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This hotel is the jewel in the crown of PortoBay Hotels & Resorts. Being located high on a natural promontory ensures genuine tranquility and well-being. Its direct access to the sea, the Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant with its 2 Michelin stars and the gardens with their numerous hidden corners and ancient palm trees complete the picture with a magnificent view over the bay of Funchal. In 2021 the hotel was refurbished, in an extensive renovation that included the rooms, reception, lobby and the 2 Michelin starred Il Gallo d'Oro restaurant.
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Situated in a prime location with breathtaking sea views, The Cliff Bay is celebrated by guests for its tranquil and upscale atmosphere, complete with sophisticated decor and live music, making it a favorite among mature travelers. Its exceptional cleanliness and luxurious amenities, including multiple pools, a spa, and serene gardens, consistently earn rave reviews.
While some travelers believe the rooms could use some updates, the comfort and views are highly regarded. Opinions on value are mixed, with some finding the pricing system confusing and certain services overpriced.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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A very welcoming hotel that operates a very safe covid environment. Our room was spacious well equipped with a lovely bathroom and fabulous sea views from our balcony. This is deservedly a five star hotel but it is not pretentious or aloof but has an air of relaxed quality which is perfect for a holiday. With the covid changes breakfast was still very good if not the usual buffet, Evening meals were excellent value with a changing 4 course menu everyday served at your table. The lovely efficient staff were friendly and thoughtful throughout the hotel. My bank balance went unchallenged as the Galle D'Oro restaurant was not open. The bar, pool bar and the snacks served were all excellent again with lovely welcoming staff. The pools were excellently maintained and finding sun loungers was never a problem . Pool attendants were quick to help with shade or finding you places if needed. Housekeeping was discreet and very efficent with our room amenities always topped up including water and fresh fruit, The welcome sparkling wine on ice was a lovely bonus on arrival. For a 5* hotel food and drinks prices were not outrageous but still a good standard compared to other places we have stayed in. Another excellent Portobay Hotel that I fully recommend and will visit again.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Serviços ao cliente/atendimento at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Oct 27, 2020
Dear Mr. Mikem, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. We are glad to know that you enjoyed our hotel and had a pleasant, comfortable and safe stay. We look forward to seeing you again. Regards, The Cliff Bay Team
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We have been fortunate enough to stay at some of the very best hotels in the UK and abroad. Sometimes we've felt that hotels with great locations by the sea feel they can offer a little less because of where they are. This is not the case with the Cliff Bay. We can honestly say that this is the best hotel we have ever stayed in. The level of focus on every aspect of the hotel, rooms, facilities, food and services is breathtaking which combines with a wonderful location to present a near perfect package. We were upgraded on arrival to a room on floor 10 with a huge balcony and stunning views over Funchal and the bay. There was complementary fruit, water and a bottle of Madeira in the room. Fruit juice and soft drinks from the fridge were also free. It's the first hotel we've stayed at that offered a choice of pillows from the "pillow menu"! Our package also let us take advantage of the breakfast at the Il Gallo D'Oro restaurant. This could be taken inside or out. There was a choice of a buffet, (hot food, pastries, fruit etc) or a la carte. It was all excellent with the range of fruits particularly impressive. We had a bed and breakfast package so didn't eat at the Rose Garden. However we did have meals at the Blue Lagoon (down by the sea), le Cliff Bar and new restaurant Avista. All were excellent and staff were brilliant, happy to make great recommendations on food and wine. We focussed on fresh fish and steaks which were perfectly cooked (and a particular positive mention for scabbard fish which cooked with banana was a revelation!). We also ate at Il Gallo d'Oro one night. This is not a cheap experience but well worth it if you like good food. We have eaten at a number of Michelin starred restaurants and this more than held its own. We did initially find the Menu confusing, so just for clarity, you can choose from a set tasting menu or from an "a la carte" tasting menu, 5-9 courses. This doesn't seem to add up to the number on the menu; this is because the higher number of courses include a "Golden Ball" option which is made up of a few surprises. We had the a la carte 5 course and set 5 course with paired wines and it was very very good. The hotel is big but never feels crowded due to the number of indoor and outdoor sitting areas. The gardens are lovely and include orchids and tropical plants and there is seating by the pool, and down by the sea. Staff are attentive and always on hand to help with anything. Is there anything that could be improved? The only niggle we had was the need to book the free bus to Funchal a day in advance and the fact that the bus doesn't operate in the evening but this is a very minor niggle. You can gather that we were very impressed with the Cliff Bay! It is easy to see why people come each year. What most impressed us though was the sheer attention to every single aspect of the hotel. Well done and highly recommended!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheCliffBayTeam, The Cliff Bay Team at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Mar 12, 2020
Dear Guest, We are very grateful for your feedback and for choosing the PortoBay group. Your words confirm the dedication of the entire team and our desire to continue to satisfy our guests’ needs. We look forward to your next visit! Thank you, The Cliff Bay Team
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Just back from a wonderful week in Madeira at the Cliff Bay. Hotel was by no means full but that is normal at the moment. Very COVID aware from the moment we arrived having to firstly sanitise on entering the lobby and then do a self check in on my mobile phone. Seventh floor room with fantastic sea views was spacious and clean but somewhat dated in style. Nice touch was a sanitiser bottle left in the room. Green carpets on the 7th floor corridor looked shabby . There was a fridge which had nothing in it and remained that way- not very 5 star. Bath robes and slippers and decent toiletries provided. There were 2 bottles of water in room on arrival and these were never replaced. Not very 5 star. Our phone was not working in the room and I reported it to reception on Friday night but nobody came until Monday - not very 5 star. Food — let me start with dinner . It was superb each evening and served on a terrace facing the sea and gardens.service also first class. Changed our half board dinner to lunch at the pool bar on one day .Sadly that was not a good move. My wife had Chicken chow mein which was served with a meagre portion of chicken. I had a Wagyu burger which was served on a bun with a dreadful tasting sauce and the burger itself was no warm than warm and tasteless. It was served with cold chips . Hard to believe we were sat in same hotel that served such wonderful dinner food. Breakfast was served on the terrace with the same fabulous views but was even allowing for the COVID adjustment very disappointing . Everything was arranged to honour COVID measures but it was still lacking in variety and it struggled as a buffet as the food was no more than warm and at times veered towards cold- not very 5 star. Pool area was well kept and sun beds well socially distanced. Forgot to mention masks have to be worn at all times and everybody adhered to that. Bar prices were expensive certainly measured by competitive Madeira prices. Despite the small amount of negatives I have outlined the Cliff Bay is a terrific hotel and we would be delighted to stay again. Just needs a few tweaks as mentioned and an interior designer to make it merit its 5 star rating
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Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Serviços ao cliente/atendimento at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Oct 27, 2020
Dear Guesst, We appreciate your feedback and assure attention to the different points raised on your tripadvisor feedback It would be a pleasure to welcome you on a future visit to Madeira, Warmest regards Stay safe The Cliff Bay Team
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Another Great Cliff Bay Holiday. Following a very safe but eventful arrival at Funchal Airport with Jet2 on the third approach(!!!) our private taxi was waiting to deliver us to the Cliff Bay. After a very smooth check-in we were escorted to our home for the next two weeks. For us, Funchal Harbour view is the best group of rooms to view the daily activity in the harbour. Despite still preferring the friendliness of the hotel, it is obvious that ‘Les Suites’ brings a new dimension to the surroundings. We particularly enjoyed eating in L’Avista restaurant with its professional friendly approach to eating. After a tour with the management guide, it is obvious that the suites have much to offer, but for us there is possibly too much space for two people, however, the decor is very tastefully completed. Gala dinners at Christmas and Hogmanay were brilliantly executed by the friendly staff as always. All members treat the guests as friends but always in a professional manner, oh yes and make sure that you say “hello” to Renata …she is a breath of fresh air!!
Another great holiday and already booked for Christmas 2020.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:We prefer Harbour View, but only gets sun in the morning.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheCliffBayTeam, The Cliff Bay Team at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Jan 14, 2020
Dear Guest, First of all, thank you for choosing our hotel. Your opinion is very important to us - thank you for sharing it. We are very pleased to hear that our hotel and team were able to meet your expectations. We look forward to seeing you again. Regards, The Cliff Bay Team
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We stayed at this hotel 20 years ago and wonder why we haven’t returned sooner. It really is a very comfortable well run hotel . We can’t wait to return again. We stayed for a week here , only wish it had been 10 days. After having a Covid test at the airport we had to isolate in our room until test results arrived . This was no problem as we only had to wait 5.5 hours. Very efficient. Our room was lovely overlooking the sea. We were required to wear masks in all public areas , exception of restaurants and sitting by the pool. We felt very safe as hand sanitisers were available everywhere and temperatures were taken every time you returned to the hotel. We booked half board and meals were in The Rose Garden restaurant, the food was excellent and served by very helpful and polite staff. We had one evening meal in The Avista restaurant adjoining the hotel and overlooking the Atlantic. We were able to sit outside and the view was wonderful. Food superb. I can’t fault this hotel it had everything we were looking for. Most days were spent by the pool overlooking the sea. We always had lunch at The Blue Lagoon restaurant by the pool , the food and service was excellent. Plenty of choice. We really enjoyed the happy hour where most drinks were half price between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. We enjoyed a drink in the bar after our evening meal and the entertainment was excellent. Can’t fault this lovely hotel.
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Date of stay: September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Serviços ao cliente/atendimento at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Oct 8, 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind feedback.. We are delighted to learn that you chose us to welcome you back after 20 years. We are very happy to know that you made the most of your holiday and felt comfortable and in a safe environment. Thank you again for your kind words and we are hoping to welcome you back soon. Kind Regards The Cliff Bay Team
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Every aspect of care and attention was paid to us during our holiday at this truly beautiful 5star hotel. I would definitely recommend booking on a full board basis as lunch was full of specially cooked gourmet dishes from the 2 Michelin star chefs. Rooms were bright and spacious with amazing sea views. All staff from room attendants to Managers were making sure our holiday was memorable. We will definitely go back hopefully next year. The Hotel goes above and beyond to make sure exceptional hygiene standards are in place during this challenging covid pandemic.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Oct 30, 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. We are delighted to read you enjoyed the service and facilities at Cliff Bay, we put the highest priority on ensuring the total satisfaction of our guests. It will be a pleasure to have you around on a future trip to Madeira. Warm Regards The Cliff Bay Team
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Arrived at The Cliff Bay with high expectations. And we weren't disappointed. The team were fantastic 'if you are happy, then we are.' A special shout out to restaurant manager Ana A, who made us feel especially welcome. Rooms are nice, large, if a little generic. Some communal areas were looking a little tired, however we were there after the pandemic and there was work being done. Room cleaning was fine, but missed those little details you'd expect in a 5 star (ie toothpaste still on counter tops, clothes left on chairs). We don't expect (or want) to be picked up after, but it did feel like room service was just make the bed, hoover and replace towels. The hotel has a great position, atop a cliff peninsular which places you between the town and hotel district. There are alot of great restaurants nearby - including the hotel's own Avista which serves stunning food in a stunning setting. A couple watch outs. We paid for a superior room facing the sea, on an upper floor. Because of the design of the hotel this meant our balcony was half the size of others and dark. The front desk allowed us to view available rooms and we actually settled on a side sea view (facing away from Funchal) as this meant you got the sun all day into the evening. Half Board. We pre-booked half board, which qualified you for either an evening dinner (cost 39euro) or a 30euro credit towards lunch (food). We used the credit towards our lunches, however hadn't been warned that we need to be explicit when ordering the bill that we were using the credit. It wasn't a problem, however the front desk team had to go through our meals and credit where appropriate. A word of warning on check in could have avoided any confusion. Recommended.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Side sea view rooms facing away from Funchal have sun all afternoon / evening.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Serviços ao cliente/atendimento at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Jun 29, 2021
Dear Guest, First of all, thank you for your comments. Your opinion is very important to us. We shall carefully analyse the less positive points you mention regarding your stay. It was a pleasure to have you with us and we hope to see you again soon. Best regards, The Cliff Bay Team
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The location and the staff was fantastic, one of the most peaceful and relaxing 2 nights holiday I have had, just wished I could have stayed longer, but was on a budget and always wanted to stay here. The hotel was very covid safe, being a health worker, plenty of hand gel sanitizer around, mask in the room with pocket gel, and a mask supplied. Check in and out was great unfortunately can not remember the lady but was helpful like all the staff. Also had a back massage which was really good at ESPA easy to book with Marisa who was superb and understanding as I had to change my dates, covid safe. Plenty of sunbeds and clean towels available to use. Stayed in a family room as a lovely upgrade with breakfast, views from my balcony was breath taking, just listening to the sea.whilst the sunset rises. In the room Aircon, comfy beds, lots of pillows, tea and coffee in the room, I would defiantly come back and stay again. Breakfast was good considering covid times and freshly cooked omelette was tasty and Pastel De Nata, Portuguese Custard Tarts divine.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Room 303 family room had beautiful views of the sea and Funchal
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Serviços ao cliente/atendimento at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Oct 6, 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful comment! We are very happy to know that you made the most of your holiday and felt comfortable and in a safe environment. We look forward to seeing you again soon, here or at another PortoBay hotel. Kind Regards, The Cliff Bay Team
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We have stayed at The Cliff Bay many times and also its sister hotels in The Algarve and Lisbon. This year we stayed for 10 days staying over New Year. The hotel, as always, is a true delight. The staff at the hotel are exceptionally polite, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. From the cleaning ladies to the Manager all are truly lovely. We stayed in room 721 as at New Year a Funchal Bay view is essential to experience the fireworks at midnight. This year we think they were better than ever. Also we always book a 6th floor or above room so we can take breakfast in the 2☆ Michelin Restaurant. We dined in the Il Gallo d'Oro on New Years Eve as well. Although dining in this restaurant is an extra €100 per person for New Years Eve it is worth giving yourself the treat! The meal lasted the whole evening with wines at every course. There was an excellent duo playing and singing. By the end of the evening we had all the wait staff, maitre d's and cooks and chef all joining in the festivities and dancing. It was a great night. We were lucky with the weather during our 10 days and had temperatures of 25°. We enjoyed à la carte evening meals in the new Avista restaurant at Les Suites at Cliff Bay, another meal in the Il Gallo d'Oro, a meal à la carte in the Rose Garden and a delightful afternoon tea and various meals at Le Cliff Bar. This hotel has to be our favourite 'go to' hotel. A pure delight and it won't be long before we return again. Our sincere thanks to all staff there who ensured we had, yet again, a delightful visit.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheCliffBayTeam, The Cliff Bay Team at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Jan 14, 2020
Good afternoon, Thank you for your positive comments. I will share them with our team. It is always good to see you again. Thank you, The Cliff bay Team
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We stayed at the Cliff Bay for the New Year and had a very good room overlooking the bay, so had a prime location for watching for the fireworks. The staff at the hotel were helpful, pleasant and cheerful, always a good sign, and the rooms and public areas were spotless and well maintained.
The breakfasts were superb, as were the salads for the evening meals (one could easily become a vegetarian due to the choice, quality and display). The disappointing part of the evening meals were the mains with rather boring selections of non-vegetarian food, the exception being fish nights.There was also disappointment for the gala night dinner on New Year's Eve when the food was rather bland and uninspiring despite the tremendous effort and hard work that had been put into it by the hotel staff.
We have stayed in Madiera several times and once before at the Cliff Bay, this being our second time at the hotel. We had a great time at the Cliff Bay and will definitely return in the near future.
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheCliffBayTeam, The Cliff Bay Team at Hotel The Cliff Bay
Responded Jan 14, 2020
Dear Mr Tony Thank you for your feedback. Nothing makes us happier than meeting the expectations of our guests. We have taken note of your suggestions and we will do everything to make your stay even better next time. We hope to enjoy your company soon at a PortoBay hotel. The Cliff Bay Team
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Hi. We didn’t hire a car while we were there but I am sure the concierge would be happy to help. We did see hire car offices on our walk into Funchal too.
There are more places to choose from in the Funchal area.
PRICE RANGE
C$431 - C$649 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the cliff bay - porto bay hotel funchal, cliff bay porto funchal, cliff bay hotel funchal, cliff bay hotel madeira
LOCATION
PortugalMadeira IslandsMadeiraFunchal
NUMBER OF ROOMS
202
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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