Vila Botânica - By Wehost

Had never been to Madeira before but I think Funchal is a great base. The house is tucked away in a residential area with lovely gardens and ocean views. Lots of space for four adults (and probably more), though more than 2 couples wouldn't each have a bathroom, the third one on the main floor, while handy, is just a toilet and washbasin. The kitchen was great for meal prep after trips to the supermarket to buy from the wonderful array of fresh fruit, veg, meat and especially fish (and the fabulous Portuguese wine, whose value for money can't be beat). The house, as a previous reviewer mentioned is a bit dismal with no lights on and the shutters closed, but easily remedied and the lack of sunlight might be a good thing in hotter months. Nice sitting areas outside and inside, huge dining table. Large laundry room with washer, dryer, iron (don't forget to empty lint filter and water from the condensing dryer) The inside of the house is filled with paintings and collectibles which may not be to everyone's taste, but which we found quite charming. Had car rental for one week, though the twisty, narrow, sometimes busy roads that climb to the tourist destinations can make for some hair raising journeys. Preferred to use the frequent bus service. Easy walk down into Old Funchal and the marinas (short cuts using the levada right outside the garden gate) and then take the 45 bus back 'home' to save the uphill hike. Supermarket trips were a walk downhill and a short 8euro taxi ride back with groceries. Other sightseeing easily done from door to door using the excellent tourist taxi service. 120euros per day long tour split between 4 adults was well worth the convenience. We had rented for a month and housekeeping was done once a week. Babi and Carlotta were excellent at always being available to answer any questions, though we did seem to run into a bit of trouble trying to figure out the garbage and recycling collection, luckily the cleaners took away some of our stuff. All in all I think we would stay there again if we were to visit Madeira. What looks like a new house is being built on the other side of the back wall, overlooking the ocean, not sure if the completed project will affect the view.

No windows in the main downstairs lounge/dining room, only the french doors which made it very dark. Had that old house smell. Only ONE, very uncomfortable wooden sunbed which could not be adjusted. The wicker chairs on the outside terrace were coming apart at the seams. Missing floor tiles from the shower cubicle. Millions of mosquitoes inside and out. Badly bitten despite plug in repellent and deet body gel. Large, comfortable bed though. Liked the location but would not stay here again in its current condition.