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After 3 months of slow traveling around Madeira, I’d confidently call it one of my favorite places in the world. But despite all the hikes, viewpoints, and local spots I experienced, there was one place I saved for the very end: Reid’s Palace.
It’s not my usual style of stay, and definitely not my usual budget, so the question going in was simple: is Reid’s Palace Madeira worth it for a splurge?
Is Reid’s Palace Madeira Worth It? (Quick Answer)
Yes! Reid’s Palace Madeira is absolutely worth it, but only if you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep. Reid’s Palace Madeira is worth it for travelers looking for a luxury, experience-driven stay in Funchal, but less so for budget or activity-focused trips.
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This is the kind of hotel you book for the experience: oceanfront pools carved into the cliffs, old-world elegance, and the kind of service that makes everything feel effortless. It’s best suited for couples, special occasions, or anyone wanting to end their Madeira trip on a high note. Just to mention, this is not a sponsored post. I paid for this hotel stay myself.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget or planning to spend most of your time out hiking and exploring the island, you’ll get more value staying somewhere simpler.
But if you’re after a memorable, once-in-a-while stay, this is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype and is worth spending a bit more.
Read More: First Time Tips for Visiting Madeira | Best Things to Do in Madeira
My Experience Staying at Reid’s Palace Madeira
I stayed at Reid’s Palace for one night at the very end of my trip to Madeira in December 2025. After three months of exploring the island from hiking, driving the coast, and staying in a mix of places, it felt like the right time to splurge a bit and see what all the hype was about.
From the moment I arrived, it felt different from anywhere else I stayed on the island. The whole place has this timeless, old-world feel to it—not outdated, but classic in a way that’s hard to replicate. Think polished service, quiet confidence, and a setting that immediately makes you slow down a bit.
The property itself is what really stood out. Lush gardens, dramatic ocean views, and multiple terraces that all seem perfectly positioned for sunset. It’s the kind of place where you naturally spend more time at the hotel, not less.
And honestly, that’s what surprised me most. Madeira, for me, is all about getting out into nature but Reid’s Palace is one of the few places where staying in actually feels like the highlight.
By the end of the stay, it was clear: this wasn’t just a luxury hotel—it was an experience, and it completely lived up to expectations.
What Makes Reid’s Palace Madeira One of the Best Luxury Hotels on the Island
There are a lot of nice hotels in Madeira, but Reid’s Palace stands out because it feels genuinely timeless. This isn’t modern, minimalist luxury—it’s classic, old-school elegance that’s been refined over decades. If you’ve ever stayed somewhere that feels a bit too polished or generic, this is the opposite.
The biggest highlight for me was the setting. Reid’s Palace sits on a cliff just outside Funchal, and the views are incredible from almost everywhere on the property. But what really makes it unique are the oceanfront pools built directly into the rock below the hotel. You’ve got full service down there, waves crashing nearby, and it almost feels more Amalfi Coast than Madeira.
Up top, there are multiple pools, gardens, and terraces, all with that same ocean backdrop. It never felt crowded or chaotic—just calm, spacious, and well thought out.
The atmosphere is another big part of the experience. There’s a slightly “old money” vibe to Belmond Reid’s Palace, in the best way. It’s elegant without being uncomfortable, and you don’t feel out of place even if you’re just there for one night like I was.
And then there’s the service. Across the board, it was some of the best I experienced anywhere on the island. Friendly, professional, and always a step ahead without being overbearing. They even gave me a branded sunglasses cloth when they noticed I had water on them. Next level service for sure.
All of that combined is what makes staying at Reid’s Palace Madeira feel different—it’s not just about the room, it’s the overall experience you’re stepping into.
The Rooms (What I Booked + What to Know)
The Room I Stayed In
I booked an ocean view room, and I’d 100% recommend going this route if it fits your budget.
The view overlooked the pool, the ocean, and out toward Funchal, and it honestly made a big difference to the overall experience. Waking up, opening the curtains, and seeing that coastline right in front of you—it’s one of those small things that makes the stay feel worth it.
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Inside, the room matched the rest of the hotel’s style. Classic design, high-quality furnishings, really comfortable bed, and everything felt well maintained rather than outdated. It’s not ultra-modern, but that’s kind of the point—it fits the character of Reid’s Palace perfectly.
Which Rooms Are Worth It?
If you’re deciding between room types at Reid’s Palace Madeira, I’d strongly suggest prioritizing a sea or ocean view.
Garden view rooms are likely still very nice, but the setting is such a big part of what you’re paying for here that it feels like a missed opportunity not to lean into it.
Beyond that, I wouldn’t overthink it too much. This isn’t the kind of hotel where you need to stress about finding a “secret” room category—the overall standard is high across the board.
The main decision really comes down to this: if you’re already considering staying at Reid’s Palace hotel Madeira, it’s worth going a step further to make sure you actually experience the views it’s known for.
Downsides to Consider Before Booking
As much as I enjoyed my stay, Reid’s Palace isn’t perfect—and it’s definitely not for every type of trip.
The most obvious downside is the price. Reid’s Palace prices are among the highest on the island, and at around $600+ per night (depending on the season), it’s a serious splurge. If you’re trying to keep your Madeira trip budget-friendly, this probably isn’t the place.
Location is another thing to think about. While Reid’s Palace Funchal is technically close to the city, it’s not right in the center. You can walk, but it’s a bit of a stretch, especially on the way back uphill. There is a shuttle, but it’s something to factor in depending on how you like to get around.
Food was a bit hit or miss for me as well. The breakfast buffet was great and definitely one of the highlights, but lunch by the pool was just okay—especially compared to how strong the rest of the experience was.
And more broadly, it’s worth remembering that Madeira isn’t really a “luxury resort” destination in the traditional sense. The island is all about nature—hiking, viewpoints, exploring different regions—so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to stay somewhere like Reid’s Palace for your entire trip.
Read More: Best Hikes in Madeira
For me, it worked best as a short, end-of-trip stay rather than a base for exploring the island.
How Much Does Reid’s Palace Cost? (And Is It Worth the Price?)
Prices at Reid’s Palace typically start around $600 USD per night and can go up significantly depending on the season, room type, and availability.
There’s no way around it—it’s expensive, especially compared to most other places on the island.
Check Current Room Rates: Book Reid’s Palace on Expedia | Book Reid’s Palace on Booking.com
But here’s the key thing: you’re not just paying for a room.
You’re paying for the setting, the history, the service, and the overall experience of staying somewhere that genuinely feels special. From the oceanfront pools to the gardens to the atmosphere throughout the property, it’s one of the few hotels in Madeira where spending time at the hotel is actually a highlight of the trip.
For me, that’s what made it worth it. I wouldn’t stay here for a full week, but for a night or two at the end of a trip, it hits a really nice balance between experience and cost. But if you can afford to spend an entire week here, by all means make this your base for your entire trip.
If you go into it expecting just a luxury room, it might feel overpriced. But if you treat it as part of the overall Madeira experience, it starts to make a lot more sense.
Who Should Stay at Reid’s Palace (And Who Shouldn’t)
Reid’s Palace isn’t trying to be everything for everyone and that’s actually part of why it works so well.
It’s a great fit for:
- Couples looking for a romantic or memorable stay
- Special occasions (honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays)
- Luxury travelers who appreciate classic, old-world style
- Anyone wanting to end their Madeira trip on a high note
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys slowing down, having a drink with a view, and actually spending time at the hotel, you’ll probably love staying at Reid’s Palace Madeira.
It’s probably not ideal for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- People who prefer modern, minimalist hotels
- Travelers planning to spend all day out hiking and exploring
Madeira is an island where you’ll likely want to be out seeing different regions, so if your plan is to be constantly on the move, the value of staying here drops pretty quickly.
That’s why, for most people, staying at Reid’s Palace works best as a short, intentional part of the trip rather than the whole thing.
Final Verdict: Is Reid’s Palace Madeira Worth It?
Yes! Reid’s Palace Madeira is absolutely worth it, as long as you go in with the right expectations.
This isn’t just another luxury hotel. It’s a place you stay for the atmosphere, the setting, and the overall experience of slowing down and enjoying Madeira from a different perspective.
For me, it ended up being the perfect way to close out the trip. After weeks of exploring the island, it felt like a reward and one that actually lived up to the hype.
I wouldn’t base my entire Madeira trip here, but for a one or two-night stay, it’s 100% worth the splurge.
If you’re on the fence, this is one of those stays you’ll probably remember long after the trip is over. I know I’m still thinking about those views from my room. If you want other recommendations for where to stay in Madeira, you can check out this guide.
F.A.Q.’s Reid’s Palace Maderia
Is Reid’s Palace Madeira worth it?
Yes, Reid’s Palace Madeira is worth it for travelers looking for a luxury hotel experience rather than just a place to sleep. The oceanfront setting, classic style, service, and pools make it feel special, especially for a one- or two-night splurge.
How much does Reid’s Palace Madeira cost?
Reid’s Palace prices typically start at around $600 USD per night, although rates can vary a lot depending on the season, room type, and availability.
What are the best rooms at Reid’s Palace Madeira?
If your budget allows, an ocean view room is the best choice. The views over the water, pool, and toward Funchal add a lot to the overall experience and make the stay feel more memorable.
Is Reid’s Palace in Funchal a good location?
Reid’s Palace Funchal is in an upscale area just outside the city center. It’s convenient enough for visiting Funchal, but it works best as a relaxing luxury stay rather than a super-central base.
How long should you stay at Reid’s Palace Madeira?
For most travelers, one or two nights is enough to enjoy the experience. It works especially well at the end of a Madeira trip rather than as a base for the entire stay.
