The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture, the rooftop views, and the friendly staff, but often overwhelmed by the sheer size.
Savoy Palace The Leading Hotels Of The World
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want the 'Vegas of Madeira' experience—massive pools, rooftop glam, and a spa the size of a small village—without the gambling.
Why People Love It
- The Galáxia Skypool is arguably the most Instagrammable spot in Funchal
- Laurea Spa is the largest in Portugal and feels like a mystical forest
- The sheer scale of the design makes you feel like you've entered a modern palace
Quick Take: It’s a confident, hulking 'cosmopolitan resort' that trades boutique intimacy for grand-scale luxury and occasional breakfast queues.
Reviewed by @theciaodhurys: I felt like royalty staying here. The mix of city views and ocean horizon from the pool is unreal. We spent hours just lounging on the balcony and the bathroom was bigger than my apartment. Definitely the most romantic spot in Funchal.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Palace' vibe can feel impersonal and cavernous to some, and service speed sometimes lags behind the 5-star promise.
- You love a 'see and be seen' rooftop pool scene
- You want a resort where you never technically have to leave the property
- You appreciate bold, maximalist interior design over subtle charm
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Generally sharp, though the massive scale means occasional delays in turndown service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Marble surfaces are kept polished and grout is typically spotless.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition. The hotel is new (opened 2019) and feels it.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp, and plentiful. No threadbare towels here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and signature scent; no musty carpet smells reported.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise in 'Avenue' facing rooms on lower floors
- Corridor noise due to the sheer length of the hallways
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Reserve' is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept; booking a suite gets you a dedicated PA and private breakfast.
- Valet and self-parking are available for around €10/day.
- The hotel is dog-friendly (up to 25kg) but charges a steep €80/night fee.
What to pack
- A swimsuit for the heated indoor pool (since the outdoor one might be freezing)
- Dressy casual outfits for the Galáxia Skybar—shorts and flip-flops aren't the vibe there
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean Rooms (higher floors) for the best sunrise/sunset views and less street noise
- The Reserve suites for exclusive access to the private Jacarandá rooftop pool
Rooms to avoid
- Avenue Rooms on floors 1-3 (traffic noise from Avenida do Infante)
- Rooms near the elevators if you're a light sleeper (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (8+) facing the ocean to minimize street noise. If possible, please avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevator banks.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the rooftop pool open to everyone?
Yes and no. The Galáxia Skypool is adults-only but open to all guests. The Jacarandá pool is exclusive to Suite/Reserve guests.
Is the spa free?
No. Unless you are in a Suite or The Reserve, expect to pay ~€35-45 for access to the wet areas (sauna, pool, steam room).
Can I walk to the beach?
Not directly. You have to walk to the Royal Savoy (sister hotel) next door for sea access, or walk ~15 mins to public lidos.
Is it good for kids?
Surprisingly yes. There is a kids' club, a children's pool, and family-friendly dining, despite the 'adult' rooftop vibe.
How far is the Old Town?
It's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk downhill to the marina and Old Town center.
Is there construction noise nearby?
As of early 2025, there are no major specific complaints, but Funchal is always evolving. Avenue rooms are more prone to general city noise.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the Galáxia Skyfood restaurant for sunset—it has the best view in the entire city.
- ✨
If the main breakfast buffet is a zoo, ask if there's seating in the 'Orchidaceae' area which is sometimes quieter.
- ✨
You can use the sea access at the Royal Savoy next door for free—just show your room key.
5 things to know before you go
💡The main outdoor pool is stunning but often too cold to swim in during winter/spring.
💡Some 'Ocean View' rooms actually look over the Royal Savoy hotel roof before seeing the sea.
💡The 'cavernous' hallways can feel a bit like an airport terminal due to the hotel's massive scale.
💡You have to pay for water at dinner, even if you're spending hundreds on the room.
💡The elevators can be slow during peak breakfast and dinner times.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Savoy Palace The Leading Hotels Of The World is located and what's nearby.