Like most of us, I have stopped in some good hotels (with family or work) and some cheap hotels (stag do's & lads' trips). This is head and shoulders the worst I have EVER stopped in. It absolutely stinks, hasn't had a cent spent on it in decades and the bathroom ceiling was so damp and filthy I had to take a photo to prove I wasn't exaggerating. At least the cockroaches in the lobby looked happy. I have never felt compelled to write a review on anything before but this appalling accommodation went a long way to putting a dampener (literally) on an otherwise good trip. The admittedly great location doesn't begin to compensate for what you endure inside. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

I stayed in Residencial Americana in the heart of Funchal in july 2011 for a week. The Americana is a simple, clean, and friendly hotel,situated in the town center.
I had a room with a comfiy bed, sat-tv, fridge, mirror, wardrobe, and a small bath room attached. The room had wooden floors and high ceilings. The hotel is in an old building.
It was probably therefore that there were some marks of water the came in during the wet season in an upper corner of the room. I didn´t think it was severe and did not affect me.
A basic continental breakfast was served upstairs every morning.
Staff was friendly. The one I met did not speek any English, which did not matter to me.

You might want to consider that there are some steep steps and no elevator in the hotel.

The Residencial Americana is situated in town center at a place with a fountain, close to a cathedral in between small streets with bars, shops, restaurant etc.. The Old Town and the water front are in ten minutes walking distance. The setting of the Americana therefore is very handy. (However, consider that if you have a light sleep and want to sleep long.)

Parking around the hotel is a problem and can get cost intensive, looking for a parking space can get time consuming.

The Hotel is nice if you want to stay in the city and if you do not need no fancy stuff or much of a luxury to feel well. I found it was good value for money, although you have to consider the costs for parking-hazzle if you rent a car (which I recommend!).

This small property is very central in the heart of old Funchal. Very close to the Cathedral. Old Portugese house with high ceilings. You have a key to the front door at street level and another for your bedroom.
On first arrival you press an entrance button and an intercom will ask you for your name, once they have established you are staying you are advised of your room number and the door will open. Keys for your room will be on your bedside table. There are some steep steps up to the first floor (38) to reach your room. Bedrooms are on this first floor and another on the second where 2 little breakfast rooms are also. Breakfast, although the same every day, is good value. Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate, fresh bread rolls, cheese, ham, yoghurt, cereal, orange juice. No need to worry about getting there late as all seved individually as you turn up. The lady who prepares the breakfast and cleans your room is charming, very friendly and smiles all the time (rare foir Madeiran women!)
The rooms are fine is size and everything works. No air-conditioning but very high ceilings, probably 12 foot in the room I stayed. Remember this is not a luxury property and the price will reflect that, but it is clean, efficient and so central. Most rooms have a balcony or french balcony which is great but can be noisy as restaurants and bars are around. Also you will wake early with the noise of market stalls, traders and dustbin men (who seem to arrive anytime between midnight and 05.00!) all going about their daily life. But hey this makes you really feel a part of the old city. Beds are fine and 2 pillows per bed given. Fridge in the room also which is perfect for stocking from the local supermarket with drinks etc. This will save you a lot of money. There is a safe in the wardrobe which you can have a key to for 1€ per day (worth it for peace of mind). The little reception on the first floor is manned in the morning for a few hours should you need any help.
The bathroom shower works well and always hot water, it is a small shower cubicle though , probably 3feet by 3feet so be aware. Rooms cleaned everyday and fresh towels provided both hand and bath towels. Liquid soap provided on the sink.
Fresh fruit stall outside the front of the building most days selling local produce - always superb. You are only 2 minutes walk to the nearest supermarket.
I stayed 10 nights here and it grows on you. On first arrival I was kind of ok it will do but then it grew to feel like home! Amazing for the price.

Residencial Americana is situated in the center of Funchal, right next to Cathedral Se. It has 2 buildings and the one our studio was in has elevator so we had no problems with the stairs. The apartment was basic and it had no coffee/tea machine as it was written in the description.