I spent 2 weeks in Madeira recently and thoroughly enjoyed my trip. The only downside in general was the beds/pillows in other places which to my taste were too hard. So after almost two weeks I found the comfortable bed/pillows at Ocean Gardens sheer heaven! The staff were all very nice in particular the lady who greeted me who gave me detailed directions to the nearest shop. The hotel is so well connected to Funchal center with buses from one recommended company about every 40 minutes, but in fact there are several companies serving the route. The outdoor pool on the roof is really big and clean. My room had a nice balcony overlooking the ocean. Great stuff.

I do not mind hotels that have seen better days, but I found Ocean Gardens disappointing: The breakfast was the negative climax, with an enormous population of ants invading the water/coffee dispensers (see picture below). The location is neither fish nor fowl, though admittedly with stunning views and an impressive rooftop garden with pool.

The hotel is located outside of Funchal which means a travel each day. Is easy accessed via bus No.39 Bus ( yellow ) in 15 mins., cost less than 1,50 eur with card. The buses are an amazing experience, up & down also, especially going into the mountains. You can reach the hotel from airport or return to airport using the green bus SAM, I forget the number, cost less than 4 eur/one way/p.p. The Aerobus doesn't reach the hotel, it run on the highway. The hotel is quiet and It is on a cliff with breathtaking views across Funchal Bay.

Pros:

The room was clean ( daily maid service ), very comfortable ( king size bed ) and quiet.
Nice balcony with table and two chairs and beautiful view.
Nice and very quiet small pool, on the rooftop, with a beatiful garden well kept.
Stunning views over the Funchal city from the rooftop, in the evenings/nights.
Nice and helpful personal at the reception desk.
Free computer in the lobby, reception desk.
Free parking places.

Cons:

The breakfast could have offered more variety. The staff does not refill the empty plates, if you come later in the morning. Not an 4* breakfest, definitly.
Still, in two morning days I requested an early breakfest for us, with half an hour in advance, and they prepared for us 75% from the regular breakfest, nice touch !

I recommend this hotel, but...is better to rent a car.

Stayed on July 2011.

The hotel Ocean Gardens was very good.Despite that it was located on the mountain around 15 min(by bus) and 50 min(walking) from the city.The view at night from the hotel terrace was amazing. You cold see all city covered in lights and nice, big ships in the port.That was worth it!!!!The hotel have their own bus that is free of charge,(4 times a day) but we used it only one day.The all other days we used a local bus that costs 1.80EUR one way.We had chosen a half board and every night you could choose from menu, so it was quite ok. The food was fine but could be better.Overall the hotel was good, the majority people staying there were old - around 70, but it doesn't bother us, just at first was weird.Tip for those who are only going to Madeira to walk on the mountains, see levadas and enjoy nature - the Funchal is not to place to stay if you planning all that above, cause all those nice mountains is around 2 hours drive from Funchal, around Santana.