Eira do Serrado - Hotel & Spa

The hotel is primarily distinguished by its spectacular views of the Valley of the Nuns and the surrounding jagged mountains, offering a breathtaking panorama that many guests describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This makes it an ideal destination for sightseers and hikers eager to explore the natural beauty of the region, with direct access to trails and viewpoints. Guests consistently highlight the clean rooms, comfortable beds, and spacious accommodations as key positives. While the hotel provides a serene mountain retreat, it is also noted for showing its age in some areas. It is particularly well-suited for travelers seeking tranquility and stunning vistas, rather than a bustling urban experience. To make the most of your stay, be prepared for the rapidly changing mountain weather and the winding, narrow access road, which requires careful driving.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed. The indoor pool is available, but many guests found the water to be cold and noted issues with cleanliness or maintenance, such as excessive chlorine or being covered. Similarly, the jacuzzi often received complaints about not being hot enough, having cloudy water, or non-functioning jets, despite some finding it a nice addition. The sauna and steam room are available, but typically incur an extra charge and are sometimes reported as not working or having unpleasant odors. The fitness center is described as basic, with limited and sometimes unfunctioning equipment. On-site, guests can find a souvenir shop and a cafe, which can get busy with tour groups visiting the viewpoint. While free Wi-Fi is provided, its reliability can vary.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally praise the cleanliness of the rooms, often describing them as exceptionally or spotlessly clean. The room size is frequently highlighted as spacious, with many rooms featuring a large balcony or terrace that offers stunning valley views. Most guests found the beds comfortable, with good support and quality pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. However, a recurring concern is the noise levels within the hotel, with thin walls leading to sounds from neighboring rooms, corridors, or even external generators being audible. While bathrooms are typically clean and well-maintained, some guests noted issues like a door that wouldn't shut properly. Room amenities include a kettle, but some guests found a lack of convenient power outlets near the beds.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is notably mixed. While some guests found the breakfast to be good with a variety of choices, many others expressed disappointment, describing it as poor quality, lacking fresh options like vegetables, or having limited variety over longer stays. Issues such as cold cooked food, low-quality bread, and industrial juices were frequently mentioned. The hotel restaurant for dinner also received varied reviews; some guests enjoyed delicious and high-quality meals, while others found the food to be average, overpriced, or poorly prepared, with specific complaints about blandness or unusual preparations. Despite the mixed food quality, the restaurant often provides a splendid view, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major draw, perched high in the mountains with unparalleled views of the Valley of the Nuns, making it a fantastic base for hiking and exploring viewpoints. However, its remote setting means it is quite isolated, with no other dining or entertainment options within walking distance once the daytime tourists depart. The access road to the hotel is frequently described as narrow, winding, and challenging, especially at night or when encountering large tour buses. While free parking is available on-site, guests should be prepared for the significant drive to reach Funchal or other parts of the island. Public transport options are limited and infrequent, making a car highly recommended for exploring the region.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are quite varied. Many guests commend the reception staff for being friendly, helpful, and professional, ensuring a quick and easy check-in process. Their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests are often highlighted as positive aspects. However, some reviews describe reception staff as unapproachable, unhelpful, or even rude, particularly regarding specific requests like passport copies or bus timetables. Similarly, restaurant staff receive mixed feedback, with some guests praising their efficiency and friendliness, while others note a lack of communication, perceived arrogance, or inattentiveness. Overall, while some guests report excellent customer service, others find the general atmosphere and service quality to be inconsistent.

Additional Information
The hotel is frequently noted as showing its age and being in need of modernization or renovation, despite its overall cleanliness. A common point of feedback is the lack of air conditioning in the rooms, which can lead to discomfort during warmer periods. Guests also mention the scarcity of conveniently located power outlets within the rooms, often requiring creative solutions for charging devices. Some amenities, such as the in-room fridge, may incur an additional daily charge. Furthermore, guests have reported instances of the pool or jacuzzi being closed for private events, impacting their ability to use the facilities as expected. These details suggest areas where the hotel's policies or infrastructure could be improved for guest convenience.