Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel

Funchal | Madeira

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
Perched on a subtropical clifftop above the Atlantic, Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel is one of Madeira's true grand dames. Expect old-world glamour, sweeping ocean views, palm-filled gardens and the kind of polished, intuitive service that’s become a Belmond signature. Michelin-starred dining, a famous afternoon tea terrace, heated pools carved into the rocks and direct access to the sea all add up to a timeless escape just minutes from Funchal.

A pastel-pink legend wrapped in emerald gardens and endless Atlantic blue, Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel feels like stepping into a more elegant era. Wander jasmine-scented terraces, pause for sunset G&Ts above the ocean, or float in the saltwater pools carved into the rocks. Inside, characterful rooms and suites pair antiques with modern comfort, while standout dining ranges from Michelin-starred tasting menus to relaxed poolside lunches and that iconic afternoon tea on the balcony.

For couples or families wanting Madeira's classic charm with serious culinary credentials, Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel delivers in style. Its elevated seafront position gives you direct sea access and big-sky sunsets, while Funchal’s cobbled old town is just down the hill. It's around 30 minutes from Funchal (FNC) airport. See more Portugal holidays.

Hotel Overview | Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel

Highlights

🍽️ Perfect for discerning food-lovers, from casual pool snacks to refined tasting menus
⭐ Michelin-starred William Restaurant for special-occasion dining with sea views
📍 Dramatic clifftop setting with lush subtropical gardens and Atlantic panoramas
🤝 Unflappable, personalised Belmond service with thoughtful touches throughout your stay
♻️ Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC-recognised standard
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Rating and Board

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 158 | Floors: 9 | Lifts: 7
Board options: Bed and Breakfast
Child age guideline: up to 12 years in family rooms (hotel policies may vary)

Location | Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel

Location

Reid's Palace crowns a rocky headland on Funchal’s prestigious Estrada Monumental, surrounded by cascading gardens and palms. From here, it's all about horizon-filling Atlantic views and cooling sea breezes, yet you're still close to the action: the cafés, lidos and waterfront promenade of Funchal are within easy reach, and a complimentary hotel shuttle whisks you into the old town.

The setting is especially rewarding if you enjoy strolling — walk or ride down to the marina for chic restaurants and rooftop bars, then retreat to the peace of the hotel above the bay when you’re ready to unwind.

Distances and Transfers

Elevated seafront position with direct access to the sea and sunbathing platforms
Nearest shops, bars & restaurants: approx. 300m
Funchal resort centre: approx. 2km
Complimentary shuttle bus to Funchal (timetable subject to change)

Approx. transfer time from airport: 30 minutes

Map


Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Facilities and Rooms | Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel

Restaurants and Bars

Dining is a major reason guests return to Reid's Palace. Expect polished, creative cuisine, but also plenty of choice so meals always suit your mood.

William Restaurant
The hotel’s Michelin-starred showpiece is all about artfully plated dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal produce, paired with a serious wine list and sweeping Atlantic views. Smart evening dress is expected, with long trousers for gentlemen.

Villa Cipriani
A refined Italian à la carte with a romantic clifftop terrace. Think homemade pasta, rich risottos and classic dolci, with kids’ menus for younger diners. Long trousers for gentlemen in the evening.

Brisa Do Mar
Rooftop à la carte restaurant (seasonal) serving dinner with show-cooking and a focus on fresh local and international dishes. Ideal for balmy evenings with a view.

Pool Restaurant
Relaxed and family-friendly, serving breakfast, lunch and daytime snacks by the pool. International and local favourites, with a children’s menu and highchairs.

Afternoon Tea
Synonymous with Reid’s, afternoon tea is served in the hotel, complete with tiered stands of sandwiches, pastries and scones. There are two sittings at 15:00 and 16:30; advance reservations are highly recommended. Beachwear is not permitted.

Bars
The elegant 1891 Bar pours classic cocktails and premium drinks from late afternoon until midnight, while the Tea Library offers coffee, tea and light refreshments during the day.

Please note: a smart dress code applies in many venues (no beachwear; long trousers requested for gentlemen in the evening). Some restaurants require reservations and may carry a supplement depending on your board basis. Opening days and times can change seasonally.

Pool Areas and Beach

Reid's Palace makes the most of its spectacular shoreline with layered sun terraces and a trio of inviting pools.

• 3 outdoor pools in total (mixture of freshwater and saltwater, some heated)
• A main freshwater pool with spacious sunbathing terraces, loungers and parasols
• A heated saltwater pool with panoramic sea views
• An additional saltwater pool set closer to the water's edge, by sunbathing platforms carved into the rocks
• Direct access to the Atlantic via ladders and platforms, ideal for confident swimmers
• Complimentary pool towels for guests

For extra adventure, you can arrange water sports (run by an external company) including canoeing, kayaking, motorised water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling and windsurfing (all at an extra charge and subject to sea conditions and season).

Spa, Sports and Other Facilities

Wellness at Reid's Palace is quietly indulgent, blending classic spa pampering with active pursuits.

Spa & Wellness
• Spa with sauna, steam room, whirlpool and relaxation areas (minimum age 6 years for spa area; access rules can vary)
• Wide range of massages and beauty treatments (local charges apply)
• Open approximately 09:00–19:00 (hours may change seasonally)

Fitness & Activities
• Air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and strength equipment (approx. 08:00–19:00)
• Tennis courts with lessons from a resident tennis professional (extra charge)
• Pilates, table tennis, snooker and tennis sessions available

Entertainment & Atmosphere
• Daily evening entertainment year-round, typically including live music and low-key performances
• Refined, relaxed ambience rather than a party programme

Other Facilities
• 24-hour reception and concierge service
• Currency exchange, luggage storage and shuttle bus to Funchal
• Equipment hire on request, including bottle warmers, fans and wheelchairs
• Motorised scooter charging (chargeable)
• English-language newspapers available (charge may apply)

Information, operating times and availability are based on previous seasons and may change without prior notice.

Rooms

Junior Suite
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2

Refined suites with extra living space and elegant décor. Most feature a balcony, many with garden or sea aspects.
Key amenities include:
• Flat-screen TV and DVD player
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Balcony
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Pillow menu and turndown service
• Minibar (chargeable)
• Bathroom with bath and separate shower
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning, regular linen and towel changes

Family Room
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 4

Designed with families in mind, these rooms offer more space and a terrace for outdoor lounging.
Amenities:
• Flat-screen TV and DVD player
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Terrace
• Coffee-making facilities and kettle
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Pillow menu and turndown service
• Minibar (chargeable)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning, linen and towel changes

Deluxe Room with Sea View
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 3

Classic rooms with balcony or terrace and sweeping views over the Atlantic, perfect for sunrise or sunset watching.
Amenities:
• Flat-screen TV and DVD player
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Balcony or terrace with sea view
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Pillow menu and turndown service
• Minibar (chargeable)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning, linen and towel changes

Superior Room
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 3

Stylish rooms with balcony and views over the gardens or surrounding area.
Amenities:
• Flat-screen TV and DVD player
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Balcony
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Pillow menu and turndown service
• Minibar (chargeable)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning, linen and towel changes

Superior Suite
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 3

Generous suites with balcony or terrace and a separate bath and shower, giving you more space to spread out.
Amenities:
• Flat-screen TV
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Balcony or terrace
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Turndown service
• Minibar (chargeable)
• Bathroom with bath and separate shower
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning, linen and towel changes

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary. Local charges may apply for some in-room services and minibar items.

Activities & Experiences

Hotel Activities

• Swimming in three outdoor pools plus direct sea access via bathing platforms
• Kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and other water sports (external provider, charges apply)
• Scuba diving and snorkelling excursions (seasonal, extra charge)
• Tennis with on-site courts and optional coaching from a resident pro
• Pilates, table tennis and snooker for leisurely downtime
• Strolling through the hotel’s lush subtropical gardens and ocean-view terraces
• Evenings with live music and low-key entertainment throughout the year

Guest Services

• 24-hour reception and concierge for restaurant bookings, taxis and excursions
• Complimentary Wi-Fi across the hotel
• Children’s club (approx. 3–9 yrs) with arts and crafts, games, movie nights and more (seasonal, dependent on occupancy)
• Kid-friendly menus and highchairs available in several restaurants
• Spa with sauna, steam room, whirlpool, plus a full menu of massages and beauty treatments (charges apply)
• Currency exchange and luggage storage
• Equipment hire including bottle warmers, fans and wheelchairs (subject to availability)
• Motorised scooter charging point (fee may apply)
• Shuttle bus connecting the hotel with Funchal centre (timetable may vary)

Practical Info

Good to know
• Destination: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference from UK: usually same time (GMT)
• Average flight time from UK: around 4 hours
• Transfer time to hotel: approximately 30 minutes by road

Funchal itself is a charming capital with cobbled streets, lidos and coastal promenades, plus easy access to Madeira's famous levada walks and viewpoints. Prices for eating out can vary, but as a guide a local beer might cost around £2.50, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant is often from around £40–45 equivalent.

Hotel facilities, dress codes, children’s services and entertainment programmes are subject to seasonal change. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Portugal advice.

Prices and Book | Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel

Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and the latest offers at Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel. Secure your Madeira escape with low deposits and full ATOL protection.

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FAQs | Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel suitable for families?
Yes. While the atmosphere is elegant and grown-up, Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel is very welcoming to children. There are family rooms sleeping up to four, a children’s club for roughly ages 3–9 years with organised activities, kids’ menus in several restaurants and family-friendly pools. It’s an excellent option for multi-generational trips where everyone wants comfort and service.

2. How do I get from Madeira Airport (FNC) to Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel?
The hotel is about 30 minutes by road from Madeira Airport. You can pre-book a private transfer, take a taxi from outside the terminal or arrange transport through your Travelisto holiday specialist. Driving is straightforward, with the route mainly on modern, well-maintained roads that follow the coast towards Funchal.

3. Does Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel have direct sea access?
Yes. One of the hotel’s highlights is its elevated seafront position with a series of terraces stepping down to the Atlantic. From here you can access saltwater pools and sunbathing platforms built into the rocks, with ladders into the sea for confident swimmers when conditions allow.

4. What is the dress code at Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel restaurants?
Dress codes vary by venue but are generally smart and in keeping with the hotel’s classic style. In most restaurants and bars beachwear is not permitted, and gentlemen are asked to wear long trousers in the evening, especially at the Michelin-starred William Restaurant and Villa Cipriani. For breakfast and poolside dining, resort-casual clothing is usually fine.

5. Is there a spa and gym at Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel?
Yes. Guests have access to an air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment and weights, as well as a spa offering a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and a wide choice of massages and beauty treatments. Spa services carry an extra charge and opening hours may vary seasonally, but they usually operate during daytime and early evening.

6. What board basis is typically offered at Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel?
Stays at Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel are typically on a Bed and Breakfast basis, giving you a generous buffet or à la carte breakfast to start the day. You then have the freedom to explore the hotel’s five restaurants and bars — including the Michelin-starred William Restaurant — or try Funchal’s excellent dining scene in the evenings.

7. Is Reid's Palace A Belmond Hotel a good choice for a special occasion or honeymoon?
Absolutely. The combination of historic character, impeccable Belmond service, fine dining and dramatic Atlantic views makes Reid's Palace a classic choice for honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone celebrations. Many guests choose sea-view rooms or suites, book a table at William Restaurant and reserve afternoon tea on the terrace to mark the occasion.

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