We just arrived back from a one week stay at the Pestana Palms Aparthotel Funchal and have to say that for us everything about the hotel was just perfect. Positioned within lovely gardens right at the seafront, with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean via some steps (if you dare), the views are just amazing. While some other reviews have stated that the rooms are a bit "dated" looking we were perfectly happy with it. The fact that the room was spacious (with plenty of storage space), clean, comfortable and above all had a balcony with fantastic sea views was far more important to us than the decor. The daily breakfast at the restaurant was delicious and plentiful, with a great variety of choice for different tastes and preferences. The saltwater pool and surrounding area were nice and clean, with sun loungers available free of charge and parasols for a small fee. The location of the hotel could not have been better. With the promenade right on your doorstep there were lots of shops, bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as a large Supermarket just across the road. A nice stroll in the other direction takes you into the heart of Funchal and to the Marina in approx. 20 minutes. We will definitely stay at this hotel a again if we come back to Madeira and recommend it to anybody who wants a peaceful and relaxing break, while having easy access to shops, restaurants etc.