We loved staying at the Barceló Funchal Oldtown Hotel , nestled in the heart of the old town. Its main asset is its superb rooftop with swimming pool, offering a breathtaking view of Madeira’s capital and the Atlantic Ocean.
In this article, we share our experience and photos with you to help you make up your own mind about the place.
This review is completely independent, we stayed anonymously and paid our bill in full.
Why stay at the Barceló Funchal Oldtown Hotel?
This luxury hotel offers a most pleasant setting for your stay. It’s part of our selection of the best establishments in Funchal. Here are its 3 main assets, in our opinion:
- Rooftop with pool and bar: as you swim, you can gaze out over the orange roofs of Madeira’s capital and the ocean. Faced with a landscape like this, the swim totally reinvigorated us!
- Location: right in the heart of the old town, the hotel is close to the waterfront, main attractions, restaurants and stores. We really enjoyed strolling along Avenida do Mar at the end of the day.
- Atmosphere: the décor is elegant and warm. It invites you to relax and unwind in a casual chic atmosphere. We really enjoyed the bar lounge opposite reception.
View Barceló Funchal Oldtown Hotel availability.
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.
Is the Barceló Funchal Oldtown Hotel worth it? Our review
Absolutely! Ideally located in the heart of Funchal’s historic center, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main tourist attractions. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic center. In fact, it features in our article on the best establishments in the Old Town. The staff are attentive and helpful. The rooms are very comfortable and elegant. The rooftop, complete with bar and pool, was particularly appealing! It’s an ideal choice for an upscale stay in Madeira’s capital. It is one of our selection of the best 5-star hotels on the island.
Decoration and atmosphere
The hotel’s contemporary, refined decor gives it a cosy, chic feel. As soon as we arrived, we felt instantly at ease. Although the setting was elegant, the atmosphere was anything but stuffy. The modern lighting fixtures, wood accents and noble materials are just some of the elements of the decor that appealed to us.
Colorful, abstract works of art adorned the walls. The chic furnishings blended in perfectly with the overall look, adding a touch of cachet to the space. What do you see in these paintings?
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
The room
The decor of our room was clean and elegant. We particularly appreciated the XXL dimensions of the bed, topped by a large textured headboard. The small office area with woven wicker chairs and a marble-effect table was charming. Light fixtures suspended from the ceiling added a modern touch to the whole.
In terms of equipment, we found a kettle, a Nespresso coffee machine, Dammann Frères tea bags, coffee pods and a glass bottle of water in the room. We were also welcomed with a box of local chocolates. These little details made our stay even more pleasant and comfortable.
Light flooded into the room from the glass door that opened onto a narrow balcony. We could see the ocean from the end of the balcony. Although we slept with the window open, we weren’t disturbed by the noises of the night.
See more photos of Hotel Barceló Funchal Oldtown.
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The bathroom
In our bedroom, the bathroom featured a large shower that opened onto the room. A bathrobe and slippers were also provided. The marble-effect tiled walls, the play of light and the pretty oval mirror made the space very elegant.
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The breakfast
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try the hotel’s breakfast, as we left very early the next morning. The staff, informed of our early departure, had nevertheless prepared a packed lunch for us, consisting of a bottle of water, a banana, 2 sandwiches and a slice of cake. Otherwise, the hotel’s breakfast is much appreciated by guests, who find it very complete and fresh.
Rooftop pool
The establishment boasts a superb panoramic rooftop swimming pool. The terrace is equipped with a bar and plenty of deckchairs and parasols for sunbathing. We would have loved to have taken a nap in one of the rooftop’s four-poster beds, but unfortunately we didn’t have the time. However, we couldn’t resist a dip in this exceptional setting!
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Equipment and common areas
For the sporty among you, there’s a well-equipped fitness room to keep you in shape during your stay. It has no windows to the outside.
The hotel also offers cocooning common areas that invite you to relax. Works of art hang on the walls, adding an artistic touch to the refined, contemporary decor.
Situated on the first floor directly on the busy street, the hotel’s outdoor terrace is really very pleasant. It’s shaded, so you can enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the historic center. It belongs to Restaurant NOZ Café.
The restoration
The hotel has a skybar on the rooftop where you can sip drinks and enjoy panoramic views. There’s also a lounge bar in the reception area where you can relax after a busy day’s sightseeing.
Inside the building lies Restaurant Noz Café, overlooking the street. The refined decor reflects the image of the hotel as a whole. We were won over by the tree-lined terrace.
A little history
Recently renovated, the hotel comprises 6 17th-century buildings that have retained their original facades and period interior floors. Among them, one building once housed the famous Oliveira Bordados Enmaderienses factory and another belonged to the Blandy family, renowned for their famous Madeira wines. We also noted references to embroidery, a traditional island activity, throughout the establishment’s decoration.
Practical information about Barceló Funchal Oldtown Hotel in Madeira
Type
Hotel Barceló Funchal Oldtown is a 5-star establishment located in the heart of Funchal’s old town, just a few meters from Avenida do Mar.
See current offers at Hotel Barceló Funchal Oldtown.
Where is the hotel?
The establishment is located in the historic center of Funchal at 9 Rua da Alfândega.
- A 25-minute drive from the airport,
- 2min walk from Sé Cathedral,
- 6-minute walk from theJesuit College Church,
- A 10-minute walk from the CR7 Museum.
How to get there?
To explore the island, we highly 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 Barceló Funchal Oldtown is located in Funchal, the island’s capital.
We don’t recommend driving through the historic center, however, as the streets are narrow and cobbled. Instead, park outside the old town at Parking Plaza CR7, just an 11-minute walk from the hotel along the seafront.
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.
Parking
The establishment does not have its own parking lot. However, it is possible to use their paid parking service, subject to availability, 650m away. Contact reception directly to reserve your place.
For people with reduced mobility
The hotel has rooms accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is equipped with an elevator for easy access to the various floors, as well as adapted toilets. To arrange your arrival, please contact reception directly on +351 291 110 360.
Is the Hotel Barceló Funchal Oldtown family-friendly?
The hotel offers family rooms and is ideally located in the heart of the old town, right next to the waterfront. Although children are welcome, we’ve identified some of the best family-friendly hotels in Madeira here.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
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Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
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Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
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