Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

What you find here is all too rare: an apartment hotel with a family-run feel. Multi-lingual Joel is friendly and energetic with a delightful sense of humour, Dona Maria Jose is the smiling housekeeper, and the service is second to none. This new tiered complex is on the rapidly expanding edge of town, walking distance from bar, hypermarket and takeaway – perfect! Funchal is reachable by bus, car, taxi or brisk levada walk, the beach is a mile down the hill, and if you don't fancy the puff back up, Joel may collect you. The suites are traditional, comfortable, spotless and bright, each with a head-height wall dividing bedroom from living area, and a balcony with a view of the sea. There are white net curtains, framed watercolours, a hob, fridge-minibar, toaster and coffee maker, fresh rolls left each morning outside your door, a sofa, superb mattresses and cable TV: great attention to detail, and a late-checkout shower room. The plant-filled, gleamingly tiled 'winter garden', furnished with wicker chairs and glass-top tables, makes a very pleasant meeting place.