sunbeds which didn't get overcrowded. There was a separate indoor pool which was heated, the jacussi was clean and not over used, the gym was a little tired but perfectly usable, and there was a sauna which we didn't use but looked OK. This was a great place to finish the day as it was open until 20:00. Above the indoor pool was a good quality tennis court. The staff were very friendly and the maid cleaned and tidied the room daily, and it was left spotless. It seemed to be vacuumed daily as there was never any dust on the floor. We even had a mid week visit to the room from one of the managers to ask if everything was OK. The breakfast was an 'all you can eat' buffet with plenty of choice and the hot foods varied daily, it wasn't 'cordon bleu' but it was perfectly acceptable. The evening entertainment in the Piano Bar was a bit 'naff' for want of a better word, we popped for a look most nights but were never considered it good enough to stay through. During the day there were usually 2 or 3 free events advertised in the hotel but we didn't try them out. We were on the top floor and the view from the balcony was excellent, and the lifts were efficient. The only slight downside was the noise from the road which carried up to the room, it was much subdued at night with the double glazed door shut but you could still hear it. You soon got used to it, it didn't stop me sleeping, and it didn't really detract from the holiday. I should think that this would have been similar in a lot of the hotels in Funchal as a lot of the streets are busy. There are some minor flaws with the decor but for me these are more than made up for by the staff and their efforts to give a good service. It's a hotel that I am anticipating going back to, so what more can I say.

The hotel is in a good location located on a steep incline approx 5 minutes walk from the main road- Estrada Monumental . The service is excellent as is the accomodation. My studio room was extremely clean and comfortable and represented great value for money. As a guest I was able to use the facilities of Dorisol's other hotels, the Mimosa and Estrellica. The breakfast buffet choice was pleasant but I would suggest slightly bigger cereal bowls be offered. I would not hesitate to stay at this hotel again.

The negatives: No air conditioning and no pool towels offered.

Stayed at Buganvilla Apartment Hotel for two weeks in September/October 2008.

Rooms badly in need of refurbishment but the hotel was very clean and the staff friendly and generally efficient.
Entertainment at night was poor in my opinion. The Gym was in need of some better exercise bikes, etc. though the trainer was helpful. The tennis court looked well maintained.
I found the room rather warm at night and with the patio door open sometimes a bit noisy (an errant restaurant burglar alarm three nights in a row and revellers/noisy motor bikes, though probably quieter than other hotels in Spain, etc).
Age group when we were there was firmly in the SAGA category and multinational.
Breakfast buffet was perfectly adequate but the coffee and fruit juice were amongst the worst I've tasted. Evening buffet was uninspiring though if you were hungry may be suitable.
The hotel courtesy bus was good but did not run on Sundays nor Public Holidays. Public buses and taxis were available cheaply and it was possible to easily walk into Funchal (35-40 mins though the return was uphill!)
Lots of eating places outside the hotel, but most of the restaurants absolutely destroyed the food! Vegetables completely overcooked, food seem to have been left in Bain-Maries for hours prior to serving. The Chinese Restaurant and the bottom of the hill, not far from the Lido was the best and most consistent. Unfortunately many of the restaurants insisted in having a Flat Screen TV, forcing diners to include football in their diet. Perhaps OK for a pub, but certainly not for a restaurant - such places best given a major body swerve!
I've never seen such a place for steep hills as Madeira. An excellent way to get fit.
In terms of things to do, Whale/Dolphin Watching, Swimming with Dolphins, Levada walks, Botanical Gardens and Blandy's Wine tour all worthwhile.

just returned 01/02/08 after2 weeks stay. very helpful staff, room
kept clean and tidy. But the hotel is designed in such a way that
the open plan stairs and doors too the rooms create a
cacophonous noise more noticeable at night time.
the courtesy bus and swimming pools gym etc excellent.
breakfast looks good but is bland (could be the weak fruit juices
and cereals ,coffee tastes of nothing ).
madeira is a wonderful island with amazing scenery.
But in the hotel zone throughout the night it is very noisy with
people from the karaoke spilling out at 4 am together with the
quad and motor bikers racing the streets.