Belmond Reid's Palace Madeira

Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop

Set the scene

Once inside the grandeur of the Belmond Reid's Palace, you are instantly transported to a bygone era. The ambiance is reminiscent of a scene from a classic novel, a match up of grand hospitality perfect in its timelessness. High ceilings that command freely flowing light, ornate furnishings, lush carpeting, and art pieces that whisper the secrets of the old world together create an atmosphere of ultimate luxury and comfort. You might just find yourself pausing to take it all in.

But the Reid's Palace doesn't stop at merely being a spectacle for the eyes. The melodious strumming of guitar strings, the soft rustling of palm fronds in the subtropical garden, or the distant laughter from the cocktail lounge – all these sounds blend harmoniously to compose a symphony of tranquility and relaxation. These lingering sounds lend a lively pulse to the hotel, while still preserving an aura of serene elegance that gently wraps around every corner. As you explore further, you will discover that this palpable sense of character and charm pervades throughout the entire Reid's Palace hotel in Madeira.

What can we expect in our room

Each of the 158 rooms and suites charms with its own unique color palette, Alfred Roth-designed vintage furniture and eye-catching Portuguese tiles. A modern touch to these traditionally-styled rooms is provided by the state-of-the-art technology that looks after your comfort. This includes digital temperature control, high-speed Wi-Fi and interactive entertainment systems.

Yet, the real pièce de résistance remains the marble bathroom, complete with lavish amenities, round-the-clock room service, providing a taste of pure indulgence in your private quarters.

How about the food and drinks at the Reid's Palace

From decadent seven-course dinners to light, fresh Mediterranean lunches, the gastronomic options here span an array of cuisines and cooking styles. The hotel boasts three exceptional restaurants, each with its own unique atmosphere and menu. The Michelin-recommended William Restaurant provides a more upscale dining experience with its finely crafted gourmet cuisine, while the casual yet tasty Italian menu at the Villa Cipriani offers a relaxed vibe and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Thirsty? Not to worry, the drink options at Reid's Palace haven't been overlooked. The Cocktail Bar provides a stylish setting for sipping meticulously mixed drinks from a creative menu featuring both classics and innovative concoctions. For the wine connoisseurs, a visit to the Wine Cellar is an absolute must. Here, expert sommeliers will guide you on a journey through Portugal’s rich winemaking history, offering tastings of both iconic volumes and lesser-known delights.

What is the service like

The team is not just courteous but are also incredibly insightful and efficient. They exhibit a deep understanding of the area, offering accurate information about local attractions and experiences. These diligent professionals, always ready to assist, turn every possible service into a personalized experience for each guest.

Furthermore, the hotel provides top-notch room service, ensuring your comfort at all hours. They waste no time in attending to your requests - be it a late-night hunger pang or an emergency laundry need. The concierge service, too, rises above and beyond expectations, providing assistance in a wide variety of tasks, including museum bookings, giving recommendations for the best restaurants in Madeira to visit, guided tours, and transport arrangements from and to the airport.

What’s the neighbourhood scene like?

Its locale is perched upon a clifftop, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a sight that never ceases to astound even its long-standing guests. The hotel's neighboring regions are home to gastronomical adventures, housing a range of restaurants that offer a unique taste of Madeira’s local cuisine — the perfect antidote to your hunger after a day of exploring.

The neighborhood bustles with not only dining choices but also a myriad of leisure activities that cater to all types of luxury travelers. You could appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature by touring the nearby Madeira Botanical Garden. If you seek thrill and adventure, a short drive will lead you to Funchal Marina, a hot spot for snorkeling and boat rides. Art enthusiasts find solace in the Sacred Art Museum of Funchal, conveniently located a stone's throw away.

What’s the backstory of the Belmond Reid's Palace

Reid's Palace, an iconic presence in Madeira, has been enchanting guests with its exclusive charm since 1891. The creation of this luxury hotel is attributed to William Reid, a formidable Scotsman who had made his fortune in the wine trade. It was his vision to build a hotel that wouldn't just be a place of comfort and solace, but also a home of elegance and grandeur, something that wasn't common in hotels of that time. Mr. Reid, unfortunately, didn't live to see his dream realized, but the project continued under the thoughtful guidance of his sons.

In the mid-20th century, the hotel attracted numerous world-famous luminaries. From Winston Churchill seeking tranquility for his painting and writing, to George Bernard Shaw learning to tango on the terrace, the hotel’s check-in list read like a who’s who of the time. Today, this grand dame of a hotel in Madeira continues to be an epitome of European sophistication, offering an exquisite blend of history with modern luxury. Each corner of the hotel, from its opulent rooms to the lush gardens, whispers stories of its glamorous past.

Price Range

Its price range mirrors its high-end status, with room rates varying considerably based on the chosen accommodation and the season, yet aligning neatly with the expectations of a 5-star hotel experience. It's unsurprising to find standard rooms starting from approximately 300 Euros per night during off-peak season, ascending to a lofty average of roughly 1,500 Euros per night for the vilified Presidential Suites during peak summer and holiday periods.

Amenities & Facilities

Wrapped amidst the captivating charm of Madeira, this exquisite hotel comes equipped with a fully nurtured wellness center, guaranteed to indulge every sense. From the invigorating spa treatments employing the quintessential Madeira’s wine therapy, to the well-equipped gym, Reid's Palace is an absolute oasis for wellness enthusiasts.

For the sun worshippers and water lovers, the hotel features three, turquoise-blue pools – each offering a distinct experience. The heated sea water pool, perched on the edge of the cliff, offers amazing panoramic views of the sapphire blue Atlantic. Whereas, the children friendly pool pampers the little guests with fun and safety. Adding to the luxury quotient are two top-notch tennis courts, a chic boutique, and an engaging children's club.

How to get to the Reid's Palace in Madeira

Contact:

Address: Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Portugal

Phone: +351 291 717 171

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.