Funchal holiday apartment

This was the umpteenth time my wife and I had visited Madeira but the first time we had actualy stayed in Funchal itself. We searched all 1 bedroom properties and being familiar with the location opted for this. The pre booking service was good although we were unsure about paying the whole rental in advance but in the end we had nothing to be concerned about. The property was of a very good standard indeed with all facilities in very good order and very clean.The owner was extremely helpful. The location was good as just below the complex there were three or four excellent restaurants. If you wanted to go into Funchal centre then that was about 30 mins easy paced walk along the trim trail which had numerous other restaurants and bars to chose from en route. A supermarket was just below the complex but along with the restaurants it did not intrude at all on the peaceful balcony that we used for drinks and watching the Paragliders in the evening before we went out.[Spectacular views as well at night..hills all lit up] Don't be too worried about the lack of a pool. If you do not want to brave the sea or lido's then the Funchal Naval Club is happy for you to use it's pool if you are having drinks there which are no more pricey than elsewhere. [Watch out for the evening Bar-b-Q's here...good value.] Also some of the Prestana hotels turn a blind eye if you are using their facilities. [Recommend the Prestana Palms for this..great dive centre there.] Top restaurants for under £18p/h for a 3 course meal and wine would be the pizza/pasta bar just below the apartment and restaurant Londres in Funchal. Londres is very much a local eatery and you will not find better quality Madeiran food, variety or standard of service on the Island. Book or be prepared to wait 10-15 mins for a table. The Pizza bar has a great atmosphere and once again has to be in the top five restaurants we have eaten in over the years on the island. Car hire is a must but shop around. We used this trip Holiday Autos as agents who book through Rode Est just away from the airport. Now Easy Jet are the main flight suppliers their inclusive car hire can also be worth looking at with the bonus here being you pick your car up from the airport. If you want something different then look at the Smart Car hire shop opposite the Prestana Palms. 7 days hire is good value and lots of fun. Good parking at the apartment.