Hotel Girassol - Suite Hotel

What a little gem. Having been to Oporto and Lisbon last year we thought we might at last get chance to visit Madeira. A first for us, this visit we booked all inclusive. The hotel offer appeared great value, and it proved to be. Our intention was to eat out several evenings, expecting a buffet to be a lower quality. We have in fact eat in every evening. The food is prepared to a high standard. Plentiful. Fresh. Varied. I saw reviews that said the meals were repeated, choices were few. This was not our experience. The salad bar was varied (lots of tips and things to try at home). Hot food was typically 5 choices along with sides. We have certainly tried fish and other dishes we haven't had before. Food is of high quality and prepared well and fresh and replenished often. I never saw food trays sit for long at all. Definitely a superior standard buffet . I would not want to sacrifice quality for larger number of choices. Is there scope for areas of the hotel to be upgraded, yes. Does this spoil your visit, no. Our suite was perfectly pleasant. The bathroom small but practical. Over bath shower was fine and with no shortage of hot water. Staff are professional and friendly. We enjoyed our interactions with staff and wish them well. Restaurant staff were very attentive to clearing plates, serving drinks, etc. This felt like an a la carte experience rather than a buffet catering for significant numbers. Would we come back, wholeheartedly yes.

We have just completed a 10 day stay at Hotel Girassol, Madeira, on an all inclusive basis. If you are headed to the hotel and like me are concerned having read mixed reviews I can only say you have no need to worry. Hotel is absolutely clean Food is great Staff are professional and friendly...and let's not forget English is not their first language. Hotel offers great value for money. Are there things that could be developed, yes, of course. New and enthusiastic management team are working hard.

Had two rooms but needed maintenance. Water didn’t run away properly from shower over bath. Reported TV three times. Air conditioning not working on last night. Spoke with Jet2 and hotel director but complaints fell on deaf ears. Husband had lift close on him as he stepped in and ended up with a nasty skin tear which had to be dressed. Hotel said the problem was his skin!! Would never recommend anyone to stay at the Girassol. Lucky if it made two stars.

Read the reviews on this hotel and I was highly concerned. Greater lovely and explained everything. Rooms very clean, no stained bedding as in reviews. Spacious for the 3 of us. Food is good. Nice choice, not loads of choice but nicely cooked. Beds around the pool look new. Bar staff great especially the lady who it always working. Could do with background music in the bar, to create an atmosphere. Can’t fault the location. My room has been made up everyday, we get up late so always place the card on the door, make up my room. With just a bit of music, could rate this higher.

I have recently returned from a fabulous first family holiday on the beautiful island of Madeira. I can not praise the staff at Hotel Girassol enough - they went out of their way to make sure our stay was perfect. There were always tables available in the restaurant and there were rarely any queues at the bars. A special mention to the bar staff who were always welcoming, polite, and courteous. The adults only pool was lovely with plenty of sunbeds available throughout the day. The hotel itself is conveniently located only a short bus journey or taxi ride into the centre of Funchal. If you are looking for a relaxing and quieter hotel in a convenient location, then I highly recommend Hotel Girassol. I, for one, can not wait to come back!

For a 4 star hotel and the price paid per person ., this was Definately not what I expected. Maid service did t change beds whole week . Huge yellow stain on pillow. Made it visable and went back to room to find it had just been turned over. Floors not swept. No entertainment except a barbeque on a Tuesday and a Friday. Main pool looked dirty with no life guard to watch any kids . No no kids clubs for the children. The beds under the 4 poster canopies were filthy. Lifts for 11 floors were supposed to to take 6 people were so small that that would be impossible . Very disappointed in the holiday so much that I won’t be visiting Madeira again.!