Valley View Hotel Encumeada

“Lovely hotel geared to hikers”

Big display of local advice and route maps. Despite the wet weather, our balcony itself stayed dry. The rooms are basic, yet the reception and waiting staff offer 5-star service. The room was a little cold, but they have extra blankets—just ask. We also asked for a kettle, which made our stay mor... more

Big display of local advice and route maps. Despite the wet weather, our balcony itself stayed dry. The rooms are basic, yet the reception and waiting staff offer 5-star service. The room was a little cold, but they have extra blankets—just ask. We also asked for a kettle, which made our stay more comfortable. I believe they have 2, so you might need to be lucky. We were glad to have brought our own tea and instant soup. We learned that the WiFi in our room was faster than at home, because we spent more time indoors than we planned, due to the weather. If conditions outside had been different, we’d be raving about this hotel, which is very good at what it is. Other reviews have mentioned wedding parties. We heard them “whoop whooping” a couple of times at around 10pm. Otherwise, we couldn’t hear them from our room, and they were a big group of around 100. Our sleep was not impacted by them, and we were able to get half a hike in, the next morning, with a gushing waterfall, no doubt enhanced by the previous day’s rain. Breakfast had all the usual Madeira delights, but I especially liked the fruit salad, which had chunks of perfectly ripe papaya in it. We had seen it growing all over the island, so it was wonderful to get to have something so juicy and succulent. It was unsurprisingly superior to the quality of the fruit we get in the UK. Vegetarians take note! They accommodated my request, but you must tell reception your situation if you are planning to have dinner in the restaurant. They should relay advance notice to the kitchen. We visited on a Saturday and as mentioned above, there was a wedding happening. We were told that we could have the buffet dinner from 6 – 7:30. The timing suited us, and we think it was the same food that would later be on offer for the wedding (obviously refreshed for them). There was a wide variety of choices for meat eaters. However, having been specifically told that the buffet would be ok for Vegetarians, I was rather miffed that there were no appropriate main courses. The vegetable soup was good and wholesome, warming on a cold wet day, but I didn’t want a salad for dinner, having been told otherwise. I mentioned to the manager that I had asked about Vegetarian options in advance. So you might need to do this too: If it’s a buffet, and there isn’t the food that you have previously requested, Ask. The manager knew all about it and the chef came out to offer me Mango and Chick Pea Curry. This is ordinarily on their A La Carte Menu, but the chef was happy to make it. It was tasty, a generous portion and a meal in itself. Ordinarily, I’m not particularly concerned about what food looks like, but to be given something so beautifully presented felt special. There was also a selection of desserts. In total, our buffet dinner for two people came to 37 Euros without drinks.

less

“Lovely mountain hotel”

I really liked the style of the building with its wooden beams and high ceilings. When I entered the room it was about twice the size than I had expected, so it was really spacious and came not only with a little couch but also with a table seating three people. The small balcony with its table j... more

I really liked the style of the building with its wooden beams and high ceilings. When I entered the room it was about twice the size than I had expected, so it was really spacious and came not only with a little couch but also with a table seating three people. The small balcony with its table just completed the room. I liked the walk-in shower, too. Everything was perfectly clean and in good condition. The food at the restaurant was delicious, I can especially recommend the „espetata regional“ as it was perfectly flavoured with an assortment of spices. Truly the best espetata I had in Madeira! On the second (and last) evening of my stay, the were training young wait staff - those kids did a wonderful job. Overall, the staff was friendly and attentive.

less

“Good accommodations in moutains”

Very kind personell at reception and very kind cookes, good access to the mountains. Rich dinners and breakfasts, a little different every day. Good place for your wedding party too. If you need some help they are there for you!

“Value Mountain View Hotel ”

Beautiful mountain setting and views and some rooms have a balcony. Terrible WiFi reception in the room. Good breakfast buffet. Decor and rooms becoming a bit dated. Value priced. Narrow and steep road to the hotel. Big clean bathroom.