Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club

I am writing this review - a praise, actually - on my homebound journey, already missing our wonderful stay. My son and I both felt very lucky to have found and booked this hotel in spite of some of the mixed reviews. For us the Albatroz was the perfect place to spend our brief autumn vacation. Our plan was to swim in the ocean and enjoy some scenic hikes on Madeira with a room with ocean views as our base. The hotel is very comfortable, meticulously clean and generously spacious: only 20 rooms but with amenities that could serve many more people. In hindsight we understood what some of the reviewers may have complained about: if you look for animated bars and public areas, this is not the place: here it is laid back, peaceful and quiet, you never have to look for a spot at the pool, or in the jacuzzi, booking ahead at the restaurant or even on the tennis court is a mere formality. If you love glitzy modern hotel rooms or even old-world grand style, again, this is not the place: everything at the Albatroz Hotel seems to have been designed and created some 20 years ago with comfort and function in mind and maintained to a very high standard ever since. For us the highlight was the ocean pool - a 73-step hike below the hotel, half hidden from sight by the spectacular cliffs. Breakfasts were another wonderful treat: a wide variety of delicacies to be enjoyed on the terrace with glorious views of the ocean. The staff were courteous and attentive and the location of the hotel unbeatable: along the ocean, with unobstructed views, amidst a beautiful garden and within walking distance of - albeit along a busy, noisy road- Santa Cruz, with its restaurants and a brief and painless shuttle-ride away from the airport - the proximity of which caused no nuisance whatsoever. In summary, one of our best, most relaxing holidays ever. Thank you so much, dear Albatroz-staff. We will be back.