Casa Velha do Palheiro Relais & Chateaux

We visited this property in 2000, prior to it being a part of the Relais & Chateaux brand and remember it well; we felt we got more from this trip and made more of the surrounding grounds and visited more of the island, which is beautiful

We have been staying at this hotel for the past ten years and cannot praise it highly enough, particularly the staff. All the rooms are very comfortable, plus the standard rooms have recently had a refit so are extemely good. While we were staying, I happened to mention that I enjoyed cooking and had taken a few courses with some top chefs. Without any request from me, a masterclass in fish prep was arranged for me with Chef Goncarlo, who gave up his time for nothing. This was not charged and showed a wonderful level of customer awareness and service. The staff are outstanding, friendly and cannot do enough to help, even in times of unexpected need. I say this because we have only just returned home from the trip, which should have ended three days ago. However, the Madeira weather had other ideas and our flights were grounded, as were 48 others. This resulted in a sudden and unexpected rush for overnight accommodation and if, like us, your flight was finally cancelled after midnight on two consecutive days, the online booking systems don't really work and the hotels we tried were already full from flights cancelled earlier in the day. So, we took a punt and got a taxi back to Palheiro, where we arrived unannounced and seeking shelter. The staff could not have done more. We were quickly found a room for what remained of the night and they booked a taxi for our return to the airport to try again. We were given food to keep us going and many of the staff deliberately came to us, to wish us a safe journey home.........eventually! This is a great, relaxing place to stay, with excellent accommodation, amenities and superb staff. We look forward to seeing them again next year, although we're not keen to repeat the canelled flight experience.

Had wonderful first visit to Madeira! Casa Velha do Palheiro didn’t disappoint!! Beautiful location with stunning grounds. Excellent accommodation with first class service and food. Staff outstanding - nothing too much trouble. Would definitely recommend. Our only disappointment was the weather - quite chilly. Wouldn’t put us off revisiting though.

It was just fantastic: the hotel, the restaurants, the garden and the golf course. Everybody very helpful!

This hotel is set on a private estate/botanical garden/golf course high above the busy world of Madeira. The staff are warm and welcoming, the rooms are charming and comfortable and the dining options are world class. This should be your only accommodation in Madeira.

Great 5 star accomodation. Old chique, and within 15 minutes of airport and Funchal. Wonderful gardens, and we love a 5 star hotel with character and history, that was not built for hundreds of guests in a 10 floor building.