Madeira Island, Portugal Hotel Rooms at the Independent

The owners of the Vila Marta were very friendly and helpful. They helped us out with trip ideas, even taking us to the Porto Santo Line ferry early one morning. The map and where to shop was a great help. We will be back, the fresh buns and flowers were great, and a quiet evening together with Joel and my wife was very pleasant as we tested the Madeira wine, and the local honey cake. It was a wonderful stay and we will be back.

The hotel is charming...the cabanas' style is unique (therefore offers you more privacy then the usual rooms) ...the staff is extremely friendly...the breakfast is various and generous...the food's quality is very good...but nothing is as stunning as the view of the northern coast: spectacular!!! It is the best location for people who like tranquility and peace, who really love the fragrant aromas of the flowers, the vibrant colors of the lush vegetation, the astonishing view of the Ocean...for people who just want to relax somewhere off the beaten track.

We loved the floor to ceiling windows that afforded us incredible view over the city and out to the sea. I loved watching the cruise ships arrive and depart, especially when it happened at sunrise or sunset. The hotel is not an easy walk uphill but there is a free shuttle bus to the city center for those who aren't up to the challenge. If you are walking, it's necessary to leave through the back of the hotel, through the parking lot, in order to get to the street to descend into the city. On our last day, we booked the shuttle bus to take us back up to the hotel, but it never arrived so we had to take a taxi. I doubt this happens often, it was low season and there wasn't much demand for the shuttle. It was probably a miscommunication. This was our only problem at the hotel. All else went well, the breakfasts were very good, though the coffee in the machines was disappointing.

We had a lovely time, the hotel was in a nice area with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Staff were very friendly and helpful and made our stay one to remember. I would definitely recommend this hotel and will return again in the near future.

This hotel is very near to the airport (10 min walk) but some distance outside of Funchal. So transportation is actually excellent - I took the bus to/from Funchal/Airport and rented a car for one day. It was off season, so not many guests but the staff was super friendly and helpful and the other guests were also that way. There really isn't a beach at the hotel - but a place you can walk down and get into the ocean. There isn't really a good beach anywhere on Madeira, so not much of an issue about that. The included breakfast was superior and the restaurant for other meals was superb. All in all a great stay!

Friendly and welcoming staff on reception. Comfortable room with lovely outlook over the private garden down to the coast about 3 miles away. Good centre for touring but without a car you might feel a bit out on a limb. Ideal for a walking holiday. The large covered swimming pool is excellent. A delicious breakfast, included in the room rate, can be taken on the terrace to enjoy the sun!

A wonderful oasis perched high above Funchal, with breathtaking views. The accommodation, spa and fitness facilities were top class. The staff were superbly professional. The restaurant is very good, with the catch of the day served on a hot beach pebble being the outstanding dish. The hotel has easy access to Funchal, but if you a first time driver on Madeira, really do research your route, following the hotel web site directions is advised, our sat-nav system guided us along some very narrow and steep streets, not ideal. As a base to explore Madeira from during the day and a luxury retreat after a hard days touring this hotel was unbeatable.

Enjoyable stay with good breakfasts and pleasant helpful staff.

The hotel itself is lovely. Our room on the first floor was spacious and modern with a well appointed bathroom and big balcony area. The public areas, inside and out, are attractive and well looked after. There is an excellent choice for breakfast including hot dishes prepared to order. The hotel is within walking distance of Funchal old town but it takes about 20 minutes and there is a steep hill on the way back. There are several restaurants nearer in the so - called hotel zone but this is not an attractive area. The hotel restaurant is very good but pricey. The hotel offers a picnic service for taking on walks etc but these are definitely over- priced and not worth the money even for the convenience.

We chose this hotel because it was rated so highly on Trip Advisor and we now know why-it was truly an oasis of perfection and could not be faulted in any aspect