Castanheiro Boutique Hotel (Funchal): review + photos

We highly recommend staying at the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Funchal. We loved its magnificent rooftop overlooking the old town. Its intimate atmosphere, top-of-the-range facilities and central location were all assets that won us over during our stay!

In this article, we share our experience and photos with you to give you your personal opinion of the establishment.

hotel boutique castanheiro funchal madere review

This review is completely independent, we stayed anonymously and paid our bill in full.

Why stay at the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Madeira?

We had an unforgettable stay at Hotel Castanheiro. In fact, it’s one of our picks for the best establishments in Funchal. Here are its 3 main assets, in our opinion:

Rooftop: enjoy a breathtaking view of the historic center and waterfront from the hotel’s rooftop! We were totally won over by its superb pool, elegant bar and, above all, its panoramic Jacuzzi.

Location: right in the heart of the city, close to Funchal’s main attractions. We were just a few minutes’ walk from the must-see Sé Cathedral.

Facilities: beyond the rooftop, the hotel boasts a magnificent spa area, a bistronomic restaurant and a fitness room. The Tipografia Restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants in Funchal!

See more photos of Castanheiro Boutique Hotel.

Is the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel worth it? Our review

In our opinion, Hotel Castanheiro is definitely worth a visit, as its top-of-the-range facilities offer exceptional comfort. We fell under the spell of its magnificent rooftop with panoramic pool and Jacuzzi. It boasts a breathtaking view of the old town and waterfront. Combining luxury and charm, this is undoubtedlyone of the best boutique hotels in Madeira! Not to mention its ideal location, featured in our article on the best hotels in Funchal’s historic center!

Decoration and atmosphere

Throughout the establishment, the décor is elegant, highlighting the traditional architecture of the colorful buildings. It is embellished with objects linked to local know-how, such as majestic tables made of wood from the island or handmade embroidery. We fell in love with the aesthetics of this establishment!

The atmosphere in the hotel is both chic and relaxed. The decor is traditional, yet modern and warm. The hotel staff are also very welcoming and smiling, which helps to create a friendly atmosphere.

The room

We were impressed by the quality and size of our room. It was bathed in soft light thanks to 2 large bay windows, framed by long linen curtains, which opened onto small balconies. The light tones blended harmoniously with the sage green. The refined, uncluttered decor was an invitation to relax. We also had a lounge area with a desk area and sofas.

The sleeping area was separated from the living room. The floral headboard and two printed cushions added a touch of softness to the ensemble. We slept very well.

When we arrived, we found a coffee machine and capsules, tea bags, a carafe of water, and a delicious Bolo de Mel accompanied by a bottle of Madeira wine as a small welcome gift.

From our room balconies, the view was of downtown Funchal on one side, and the seafront on the other. We could see the ocean on the horizon.

See availability at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel.

The bathroom

In our bedroom, the bathroom featured a large shower that opened onto the room. We found hygiene products from the Castelbel Porto cosmetics brand, a bathrobe and slippers. On the floor, we noticed an interesting pattern that reminded us of the optical illusions at the 3D Fun Art Museum.

Our bathroom was very functional and practical. It was beautifully decorated, with a circular mirror and white tiles interspersed with black lines. The touch of sage green created harmony with the rest of the room.

The breakfast

Breakfast is served in the form of a large continental buffet. You’ll find a variety of local products, such as Pasteis de Nata and Queijadas de Sintra, as well as homemade products like pancakes and eggs prepared in real time. You can also order à la carte dishes.

We particularly appreciated the choice of products on offer, whether sweet (viennoiseries, various breads, fruit juices, fresh fruit, cakes, porridge) or savoury (charcuterie, cheeses, hot dishes such as scrambled eggs and roast tomatoes). Breakfast can also be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace, adding to the charm of the culinary experience.

Swimming pools

The hotel boasts a panoramic rooftop pool, as well as a second indoor pool with seats built into the water. We loved swimming in front of this incredible view!

Equipment and common areas

In addition to the hotel’s 2 pools, you’ll also find a Jacuzzi on the rooftop. To keep in shape, head for the hotel’s well-equipped gym. It has no windows. A temple of relaxation, the Til Spa also won us over with its range of treatments and massages. The common areas are well appointed and comfortable, with vintage and local handicraft decorations. They invite you to take a break.

The restoration

The hotel has a panoramic bar offering exceptional views of the old town. On the first floor there’s a second, very convivial and elegantly decorated bar, which hosts live music. The hotel is home to the Tipografia Restaurant, where you can enjoy refined, tasty cuisine. In fact, it features in our article on the best restaurants in Funchal!

A little history

The Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is housed in an 18th-century building once used as a bakery. In the courtyard, we noticed an old bread oven preserved in its original form. A wire and resin sculpture by local artist Marcos Milewski pays tribute to the men who worked here in the past. The site has a rich history. The hotel also houses works of art. The decor of Restaurant Tipografia is inspired by the world of printing.

Practical information about the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Funchal

Type

Hotel Castanheiro is a 4-star establishment offering top-of-the-range services. It is located in the old town of Funchal.

See current offers at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel.

Where is the hotel?

The hotel is located in Funchal’s old town, within easy reach of the main attractions of Madeira’s capital. Its exact address is: 31, Rua do Castanheiro.

A 25-minute drive from the airport,
2min walk fromÉglise Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste,
A 3-minute walk from the Musée d’Art Sacré,
4min walk from Sé Cathedral.

How to get there?

To explore the island, we strongly recommend renting a car as soon as you arrive at the airport. You’ll be free to stop at any time to admire Madeira’s breathtaking scenery, and to return to your hotel without any particular difficulty. Hotel Castanheiro, however, is located in a rather narrow, cobbled alleyway. So drive slowly when entering the old town, and be careful not to enter a one-way street.

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.

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See our tips

Parking

The hotel offers private parking for guests. It is not free.

For people with reduced mobility

The establishment has rooms accessible to people with reduced mobility. The upper floors are accessible by elevator, facilitating access to all parts of the hotel for all guests. Contact us directly for further assistance on + 351 291 200 100.

Painting of the hotel owners by Filipa Venâncio

Is the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel family-friendly?

That’s right, it’s featured in our article on the best family-friendly hotels in Madeira! There are many reasons why you and your children will be delighted to stay at this charming boutique hotel: