Reid's Palace

Frommer's Review

The legendary place to stay in Funchal is Reid's, founded in 1891 by William Reid but now owned by the Orient Express. Its position is "smashing," as the British say, along the coastal road at the edge of Funchal, on 4 hectares (10 acres) of terraced gardens that descend the hillside to the rocky ocean shores. The English who frequent the hotel in large numbers (Sir Winston Churchill stayed here) spend their days strolling the walks lined with hydrangeas, geraniums, gardenias, banana trees, ferns, and white yuccas.

The spacious guest rooms are conservative in the finest sense, with well-chosen furnishings (antiques or reproductions), plenty of storage space, sitting areas, and desks. The bathrooms have marble or tile walls and floors, plus tub/shower combinations, robes, and luxurious toiletries.

The gourmet restaurant, Les Faunes, is on the sixth floor, in the garden wing.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 bars; 3 outdoor seawater pools (2 heated); 2 tennis courts; health club; spa/salon; sauna; watersports; children's programs; salon; room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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