We stayed at the Grand after a week at the Carlton with timeshare. The studio apartment was very nice and clean and modern. The view we had could have been better on the 1st floor could not see past the plants on balcony. This spoiled it a bit. The pool area is lovely and very modern and clean. The prices are a bit expensive but it is a five star resort so I guess thats what you would expect. The pool bar closes at 6pm and after that you must go indoors to get a drink, it is not the kind of bar you would sit in before a shower and change. Also they do a happy hour where you get 20% off , I think if they did the traditional 2 for 1 or half price more people would use it. The drinks are very expensive compared to outside the hotel. The location is not too bad near Forum Madeira Shopping centre which is very nice with good choice of shops and eating out. Quite trendy not for older people perhaps. We liked it. The staff were quite impersonal apart form Mike who did the welcome meeting he was full of very useful information and seemed very approachable we found other staff members very arrogant and even rude.

As per title. The water was very cold, and few people used the pool. The staff were very friendly and professional, and the rooms were of larger than average size. Very good buffet for breakfast.

just returned from a weeks break in this hotel and found it was top notch in all departments ,we upgraded on arrival to a suite with a sea view (our original room was more than adequate)and could have not been happier .2 small moans where ,you had to pay 2euros for a parasol by the pool and the prices in the hotel where prohibitivly expensive,so we ate out at the many nearby restaurants.

I booked this hotel as part of a package because i wanted to treat my wife as it was our 25th wedding anniversary and i must admit unless you do 5* or + all the time we were suitably impressed finding everything spot-on.We did not really need any help through the staff but when required they were friendly,courtous and so helpful.Really cannot fault it.Thanx for a great job.I have a happy and appreciative wife whom i love and the hotel did not let me down as i did not inform them of the reason for the trip.