I stayed at the Estanplaza Funchal hotel for about a week in March 2007 on a business trip. This included a stay over the weekend. It's clear that the hotel caters to business travelers since there are many fewer guests on the weekends.

The hotel is clean and modern. Nicely decorated rooms. The front desk staff has been very helpful in suggesting places to visit and getting taxis. Their level of English varies (unfortunately, I don't know Portuguese).

The breakfast is excellent - huge spread of fruit, yogurt, freshly prepared omelettes, pastries, and other assorted treats. It's in a spacious, airy, glass-enclosed dining room with nice flowers and a waterfall.

Room service has been good and inexpensive. Especially inexpensive is the mini-bar in the room.

My one complaint is that taxi drivers seem to have a hard time finding the hotel! If you don't speak Portuguese, it's a good idea to write down the address and carry it with you.

The hotel is located in a business area and is a cab ride from other parts of the city. My cab to Centro was quite expensive (US$ 20). There is internet, but you need a cable which the hotel will provide. The hotel is situated next door to a Citibank which is convenient. There is no pool, just a roof level jacuzzi with some outdoor seating.