If starting from scratch you wouldn’t build a hotel like this one nowadays but that is part of its appeal . It’s different . Whether its intention and deliberate marketing strategy, Quinta da Bela Vista seems more suitable for older guests. It has the feel and quirky charm of an old stately home in places. Art works , carpets with character and pieces of crockery line the stairs and walkways. The library in the separate Manor House is a fabulous place to settle down and either read your own book or browse. Those with mobility issues might not welcome the uneven paths leading to the garden rooms though and there seemed little to hold the attention of children. The gym ( adjacent to the pool) is small and both the sauna and the jacuzzi become crowded if more than three wish to use them at any one time. The hotel location ( in the hills above Funchal) means that it is a longish 2-3 mile walk downtown in to the heart of the city ( it would be a monstrously difficult uphill walk back for anyone but the fittest of guests) but it provides a gorgeous view of the hills , the harbour and down in to town. Book the hotel courtesy bus ( but bear in mind it doesn’t always run at weekends or on holidays) , catch the number 8 or 13 bus into town ( it’s a 5 minute walk to the bus stop) or ask the helpful reception staff to call a cab for you. We can’t comment on the food for evening meals as we only booked breakfast . Everything that you’d expect for first meal of the day was available though. Snacks from the pool bar were perhaps a little on the expensive side but the club sandwich we were served was both sizeable AND extremely tasty though. More a main meal than a snack . What particularly made our stay enjoyable was the exceptional quality of the staff. All of those that we encountered ( whether maids, waiters, waitresses, bar tenders, pool attendants or those at reception ) seemed pleased that we had chosen their hotel to stay at . Each and every one did their bit to make us feel welcome. They really DO work hard to ensure that guests enjoy their stay. It would be hard to recommend Quinta da Bela Vista for its rocking night life , cutting edge facilities or fabulous provision for children but if you are a slightly older, but still mobile, traveller looking for a place to chill out, unwind and relax this is probably EXACTLY what you are looking for . We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did