Casa Velha do Palheiro Relais and Chateaux

Portugal , Madeira
FUNCHAL, Rua da Estalagem, 23
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2026

Sally

The hotel natural estate was beautiful, the grounds were in there own gardens , the staff very friendly , everything so clean and helpful. Everything was exceptional. The restaurant was very interesting and good , breakfast was so delightful with all the fruits and choices to eat. It is a 5 star excellent hospitality. The outside pool was lovely as well as indoor spa. Not hot but refreshing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2024

Neil

Amazing location, relaxing and perfect for a few rounds of golf…staff brilliant

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2024

Beautiful safe haven!

This was a wonderful haven after my flight was cancelled due to high winds. The bedroom and bathroom were so spacious and service so attentive. Happy memories of eating a delicious breakfast on the lawn in the sunshine then going to the gym, sauna, indoor and outdoor pool!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2023

Neil

Great place for a sneaky breakaway

The hotel in itself was excellent. Reception could not have been more helpful. The room was large and comfortable, I would have liked a view but in the block we were in that wasn’t possible. Kettle tea coffee etc was not normally provided but when requested was provided. Any issues such as the safe being temperamental were dealt with really quickly. Breakfast superb, eggs cooked to order. Dinner in the main restaurant was overall good, we had one problem with a meal that was dealt with by the fabulous maitre d to our satisfaction. Pool and spa lovely.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2023

Alan

Enjoyable stay

Great stay. Staff were very welcoming and we enjoyed our meals in the hotel restaurant and in the clubhouse.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2023

John

A really enjoyable stay.

A relaxing and very comfortable stay with friendly staff in a great location.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2022

Robert

A lovely location, incredibly relaxing

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2022

Maria

A unique property

We had a lovely stay at Casa Velha do Palheiro. It is a beautiful property, the gardens being the highlight. Gorgeous, well-kept and quiet. A privilege to spend time there. Staff is very polite and competent. Rooms a tad tired, but we were told they are being renovated. That said they are still very clean and comfortable. All in all, we had a great deal and a memorable stay.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

14 Sep 2021

William

Old fashioned/dated and Golf not in good condition

The hotel is beautiful on first sight and is a really cute setting.
However, the rooms are very dated with few modern amenities. It would be very good for those looking for a bit of nostalgia but not as a getaway with modern conveniences . Long way out of Funchal at a cost of €20 to get to the centre which makes it 40 both ways.
What is more, the food is very expensive as I think they know they have a captive audience, and the choice of dishes is quite limited. My partner is a vegetarian, and there is almost no choice on the menu.
The gardens are stunning and beautiful to walk around.
As I am a golfer, I’d say one needs to be cautious if going here for golf. Whilst the course has an amazing view, the condition itself is that of an average municipal course in the UK. With the price of €110 per round it’s way overpriced and awful value for money.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Lovely Estate, great hikes, spectacular landscapes and garden. Very quiet and relaxing, helpful staff that arrange activities around the island. Great breakfast, not so great lunch options. Spacious Rooms, nice touch with VIP perk: local cake and Madeira wine. Bathroom bit dated: shower leaked water all over it. Would stay again? Probably

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2021

Elaine

This hotel was excellent the staff were very friendly and helpful especially Sonia on the reception desk. She helped us so many times including sorting our Covid-19 test. The only thing we didn’t like was the evening meals because it was not what we liked to eat! That was okay we used to visit different ones in Funchal. The rooms were clean and bright would visit again

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Great location to relax in with excellent facilities and gardens
Service from staff was great and food to a high quality, as a vegetarian was able to get evening meals cooked especially for me.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The quiet peaceful hotel and the beautiful gardens are unique.
Would thoroughly recommend a stay even if you are not a golfer.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2019

Verified traveler

The house is unique in that it is situated in the beautiful Palheiro Gardens. One could spend a whole day relaxing and ambling around looking at the beautiful flowers and trees.
Breakfast provides a wide choice from which to chose and with eggs and omelettes cooked to order

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

I loved the garden, so beautiful and big! I truly recommend this oasis.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2018

Gillian

High class hotel set alongside a golf course and botanic gardens
Food was excellent plenty of variety and innovations
A 20 min walk to the Clubhouse where there was a wonderful view down over Funchal and the harbour
And a terrace and restaurant which was sheltered and a sun trap
Food here was also excellent

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Lovely house , beautiful gardens; staff efficient. Excellent breakfast; car necessary.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2018

JaneB

Fantastic hotel, gorgeous location, very peaceful, very comfortable large clean rooms. Staff are superb, nothing is too much trouble.The main restaurant is first class along with the Restaurant Manager, Luis, and his superb team. The restaurant at the Golf clubhouse is also superb with stunning views over Funchal. we shall return and highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2018

Sue

Space

Beautiful setting, helpful staff, delicious food, clean room and plenty of peaceful space.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Sep 2018

George

Noisy at night
To much lights on around rooms at night
No nightly entertainment
Spa and dining service was great

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Top class hotel for relaxation

Great place to stay, calm, stylish (buildings, gardens, personnel, and even guests). Personnel goes out of their way to help you have the greatest possible holiday. Somewhat upmarket, but everything is top class: rooms, food (breakfast).

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2017

Tricia

Individual, stylish hotel away from Funchal

Charming hotel in 200 year old mansion with new wings in grounds.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2017

B Smith Oct 17 Review

Our holiday was booked to celebrate a special birthday. The hotel proved to be a great pick for our base as we explored the island of Madeira. Quiet, comfortable and stylish, it sits in lovely surroundings and is convenient for both excursions into Funchal and its environs as well as further afield. The ability to join a classic Levada walk from the hotel grounds as well as the beauty of the surrounding gardens makes it very suitable for the independent traveller.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2017

sandra

Lovely hotel in beautiful gardens

A great 4 nights here. Helpful staff, lovely big room and great breakfast
Enjoyed the Madeira wine tasting!

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2017

Marcus

Great Hotel

Had a great holiday. Hotel very comfortable. Staff very helpful and friendly. Restaurant nice, good quality food with excellent service. I would highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2017

Pam

Beautiful country house in peaceful surroundings

We wanted somewhere that wasn't a typical concrete block hotel in a busy area and this beautiful country house hotel fitted the bill perfectly. Set in the foothills around Funchal, it has a peaceful ambience as it is set within many acres including pretty gardens, a wooded valley and a golf course on the doorstep. Staying in early October was very pleasant although the gardens must look really stunning in the spring and summer when more flowers are in bloom. All the staff were friendly and efficient, though never intrusive. The manageress even rang the owners to find out exactly where we could find a specific tree that we wanted to see in the grounds - a nice touch! The Michelin-starred food in the hotel was superb but it was nice to have the choice of strolling to the golf club house with stunning views over Funchal bay where there was a good choice of dishes at a slightly more reasonable price. The Tea House in the hotel grounds was also perfect for a light lunch at a very affordable price - a glass of wine was about one third of the price of the hotel wine! Having a courtesy bus between the hotel and Funchal was convenient although it only goes and returns twice per day. The open air pool, set across from the main house, was quite cold but the spa pool and facilities were pleasant. We would definitely consider a return visit, perhaps at a different time of year, and would recommend the hotel unreservedly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2017

carina

Quiet location above Funchal

Fabulous hotel. Amazing staff. Perfect location. Very quiet surrounded by beautiful gardens. What more could one want!

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2017

paul

Excellent get away

We choose this spa hotel based on the reviews here. We were not disappointed. Renting a car gives you more freedom if you are brave enough to tackle islands roads.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2017

June

So peaceful

Wonderful atmospheric hotel. The staff are so helpful. It is the setting in the middle of the historic Palheiro estate that makes this place special

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2016

Derek

Wonderful Casa away from the maddening crowd

We made a last minute booking with very little research and had never been to Maderia. We were delighted with the resort and with Funchal. Very few children to ruin the ambience!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2016

Charles

Elegant country house hotel in beautiful location

We spent a most enjoyable and relaxing week at this elegant hotel in the English country house style. The amenities were all we could have wished for:well-appointed and stylish public rooms; a delightful terrace on which to relax; excellent spa facilities; a most comfortable bedroom; delicious food and drink; attentive and charming staff; a quiet, relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. To all this were added the charms of the island which are manifold. We left with a real desire to return before too long.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2016

Fiona

Casa Velha do Palheiro-a wonderful place to unwind

excellent service from hotel staff; information & bookings for restaurants, trips,travel arrangements & more

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

Great service with a slightly old fashioned elegance

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2015

Sandra

A country house hideaway

We were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary in Madeira and I chose three hotels for our stay. Casa Velha do Paleiro was wonderful; a member of Relais Chateux it has a country house feel and has entertained Royalty in the past.

Add to that, their gardens which are also open to the public, spa and very attentive Restaurant Manager, Luis Emanuel and you have a real gem of a hideaway from the world. There is a golf course adjacent to the Hotel, and levada walk from the grounds. Located high in the mountains of Madeira, access couldn't be easier because of the Hotel's complimentary shuttle service to and from Funchal, Madeira's hub of activity.

Would I say there again - most definitely.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

Highly recommend this small hotel

set in beautiful gardens with access to spa and golf as well. Marvellous food - An excellent all round package for a good price.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2015

John

High standard in every way especially the dinner cuisine! Only drawback to our garden room was that it could be very warm and only way to improve ventilation was to leave front door open. Will be happy to return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2015

Bob

Great Hotel, but vegetarians watch out.....

Great hotel and facilities, only down side was when my wife asked what the vegetarian starters were at the fancy restaurant in the hotel the waiter mentioned Gazpacho, which sounded great on a warm day, when it arrived it had squid and caviar in it. Thank goodness the risotto was vegetarian. When I raised this with reception, they mentioned that there was a vegetarian menu - would have been nice if that had been offered, as would have some form of compensation like a bottle of wine.....

Restaurant 0 points, rest of hotel 5.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2015

Verified traveler

Perfect

Classy, charming, understated Old World elegance, with precious silence & stunning panoramas!

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2015

Kate

Beautiful hotel with gardens spa and golf court

Recommended for sport lovers that like to spend their time engaging in sports, enjoy an old style small hotel with excellent service. Average guest age fairly high - comfortable hotel around 25 min from Funchal.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2025

Daniel

Très bien

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Oct 2025

Guido

Molto bella e di charme in linea con la catena a cui appartiene. Bellissimo giardino. Zona Piscina da rivedere

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

24 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Charming but not for rest

We split our stay in Madeira between two hotels, and this one was by far our least favourite.
The good points: charming property, the gardens are massive and beautiful, the grounds spacious, the rooms very large, and the outdoor pool and spa was lovely.
The downsides, however, the rooms were very poorly soundproofed, and with many young children and babies staying, one night we could not sleep at all with a baby crying next door.
This hotel is clearly aimed at families with children and is not suitable for adults looking for rest. Unless they limit the presence of children, I would strongly advise couples to stay elsewhere.
The restaurant was fine but nothing special.
Location is not ideal, the hotel is reached by a narrow, steep one-way road, which added at least fifteen minutes to every trip on the island.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Sep 2024

Rainer

Das Frühstück ist maximal einem 3 Sterne Hotel würdig!!!!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2024

Cornelia

Ein wundervoller Ort zum Entspannen und Geniessen

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2023

Stefano

Location spettacolare, inserita in una grande tenuta a pochi chilometri da Funchal. Ottimo servizi, ottimo ristorante

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2022

Frederic

Stylish retreat in Madeira

Superb property in the middle of gardens overlooking the city of Funchal

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Dec 2020

Alessandro

Ok. Ma da un 5 stelle cu si aspetta di piu’

Bella struttura immersa nel verde e vicino al campo da golf. Possibile fare lunghe passeggiate anche se non segnalate. Infatti rischi di finire nel bel mezzo del campo da golf ed è pericoloso.
Ci hanno fatto upgrade in stanza piu nuova e piu grande con vasca e doccia anche se senza bidet. Doccia perdeva acqua e allagava tutto il bagno.
Per covid sauna e chiusa ma si puo usare poscina outdoor e idromassaggio ma ambiente non e riscaldato perche le finestre devono stare aperte per normativa covid.
Consigliamo di tenere chiusa tutta la Spa
Buona la colazione con prodotti freschi e preparata al momento
Personale gentile.
Stanza pulita e spaziosa. Letto comodo

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2020

Peter

Schönes Hotel mit einigen Kritikpunkten

Sehr schönes Hotel, tolle & ruhige Lage. Einzige Lärmquelle sind die Zimmertüren, welche praktisch nicht leise zu öffnen / schliessen sind.. Empfang sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Restaurantangestellte leider nicht alle motiviert & freundlich. Getränkekarte der Bar dürfte reichhaltiger sein. Speisekarte im Restaurant nebst Daily Menue ebenso; mehr Auswahl wäre top. Shuttle nach Funchal 2x am Morgen ist nicht ausreichend. Ebenso Shuttle Service vom Clubhouse zurück ins Hotel: am Abend um 18h der letzte! Wer im Clubhouse zu Abend isst muss ins Hotel laufen!
Zimmerausblick irreführend: hatten zum Golf Course gebucht und schauten direkt an eine Mauer. Zimmerwechsel zwar möglich nach einer Nacht, aber wirklichen Blick auf den Golfplatz hat kein einziges Zimmer. Dasselbe mit Gartenblick; schade!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Oct 2019

Elke

Netheid kamer is minder. Reeds 2x gebleven in vergelijkbare quinta jardins do lago en dit hotel is onvergelijkbaar qua netheid en vriendelijkheid van personeel. De Jardins do Lago is dan ook wel echt uitzonderlijk te noemen. Zelden zo een goed hotel gezien met zo een gedreven personeel. De Casa Velha do Palheiro heeft het van zijn prachtige ligging, accomodatie en nabij gelegen park. Personeel is ok maar zeker niet op niveau van het ander genoemd hotel. De kamers waren qua faciliteiten ok maar ook niet op niveau van de jardins do Lago. Bijvoorbeeld verschillende spinnenwebben in de kamer. Zelfs 5 kleine spinnen moeten doden bij ontvangst kamer. Is geen ramp en het is logisch bij een hotelkamer die zich meer in de natuur bevindt maar achter de tv bijvoorbeeld was volgens ons zeer lang niet gepoetst. Groot spinnenweb met spin erin. Ook bijna geen sponcontacten om gsm e.d..op te laden. Beide lakens waren niet helemaal proper. Het andere hotel had bijvoorbeeld usb aansluiting langs nachtkastje. Algemeen zou ik dit hotel een 7 a 8 geven en allicht voor golfers eerder aanbevelen maar voor mensen die zoals wij, louter voor wandelingen daar waren, zijn er betere alternatieven. De spa niet gebruikt maar wel bezocht. Ziet er wel topklasse uit.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2019

eric

Superbe !

Des prestations sans nul doute à la hauteur d'un 5*, le cadre, le service, le petit déjeuner délicieux, le dîner (gastronomique), tout était parfait

Partner