Les Suites at The Cliff Bay

This was our second stay at Les Suites after many years staying at Reids Palace.
Portobay hotels is an superbly run chain with great staff and excellent restaurants.
We do know and love some of the staff at Reids and go to see them when in Madeira.
Reids is going through a change and has a new manager who has a tough job of bringing the hotel back to its former glory.
There have and will be many staff changes amd this makes the hotel somewhat disjointed at the moment.
I wish him luck.
The staff at Les Suites are brilliant and the teams do not seem to change and have been there for a long time so they are well established asmthat makes the whole place work so well.
They also get well looked after by Portobay which is something that Belmond hotels who own Reids could learn from.
We ate in Avista restaurant on many occasions and had great food and service for breakfast and dinner we also ate at Villa Cipriani,the Italian restaurant of Reids and had a great meal and good service from the staff that we know well.
Les Suites have great rooms where everything works well unlike Reids where some things are a little tired and need updating.
The difference in price between staying at Les Suites and Reids would have been 3500 Euros making Les Suites excellent value. They also gave us the room that we stayed in last time as it is our preferred suite.
Reids could not guarantee our preferred suite which is a deal breaker for us as they do have some rooms that are not in a good location for us.
Reids is also limited for restaurant choices at this time of year as Brisa outside restaurant is closed and the old main dining room was only open for Christmas eve for a set menu.
The only choice you have is Villa Cipriani or the limited offerings at William restaurant which is not to everyone's liking although the staff are great.
The Chef is leaving at the end of the year for a few venture away from Madeira which will be interesting to see what happens to it as there is now an opportunity to create something special and more to people's liking.
Let's see if the Michelin star is retained.
So Les Suites is the choice for discerning guests who wants great accommodation and excellent service

My wife and I have just returned from three weeks at Les Suites. Our third visit in eighteen months. You'll gather we like it.
The surroundings, the staff and ambience of the whole edifice is unmatched by any other hotel in Madeira. If you are wondering whether to visit please be warned, once you've been here then everywhere else is decidedly second best.

Brilliant relaxing time with beautiful food in either of 2 restaurants. Mostly great service and views even in nearly December.

We love Les Suites and Cliff Bay for the quality of accommodation, restaurants, location and for the wonderful staff who are always friendly, helpful and efficient giving a lovely relaxed and comfortable feel to our stay. 'Home from home'!

Having stayed many times at the Cliff Bay hotel which is excellent, we chose Les Suites as a treat for a 10 day stay in November. We are now hooked so will have to return! Beautiful, spacious suites, very quiet hotel. Fab breakfast with excellent service. We did not have dinner as we prefer to walk out into town and try different places. We did go into the Cliff Bar at the Cliff Bay next door most evenings for a nightcap via the internal walkway, very handy. Not a cheap stay but well worth the expense.

After making our reservation we received helpful advice to plan our 5-night visit. We reserved the transfers recommended which were quick and comfortable with Paulo. We took a day tour of South/East Madeira through Paulo, very enjoyable and scenic.

We were welcomed with an arrival drink and escorted to our room (41) with a garden terrace, comfortable seating under cover and in the garden it has a clear sea view.

We ordered breakfast by phone and it arrived within 30 minutes, but could have pre-ordered. The menu(s) are extensive, almost confusing the fruit plate was large enough for two.

The Cliff Bay Hotel is adjacent to Les Suites and is connected for easy access and has facilities of a large hotel.

Cliff Bay, is quiet in November, has access to the sea level via a lift in the gardens. The mid level was closed for updates but the lowest level was a very nice and a good option for lunch and was popular with many guests.

Four of our breakfasts were at Avista, only 1 outside as the weather was not cooperative. The options are plentiful and fresh. The seating outside of the Avista restaurant has just the right feel for before/after dinner drinks.
 
Two dinners at Avista (Vegetarian Innovation with wine pairing – truly memorable), we made a second reservation to try a la carte, which was also stunning.

We visited Reid’s Palace restaurant ‘Villa Cipriani’ (next door) which has a nice atmosphere, the staff were excellent, but was expensive for fairly standard dining. They surprised us with a small cake for our anniversary, which was perfect. Post dinner we enjoyed a drink on the terrace at Reid’s, great views. Overall we found Avista a better experience for dinner, but suggest you take a stroll to Reid’s to enjoy the history and terrace.

At the recommendation of Les Suites we used the local bus (#48) only a few euro, cash only, to Monte to visit the Monte Palace Gardens. It avoids the long wait for the cable car (as large cruise ships were in port). Well worth your time.

The #48 bus is probably for the thrill seekers, the famous toboggan sleds are quite tame in comparison. Scream and the driver will probably go faster. The trip is around 30 minutes. We used the cable car for our return and later a 10 euro taxi to Les Suites.

We walked into Funchal fairly easy and arrives at the seafront which is pleasant. The main town is pleasant to explore and enjoy lunch drinks etc. The rain was due so we used a taxi to return.

The only regret we had was that our stay was too short. We began to consider the logistics of staying longer. Sadly we could not, but Les Suites certainly delivers for us and a return will have to compensate for our error not planning more time away.

This is an amazing place to stay. We loved staying in a garden suite. Everything was good. The staff are friendly and Avista restaurant was really good. It was our 30th wedding anniversary and we were spoilt with champagne and flowers it was a wonderful stay

This trip was to celebrate a special occasion, so it was a delight that we were upgraded to Les Suites. Staff were lovely and efficient and the environment was everything we could have wished for. We will return.

Nothing to criticise here, we enjoyed a really good stay.

Les Suites is situated adjacent to its ‘big brother’ hotel, the Cliff Bay. There are only 23 suites meaning that you can enjoy the seclusion and privacy of a small hotel environment and yet have easy access to the pools, restaurants and other amenities next door.

As for the Suites area itself, it has a great outdoor space with plenty of sun beds, a large infinity pool, snack bar, outdoor jacuzzi and stunning views of the Bay and nearby central Funchal. It’s a very calm, peaceful place to relax.

All the suites look to be of a high standard. We booked a duplex suite - it was huge with 2 bathrooms and two balconies and comfortably furnished. The fundamentals were spot on : a very comfy bed, a powerful shower and easy to use tea and coffee making facilities. All the added extras were appreciated - free soft drinks, a daily fruit basket, a nightly turn-down service and a complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival.

Breakfast was served at Les Suites own restaurant, Avista. It’s high quality with plenty of choice and the option of eating ‘al fresco’ to take in the breathtaking views and the last of the sunrise. We also had two evening meals in Avista which were both excellent. Worth booking in advance as it's a very popular venue. We also ate in the Rose Garden at the Cliff Bay and the more informal,Il Basilico Italian restaurant, a 15 minute walk away at another Porto Bay hotel - both were very good.

Three, more things to highlight. First, without exception, all the staff at Les Suites were brilliant : friendly, polite and professional. They matched the atmosphere of their surroundings.

Second, if applicable, well worth joining the Prestige club. It costs nothing but we enjoyed a 10% discount off all drinks and meals at all Porto Bay venues and, over a week, this made a real difference.

Third, we didn’t use the fitness area or the spa but they looked in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There’s also a cinema room, showing films and live sport, and a library and games room.

To sum up, this is unquestionably a 5 star review and would highly recommend. It was our first visit to Madeira and we’ll almost certainly be back. We won’t spend any time looking at alternatives to Les Suites.

We visit Les suites twice a year and are never disappointed, wish we could visit more and for longer . We’ve stayed in the suites and the duplex both are fabulous!
We love breakfast , the whole team are fabulous but Marlene (sorry if that’s not correct but think you’ll know who I mean) always know where we like to sit and what we like ❤️
If you’re thinking about visiting stop thinking and just go you’ll not regret it 👌🏼
See you again soon 💕

please see review from before as I need to relax and enjoy the feeling ... finding my perfect holiday destination and same team to make our stay PERFECT

Outstanding as always. The location, accommodation, ocean views and quality of service are outstanding. Great value for money.

Once again another superb stay. The food in Avista (half board here) was even better than usual and I told the chef! How superb are these rooms with their beautiful bathrooms? We had a suite on the first floor again with the huge balcony. We have also stayed in a duplex suite but prefer the suites on one level. Both suites are stunning. The staff are second to none and gave us the most wonderful time. Huge thanks to all the staff, particularly Katcha (spelling?!), Juan, Vitor, Sandra and Manuel….there are more but I have to stop somewhere!
The only downside is ‘Mr Grumpy’ at the pool who seems to do a lot of nothing and needs to smile. I was surprised he’s still there!
See you next year! :-D

Overall a wonderful Stay. Rooms and grounds and restaurants are amazing. No service at pool which was unexpected at 5 star property. Hope to visit again.

Wonderful hotel that we have already booked again. We did not eat in the hotel as we had been recommended several restaurants in Funchal which were amazing.

Stunning views from our 2nd floor room straight out to the Atlantic and of the local coastline, I mean utterly spectacular. As were the views from the infinity pool and the onsite Avista restaurant where we had daily breakfast buffet and dinner one night. The setting is simply exquisite here as well as the adjoining fellow (and much much bigger) hotel, The Cliff Bay, where we went swimming in the Atlantic in the designated swim area with a floating platform...EPIC! Les Suites total room number less than two dozen, so the feeling is of a very quaint, private, intimate, boutique hotel. Our duplex room was plenty spacious, outfitted superbly, the best hotel shower set-up (with no leakage outside the shower like we had at 2 other Porto Bay properties), pleasant staff especially in the restaurant. Only flaw was the uncomfortable pillows and rather overly firm mattress. Note that the king bed is two separate mattresses pushed together, so be sure and request a topper placed under the sheets that acts as a filler of the crack between the mattresses). Wonderful touch of the fresh fruits and sparkling wine. A quirk at checkout was the inquiry for a gratuity for just the front desk staff, which we'd never experienced before or at previous Porto Bay branded hotels. We did enjoy the complimentary tasting of the Blandy's Madierna wine at check-in.
Overall this hotel is exceptional!

We have stayed in some excellent hotels in many countries , and far 50 years+
Last year we stayed at Les Suites in September and we were overwhelmed by the hotel , the food and the amazing staff in every department the very best ever so we booked again for this year and everything was exactly the same the friendly staff remembering us and greeting us like long lost friends.
We are hoping to do the same next year and already got that in motion.
Thank you to you all
Best Wishes

Tony & Angela Kennedy

Despite the issues created by the fire in the Avista Restaurant there was a seamless eating experience using the facilities at the Cliff Bay, it didn't have any effect on our stay and the staff in all areas should be commended for there efforts in ensuring that. On the opening of the Avista Restaurant on the 14 August there was a feeling of it's good to be back by guests and staff alike. We're booked for next year!!

This place has everything - incredible location, great service and facilities plus delicious food. We enjoyed every part of our stay and can understand why people come back year after year. We particularly enjoyed being able to wander out on Estrada Monumental or down to Funchal to restaurants, swimming in the ocean and salt water pool, jaw-dropping views across the bay and really high levels of service. Thank you Cliff Bay, we will be back!

Excellent hotel, well situated, very good restaurants, very nice staff. Next time we will stay there again.