




In short: Tripplo’s analysis covers a sample of 62 guest reviews of Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira. Guests in the sample highlight Location, Service & staff and Food & restaurants. The most common complaints: Some rooms are small, dated or in the newer, less charming wing. Children at the pool can be loud.
Set on a cliff in 10 acres of subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic, this 5-star hotel, Reid's Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira, offers an unparalleled sanctuary. This distinguished resort seamlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary luxury, providing an exquisite escape for discerning travellers.
Each of our elegantly appointed rooms and suites boasts a private balcony and a lavish marble bathroom, complete with a curated selection of amenities. Thoughtful touches such as a minibar featuring complimentary soft drinks enhance your stay, ensuring utmost comfort and convenience.
Indulge in a world of serenity at our oceanfront spa, where bespoke treatments are delivered in therapy suites, each featuring a private outdoor area and balcony. Our comprehensive menu, utilising world-class spa brands, promises profound rejuvenation. The private whirlpool is exclusively available within the double treatment room. A sauna is also on-site for your relaxation.
For those seeking an active pursuit, our tennis courts invite a spirited match, while the state-of-the-art gym, equipped with Matrix cardiovascular equipment, caters to your fitness regime.
The resort features three swimming pools: two heated, one with seawater and the other with freshwater, plus an enchanting tidal pool located at sea level, offering access to the ocean. Additionally, the Fun@Reids Kids' Club boasts a dedicated children's pool.
Culinary journeys at Reid's Palace are nothing short of exceptional. For a taste of Italy, Ristorante Villa Cipriani offers classic dishes in an elegant setting. Our seasonal Brisa Do Mar restaurant, gracefully suspended over the Atlantic, offers a fresh seafood experience. The hotel also boasts a restyled bar with a tea library, perfect for a refined afternoon tea, which transitions into an inviting evening spot. A charming gelateria is also available for artisanal delights. Please note, The Dining Room is reserved for exclusive events and special occasions.
Reid’s Palace is ideally situated, just 3 km from Praia Formosa Beach and a leisurely fifteen-minute stroll to Funchal city centre. For your convenience, a complimentary shuttle service to Funchal city centre is also provided. Complimentary private parking is available on-site.
Tripplo's verdict, based on guest reviews
Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 10 October 2026 · How we review hotels
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira suits heritage enthusiasts who value direct ocean access. Guests can enjoy six distinct on-site dining venues, direct cliffside access to the Atlantic, and ten acres of mature subtropical gardens. Formal afternoon tea is served on the terrace. On the downside, the traditional decor favours heritage over modernism, and the tiered grounds require navigating steep paths.
Guests score it 9.5 out of 10 — the average across the 6 hotels we list on Madeira is 9.3.
What Guests Loved
- The property occupies a dramatic promontory with a sea-level platform for swimming in the ocean. This provides a natural alternative to the saltwater pools for those who prefer an authentic coastal experience.
- The expansive grounds contain rare botanical species and secluded seating areas overlooking the water. These manicured spaces provide a buffer of tranquility between the guest rooms and the busier center of Funchal.
Things to Consider
- The aesthetic features period furniture and floral fabrics, reflecting the hotel’s Victorian heritage. While meticulously maintained, travelers who prefer contemporary minimalism might find the atmosphere and formal dress codes somewhat dated.
- Due to the cliffside location, navigating the various garden levels and pool decks involves several inclines and stairs. Guests with limited mobility may find certain outdoor sections challenging to access without using specific elevator routes.
Free PDF: what guests really say about Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
The Tripplo Report gathers the whole analysis in one PDF, ready in seconds.
- Pros and cons in every category guests mention
- The complaints that come up again and again
- Room guide and price analysis
- Alternatives worth comparing
Free · instant download
Should you book it?
Book it if you want
- Guests who want the view from the room
- Guests who plan the day around the pool
- Travellers wanting a view and pools in one place
Prices at Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
When we last checked (13 October 2026), a 2-night stay for two adults cost from €2,608 in total (€1,304 per night).
Prices sampled daily by Tripplo for a two-adult stay about a month ahead, in EUR. Your dates may differ — use the price check to see live availability.
Typical price per night: €854. Lowest €704 (check-in 4 Nov), highest €4,049 (check-in 2 Oct).
Stays starting on a Friday or Saturday cost about 3% more per night than stays starting Sunday to Thursday.
Price per night for check-ins from 22 Sept to 12 Nov, measured daily by Tripplo for 2 nights and two adults, one month ahead.
Photos from previous guests
Photos provided by GoogleWhat guests say
Reviews from Google“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An exceptional stay from beginning to end. We have stayed at several luxury hotels throughout Portugal during this trip, and even though our journey is not over yet, this is without a doubt where we have received the best service. What truly sets this hotel apart is its personalized service. The staff quickly learn your name, recognize you throughout the property, and genuinely make you feel valued. It is the level of hospitality you would expect from the world’s finest luxury hotels. The property itself is beautiful and impeccably maintained. The gardens are stunning, the common areas are spotless, and every part of the hotel reflects the care and attention to detail of the entire team. The quality is consistently excellent across every service. Room service is outstanding, the restaurants are excellent, and the complimentary breakfast deserves special recognition. At many luxury hotels, an included breakfast can be disappointing, but here it is generous, varied, and of exceptional quality. Usually, there is always something that could be improved, even at the finest hotels. Honestly, after our stay, we simply could not find anything worth criticizing. Everything met—and often exceeded—our expectations. We would recommend this hotel without hesitation to anyone looking for a true luxury experience, both for the beauty of the property and the exceptional quality of the service. We would be delighted to return.”
“Review ….. Reids palace Hotel lived up to its reputation 100% as one of the finest residences with stunning views to fall in love & history that is legendary world wide. The staff went beyond to make your stay an unforgettable experience & gave exceptional customer service in every area always with a smile & nothing was to much effort or trouble. Any situation that required attention was solved instantly & respectfully. Children are also welcomed here so that’s something to bear in mind when booking. There are a number of beautiful locations in & around this unique property to explore & find complete relaxation & peace also adventure! We shall return!”
“While the location and rooms at Reid's Palace are beautiful, I feel it’s important to share an honest review about the service my husband Chaz and I received. For the first four days of our trip, there was a glaring disparity in how we were treated. When Chaz was alone, he received attentive, excellent service. However, the treatment I received was noticeably dismissive, which deeply felt related to the color of my skin. It wasn't until Day 5, when the staff finally seemed to realize I was actually a guest staying at the hotel, that the service toward me improved. Hospitality should be welcoming to everyone from the moment they walk through the doors, and it was deeply disappointing to experience such a stark divide.”
“I had the pleasure of staying at Belmond Madeira while celebrating a close friend’s wedding, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The setting is absolutely stunning - the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views, which created the perfect backdrop for such a special occasion. The wedding itself was beautifully organised, with every detail handled seamlessly. The atmosphere felt elegant yet warm, and the venue added a magical touch to the entire celebration. It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place to celebrate such an important moment. The service throughout our stay was exceptional. The staff were attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly, making sure everything ran smoothly and that guests felt taken care of at all times. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and impeccably maintained, adding to the overall sense of luxury and relaxation. Everything about the experience felt refined without being overwhelming. I would highly recommend Belmond Madeira not only for a stay, but especially as a wedding venue - it truly delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“I've stayed in 12 Belmonds. This was my least favourite. The decor is mostly what you'd find in your grandma's house. Some of it is nice but it's a bit too old fashioned for my liking. I booked a room with striped wallpaper and apparently there's only 1 of those in the hotel so I didn't get it. They were going to give me a room with flowery wallpaper but (when I said it's so busy it's giving me a headache) they changed us to a room with simple white walls. Unfortunately we found an old sandwich that smelled badly in the mini bar. Not great! The intern at check-in was lovely and helpful. But the breakfast staff were quite slow. Good tennis court. Live entertainment at the bar was excellent. The singer had an amazing voice. Comfortable beds. Overall, Umunfortunately it wasn't worth the £800/ night we paid for.”
What guests actually say
Tripplo’s analysis uses a sample of 62 guest reviews. Texts may be shortened. Mentions are counted after automated classification and describe the sample, rather than every guest’s experience.
The sample follows how Booking.com and Google sort reviews, which puts satisfied guests first, so criticism is under-represented. Read the drawbacks below and the latest reviews on Booking.com before you book.
Food & restaurants
- +A superb, varied breakfast with fresh fruit, a buffet and dishes to order
- +Excellent dinners in the hotel restaurants
- +Fresh produce and lots of little treats
- –Disappointing meals for some, room service included
- –An afternoon tea that sells out or disappoints
- –Limited options for a quick, casual lunch
”A very tasty, varied breakfast with a large selection.” — guest, translated
Service & staff
- +Attentive, warm staff who anticipate every need
- +Thoughtful gestures and an excellent guest experience team
- +Valet parking and a helpful concierge
- –Some staff come across as rude, overstretched or poorly trained
- –Slow service at the pool bar and at lunch
- –Special requests and occasions not followed up, for some
”Every member of staff was attentive, proactive and genuinely happy to be part of the experience.” — guest, translated
Pools, beach & aquapark
- +Heated pools, both freshwater and seawater
- +Sunbathing terraces on the rocks with direct access to the sea
- +Lovely sunbed areas by the ocean
- –Rocky shores make sea swimming difficult
- –Busy at weekends, and the spa unavailable for some
”Wonderful to have two heated outdoor swimming pools in February.” — guest, translated
The rooms
- +Very comfortable rooms and beds
- +Balconies with lovely sea views
- +Rooms full of thoughtful comforts
- –Some rooms are small, dated or in the newer, less charming wing
- –Old-fashioned bathrooms with a shower over the bath and tired plumbing
- –Rooms that do not match the category booked, for some
”The rooms are extremely comfortable, to a high standard.” — guest, translated
Condition & cleanliness
- +Very clean and well maintained
- +A historic building with old-world elegance
- –Some parts and rooms feel dated, ahead of a refurbishment
- –Cleanliness lapses in some rooms
”Very clean and well maintained, with rooms full of comfort items.” — guest, translated
Location
- +A stunning clifftop setting with sea views over Funchal
- +Beautiful, well-kept historic gardens
- +Close enough to walk into town
- –A maze of corridors and lifts between the different areas
”A stunning location with direct sea access, and gorgeous architecture and history.” — guest, translated
Noise levels
- –Children at the pool can be loud
- –Loud music from events and parties late into the night
- –Thin walls and noisy ventilation in some rooms
”Poor sound insulation, so you might hear the neighbours at night, and very loud music when the hotel hosts a party.” — guest, translated
Value for money
- –Many feel the price is too high for the room they get
- –Extra fees for events and some services
”The price is outrageously high for the little it offers.” — guest, translated
Frequently asked questions
How far is Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira from the airport?
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira is 15.4 km from Madeira Airport (FNC).
How far is Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira from the centre of Madeira?
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira is 13.8 km from the centre of Madeira.
How do guests rate Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira?
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google, based on 1,998 reviews. On Booking.com it scores 9.5/10 from 518 guest reviews.
How many stars does Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira have?
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira is a 5-star hotel.
What amenities does Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira offer?
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira offers free Wifi, outdoor swimming pool, free on-site parking, 6 restaurants, spa and sea view.
Weather & sea temperature — Madeira
Right now: 24° air · 24° sea
More Hotels in Madeira
View All Hotels in Madeira
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

Quinta Jardins do Lago

The Cliff Bay - PortoBay
Check prices
2 nights
Pick dates to see live prices
No fees from Tripplo – you book directly with our partner
We may earn a commission if you book through this link – at no extra cost to you, and it never affects our rankings.
Loading map...
Estrada Monumental 139, São Martinho, 9000-098 Funchal, Portugal


