The Wine Lodges by An Island Apart

Great Stay Overall, Though Bathroom Could Be Improved

Pros: The house was clean, spacious, and had everything we needed a cooker, cooking utensils, cutlery, a dishwasher with tablets, and even dish soap if you prefer to hand‑wash. There was also a fridge‑freezer, washing machine, a small clothesline, and a towel hanger for drying clothes. It is old‑fashioned, or you could say a bit outdated as mentioned in other reviews, but that didn’t bother us at all. The location was perfect — right in the centre, and we could easily walk to the promenade, the old town, and other local attractions. During our stay, the carnival celebrations were happening literally outside the apartment. We had no idea it was on, so being able to enjoy the carnival every night was an unexpected bonus.

Cons: The only issue that bothered me during our 5‑night stay was the bathroom setup. The bathroom itself is quite spacious, but the shower design was inconvenient. The shower area is open on both sides, with the shower screen placed only in the middle. Because of this, it was almost impossible to keep the water flowing directly toward the drain — it would escape from one side or the other and spread across the bathroom floor. As a result, after every shower the entire bathroom floor would get wet, which was frustrating and also felt unsafe. Since we didn’t have a mop, I had to wipe the floor down each time someone showered, using my son’s old T‑shirt to make sure no one slipped. This was the only part of our stay that really annoyed me.I did mention the shower issue to the owner, and they did acknowledge it. I also understood that it’s not something with an easy or quick fix, especially in an older property. Since there was no immediate solution and I didn’t want to spend my holiday chasing it up, I just managed as best as I could. Still, it’s worth mentioning for future guests.

Gorgeous huge apartment over three floors, overlooking public gardens.

Pros: Gorgeous huge apartment over three floors, overlooking lushly vegetated public gardens. The living room alone was larger than most rental properties. We had the top floor apartment with a roof terrace, which was perfect. Nice touch to have a bottle of rose wine and of Madeira waiting for us. Large supermarket (Pingo doce) within 3 minutes walk, plus plenty of restaurants. The weather was just as we hoped for as a mind-winter escape: ca. 19 degrees, sunny and the sea was lovely for a daily swim (nice sheltered cove just by Forte de São Tiago - a 25 minute walk along the sea front).

Cons: The fuse blew if you had both a hob ring and oven on maximum, but this wasn't a huge problem as we weren't making large meals.

Pros: Really good location, in centrum, near park and restaurants

Cons: You have a lot of stairs(4 floors+2 in the apartment) in order to get to the top floor apartment. Not recommended for elderly.

Relaxing Madeira breakwaway!

Pros: The location is excellent and very central and close to the boardwalk and city center but because of the park across from unit it was serene and soothing. Madeira is a beautiful island and very relaxing.

Cons: Could have been a person to meet or at least show a face as all comms were done via whatsapp. TV channels were a bit underprovided for.

Greatfull!!!

Pros: Location is Good. Bed is very comfortable. View is amazing Kitchen was full so we can able what ı want do it Hosting manager is everytime online and they are turn back fastly.

Cons: Electric sometimes can be problem, ı dont understand why

New to Madeira

Pros: We loved the apartment and it was equipped well for our needs.It was a good central location convenient for shopping and great restaurants. The communication was very good with the staff and they were quick to respond when I had a question or a need such as a taxi to the airport which they do offer. Loved the historic nature of the apartment and access to the Blandy Wine facilities.

Cons: The fact that there is no elevator may be a challenge to some to carry large luggage up a few flights but we made out okay. Took us a minute to understand the garbage and recycling room experience.

Pros: Location was excellent right in centre of Funchal. Everything you needed as a home from home, beds were very comfortable. Lovely that you left us some wine as a welcome gift thank you.

Cons: Some of the curtains were not all secured to the hooks on the rails, heater in lounge was very noisy, the one in garden facing bedroom didn't work at all but there was a radiator provided instead. Chair on balcony had a hole in it and only enough for 3 people when there were 4 of us. Just little attentions to details really.

Pros: A place with soul...Perfect climate of Funchal.For People who dont know that older>better i do not recommend.If you prefer sunny aparts like a small flat on polish-warsaw suburbs, that s not the place for you.If want to fully connect with FNC thats definitely your place.Full reccomendation to all urban people.We ll be back for sure.

Fabulous

Pros: great location, lovely apartment...huge. Super bed, freindly and helpful staff.

Excellent value large, beautiful apartment

Pros: Very large, well presented and furnished apartment with everything needed for a family. The kitchen and large dining table were perfect for eating-in. The laundry with washing machine was super handy, with Madeira's warm climate allowing clothing to air dry easily. The location is superb - central, easy 5-10 minute walk to everywhere in old Funchal. A few minutes walk to shopping centre and supermarket.

Cons: The apartment is a little warn, with very creaky floors. Some of the decorative window trimmings have come off.