We stayed in the suite at the Mariazinha in August this year. We really wanted to avoid the Lido area, with its massive chain hotels - and as soon as we saw this place online we knew it was where we wanted to stay. It is along the oldest street in Funchal - a tiny cobbled road, and close to all of the main sights. It is also where all of the main restaurants are - although the busy side of the street is the one that runs parallel to the hotel.

The owners and staff were very friendly and we were so impressed with the homely feel and the cleanliness of this little place. Our suite was fab - huge bedroom and bathroom and a lovely sitting room with a tiny balcony. It really was a great place to relax after being out all day.

The only tiny thing we could comment on was that breakfast didn't have a huge amount of choice - one type of cheese and ham, a choice of 2 fruits and some yoghurts. We hadn't expected a massive range for this type of accomodation, but we think they own the bakery next door too - some some of those yummy pastries would have been a delicious final touch.

Don't hesitate to consider this place though - if you are desperate for a pool, gym, high-rise blocks and sunloungers, this isn't for you - but who would on an island that has so much to see.

We stayed here for a week end of October 2011. Late arrival after 10 pm was no problem, the very friendly and helpful owner (Ligia) was waiting for us at the reception (we had informed her in advance about late arrival). October/November is the least busy time in Funchal (as she told us) and we enjoyed the quietness at the hotel. Our double room (room 7) was surprisingly spacious with two comfortable armchairs apart from beds, table, TV, closet, etc. It had three large windows which all could be opened looking down to a small outside sitting place and a roof terrace in the back belonging to the hotel. We kept the windows open at night. The bathroom was nice and spacious as well with bath tub and bidet. Everything was clean and well kept and every day the room was perfectly made up in the evening when we returned from a trip. The hotel is small, with only few (6-7?) rooms (no big groups!), however with an old style, nicely furnished, very comfortable living room with a small library with books in various languages. A very enjoyable place at the very best location! You step outside and you are just in the heart of the walking area with most good restaurants in Funchal.
The breakfast was buffet type, with fresh rolls every morning, butter, jam, varying fruit, yoghurt, cereals, standard sliced cheese and ham. Hot coffee was served in cups directly from the coffee machine. Orange juice and some mixed fruit juice were stored in a cooling machine, but were somewhat artificial, The mixed fruit juice was not all that fresh in the beginning, but was renewed during our stay. The breakfast thus made a perfectly good beginning of the day, but was not really outstanding.
Unfortunately, the hotel has no WiFi. However, there is a computer (only one) in the living room for free use for guests. A printer connected to the pc did not work and had run dry of ink. We had brought our own pc along and had hoped to be able to download GPS tracks and other hiking information. We were therefore a little disappointed by the pc facilities; in the evening the internet connection was incredibly slow, while it worked fine in the morning.
As mentioned, the location is perfect if you like to stay in the heart of the town. If you on the other hand prefer to sit on your private balcony enjoying the sea view and a swimming pool, this is not the right place to go. Also, I believe, that a room facing to the street side, may be noisy on saturday night, when there are many young people in the street. Also, we did not rent a car (we used local buses) and cannot comment on parking possibilities.
In conclusion, in spite of minor limitations, we were extremely happy at this place, the staff is very friendly and helpful, the location is excellent and rooms are really nice. Good value for money! We shall definitely return here next time we visit Madeira.

In what used to be a very derelict part of the old centre of Funchal, a number of good restaurants have sprung up as well as one hostal. Don't let its appearance fool you, though. it's an absolute gem, with optimum price/quality relation. Well located, beautifully renovated, large room and bathroom, very nice and helpful staff, very clean. The only weak point was the breakfast which was a bit minimalist. Overall very recommendable and definitely repeatable.

My wife and myself are just back after 1 wonderful week at the Mariazinha, what a hidden gem located in old Funchal town.There is something magic about staying in an original restored building, we had a twin room looking onto the terrace and with 3 large windows made the room light and airy. Was impressed with the brass plaque at reception door to mark the official opening by the mayor after it was restored. Ligia who owns the property makes you feel most welcome and a delight to talk to.
The location is ideal right at the heart of all the bars/restaurants serving wonderful food and a must try is the black scabbard fish which hasa very delicate flavour.
The ideal position also boasts a baker on one side and a local pastry/sandwich shop at the main door of the Mariazhina.
Visits around the east and west of the island gives you a real indication of how remote some of the regions are.
Some of the Levada walks are not for the faint hearted by the narrow paths and steep drops not that we went on the walks but speaking to others that had just completed one lets say a cooling pint of beer more was spilled than drank as there hands could not stop shaking.