Spent week at this rather dull if clean and tidy resort. Staff tried hard except the night porter who was positively rude! Five star maybe for Madeira but don't expect five star British service and exclusivity. Turned over mainly to fractional ownership with the result that most stay in rooms to eat, drink, etc. Accordingly, public areas bereft of any atmosphere and conviviality. Equivalent to good three star or average four star but very much five star prices. Money much better spent at Reid's.

Beautiful resort and hotel had everything you could wish for! my 1 year old had a great time as rooms were so spacious so he could run around lots.
Lovely spa area but gym is very small. obly about 4 exercise bikes and not much else
Hubby used sauna and said it was great but i never went so cant comment
Very lush and close by to everything
The playground was small but had everything in it to entertain a young child for hour or so

Just back from this hotel having spent xmas week there, and wanted to 'throw my oar in'; Yes, its a lttle flabby in terms of decor (especially the dark hallways), and I'm sure it has seen better days, but I can't remember the last time I stayed in a hotel where staff were so professional, polite and 'old school'. Most of the staff have obviously an attachment to the place, in particular the men (of a certain age) serving breakfast are worth staying in the hotel for alone, for the fascinating lesson as observed in the genteel and genial manners displayed, where the guest is everything.The food though perfectly adequate, is secondary, this is the most incredible place to watch effortlesly courteous service at it's very best. Staying at The Savoy reminded me of how much service is sorely lacking in just so many other hotels.
We were one of the youngest couples staying there (by a considerable 20/30 years!), but still enjoyed it throughly. You can avail of all of the sister (considerably more modern) hotels' facilities a mere footbridge away, and between the leisure facilities, spa, libraries etc.
Maybe not the place for partying if you are up for that kind of night, but a perfect place to act as a base for exploring Funchal (brill location between hotel zone and proper city) and beyond......

My husband and I traded a Marriott one room week for a studio at the Royal Savoy. I was a little hesitant after reading some of the reviews, especially since we were coming all the way from the US and the cost of airfare and the dollar exchange was higher than costs for those who typically visit Madeira. Even with the long trip, the hotel was lovely, the people terrific, the exchange was advantageos (we got the better end of the bargain as to size and amentities). and there was no pressure to buy a week. The hotel is very large but extremely well situated with every room having a large balcony over looking the pools and the ocean. The smaller suites (that we had)have a separated bed and living areas, lots of closet and drawer space with a very well done kitchen area. The housekeeping staff comes daily. Better than we have with the Marriott resort in Florida. We loved Madeira. The island is beautifal. We didn't eat at the hotel. We thought the restaurants in the hotel zone catered particulaly to that crowd and prefered the restuarants in the old town. I do suggest you rent a car and see the other parts of the island. The roads are fine and easy to drive. The typography is beautiful and ever changing.
We are looking forward to our second trip next year.