Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol

Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol, a Michelin Key Selected property in Madeira, Portugal, consistently garners high praise for its breathtaking cliffside location, sophisticated design, and exceptional service. It's often lauded as a unique and memorable escape on the island.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Exceptional" or "Superb," often achieving scores of 9.0 to 10 out of 10 on various booking platforms. The sentiment is one of awe and relaxation, with many calling it a "fantastic resort," an "amazing location," and even a "dream hotel" that offers a unique experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Location & Views: Perched dramatically on a cliff, the hotel offers spectacular, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the charming village of Ponta do Sol, and the verdant banana plantations.
• Design & Architecture: The hotel boasts a chic, minimalist, and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with a renovated traditional Madeiran farmhouse (quinta). Access to its various levels is an experience in itself, with external escalators and elevators traversing the cliff face.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives consistent accolades for being "absolutely fantastic," "very helpful," "friendly," "professional," and "attentive."
• Amenities: Highlights include a stunning outdoor infinity pool, two panoramic hot tubs/whirlpools overlooking the bay, a well-equipped spa with a sauna, steam room, and indoor heated pool with hydromassage, and a fitness center.
• Breakfast: The breakfast is frequently described as "extraordinary," "excellent," "delicious," and offering a great variety of fresh and stylishly presented options.

3. Room Quality

The 54 rooms at Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol feature a minimalist design, primarily in black and white, intended to accentuate the natural beauty visible from the large panoramic glass windows. Each room typically includes a balcony with views of the ocean, cliffs, or garden/village, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and tea/coffee making facilities, along with free Wi-Fi. Guests generally find the beds comfortable. However, some guests have noted that the rooms can be a little smaller than anticipated. There have also been occasional remarks in older reviews about bathrooms appearing somewhat "tired," with minor issues like loose toilet seats or shower doors. A lack of romantic, cozy lighting in the rooms was also mentioned by one guest.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant is strategically positioned to offer unique views of the ocean, the village below, and the surrounding banana plantations. It serves an international menu with a selection of Mediterranean, vegetarian, and local dishes, often praised for its good quality seafood and delicious dinner options. As mentioned, the breakfast is a standout, consistently receiving high marks for its quality, variety, and presentation. The hotel also features a Lobby & Lounge Bar and a Poolside Kabo Bar, perfect for enjoying drinks with a view.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol is a consistent highlight for many visitors. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "absolutely fantastic," "very helpful and friendly," "professional, supportive and friendly," and "attentive." Several reviews mention specific individuals for their outstanding hospitality, such as Celina, who was noted for going "out of her way to accommodate any requests" and possessing a "cheery disposition."

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a major draw, dramatically set on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic in Ponta do Sol, known as one of Madeira's sunniest spots. The charming village of Ponta do Sol is just a few minutes' walk away, offering a pleasant atmosphere with fewer tourists. While the immediate beach in Ponta do Sol is small and pebbled, not ideal for sunbathing, a swimmable beach is accessible. The hotel is approximately 40 minutes from Madeira International Airport and about a 20-minute bus ride from Funchal. For guests staying 5 nights or more, a complimentary shuttle service to the airport is provided. The hotel also offers organized hikes with convenient drop-offs and pickups.

7. Value & Pricing

Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol is frequently regarded as offering excellent value, especially considering its sophisticated facilities, unique design, and the overall quality of the experience. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it guarantees a high standard. While pricing can vary by season, rates can start from around $130, making it an attractive option for a boutique design hotel.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Parking: The most common complaint is the limited on-site parking, which often necessitates guests to seek public parking options nearby.
• Room Size: A few guests found the rooms to be somewhat smaller than anticipated.
• Room Maintenance: Isolated issues like "tired" bathrooms, loose toilet seats, or poorly fitting shower doors were mentioned in some reviews.
• Lighting: One guest noted the bright lighting in the rooms lacked a "romantic cozy" ambiance.
• Dinner Menu Variety: For extended stays (e.g., two weeks), some guests found the dinner menu to become repetitive and suggested the addition of daily specials.
• Sunbed Condition: There were mentions of some hard plastic sunbeds by the pool lacking padded toppers.
• Noise from Events: Music events open to the public, held a couple of nights a week, were reported by some to occasionally impact the quiet atmosphere for hotel guests.

Sources

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