Hotel Residencial Melba (Funchal, Portugal)

Management and staff at this family-run guest house receive lots of compliments from reviewers, who appreciate their friendly demeanour on arrival. With their excellent knowledge of the Funchal area, the reception team receive high praise for assisting guests to book Madeira's most exciting excursions.

Most travellers rate this guesthouse's complimentary breakfast offering, which is described as fresh, plentiful and served by exceptionally good-humoured waiting staff. The fresh bread rolls are a firm favourite for many guests. Cereal, fresh fruit, ham and cheese, hot drinks and juice stave off hunger until lunchtime.

This low-cost accommodation is a hit with guests on a budget, leaving them with a little extra to spend on day trips and dining out. Travelers rarely feel short-changed once bathing by the sunny outdoor pool or enjoying the free breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.

A few guests have reported bad smells from bathroom drains and a handful of guests have expressed annoyance at being left without towels after a housekeeping visit. Many find bathrooms on the small side but reviewers frequently remark on the bountiful supply of hot water and clean showers.

Thin walls between guestrooms have led some travellers to report disturbances from neighbouring rooms and corridors. Guests with street-side balconies had a less restful stay than those with balconies facing the pool, with a handful of complaints about traffic noise and barking dogs in the street.

Though most travellers report exceptionally clean linen on guest room beds, several have griped about hard mattresses and pillows, which prevented some from sleeping well during their stay. A few tall guests found beds on the short side, while others disliked beds creaking when they climbed in.