The Residencial Mariazinha is superbly located in Funchal old town at 155 Rua da Santa Maria, almost opposite the well known O Jango restaurant. Numerous other excellent restaurants are within 100 metres of the Residencial Mariazinha. The Rua da Santa Maria is very narrow. Whilst the hotel has no car parking facilities, on-street parking nearby seemed possible in March, but probably difficult in busier months. There is a large multi-storey car park about 300 metres away. Sometimes the part of the street containing the Residencial Mariazinha is blocked to motor vehicles. A taxi rank is within 100 metres of the hotel. It is also an easy walk to the cable car and main bus stop areas. The airport bus stops near the market, which is at the western end of Rua da Santa Maria.

The Residencial Mariazinha is very well appointed, offering 9 rooms and one suite. Polished (non-slip) wooden floors are much in evidence, with tasteful furniture. We had the 3-room suite on the top floor, consisting of lounge, bedroom and bathroom (with jacuzzi), very well and comfortably furnished. There are no lifts.There was a small balcony with partial view of the sea. Telephone and cable TV are provided. We saw some of the other rooms, which were large and furnished to a high standard, with en-suite bathrooms, but no balconies. Plenty of hot water was available at all times. Quiet air conditioning was fitted, with remote controls (and they worked!). None of the rooms had refrigerators, and no self-catering facilities were provided (not even a kettle for coffee etc).

The breakfast room was pleasant, with the option of breakfasting outside on the adjacent terrace. Space was tight on some of the tables. The breakfast (included in the price) was good (fruit juice, cereals, fresh fruit, ham, cheese, tomato, excellent bread rolls, toast, jam, tea, coffee). The only flaw was the low-quality of the fruit juice.

The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. However, the reception desk was not always manned. You are provided with a key to the main hotel door to let yourself in when the reception was closed.

In short, all-in-all, quite the best hotel in Funchal. We will be going again.