Reid's Palace
Old-world British colonial grandeur. Mahogany-panelled hallways, high ceilings, and formal afternoon tea coexist with heated outdoor pools and a Michelin-starred kitchen. Think elegant rather than trendy.
Book the afternoon tea terrace directly — it's open to non-guests too and often sells out. Smart casual dress required; no flip flops or hiking gear.
Why It Matters
One of Portugal's most storied hotels, with over 130 years of continuous operation. The Michelin-starred William Restaurant, legendary afternoon tea on the terrace, and direct Atlantic access via tidal pool make it genuinely distinctive rather than just another luxury brand play.
Founded in 1891 by Scottish entrepreneur William Reid, this pastel-pink clifftop landmark stands in 10 acres of subtropical gardens above Funchal, with the Atlantic stretching out below on all sides. Churchill came here to paint and write his memoirs. The hotel has been the reference point for luxury in Madeira ever since, and Belmond — which took over from Orient-Express — has kept the grande dame spirit firmly intact. It's not a beach hotel; it's a clifftop resort with pools, a tidal ocean platform, and some of the best dining on the island.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Atlantica Suite
Designed around the views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Atlantic on multiple sides — you genuinely feel like you're floating above the ocean. Coastal interiors are lighter and more contemporary than the Churchill suite. Also connectable to a Deluxe Junior Suite for extra bedrooms.
King-size
Deluxe Junior Suites
Found throughout the main building and garden wing, these suites are the step-up that most guests choose. Most have sea views, some have garden views. Each has a private balcony and a separate comfortable living area alongside the marble bathroom with separate shower and tub.
King-size or twin · 43 sqmDeluxe Sea View Rooms
Located in both the Garden Wing and Main Building, these rooms are positioned for unobstructed ocean views — the main reason to step up from a Superior. Same marble bathroom and balcony setup, but the sightlines are noticeably better. A welcome pack of traditional Portuguese pastries is included.
King-size or twin · 31 sqmDeluxe Suites
Divided into two enchanting rooms with magnificent Atlantic views, and many include a pantry — making them ideal for longer stays or those who want to eat in. Top end of the main suite category before crossing into Signature territory.
King-size or twin · 53 sqmFamily Rooms
At 37m2, these are the practical choice for families who don't need a full suite. King-size or twin beds plus a sofa bed, with a patio rather than a balcony. Room comes prepped for children on arrival — kids' toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes provided. Welcome pack included.
King-size or twin + sofa bed · 37 sqm
Superior Rooms
The entry point at Reid's Palace. Decorated in delicate pastel shades, these rooms come with king-size or twin beds, marble bathrooms, and a private balcony or patio. On the compact side at 18–31m2, but the gardens and Atlantic views make up for tight square footage. Each room includes a minibar with complimentary soft drinks, satellite TV, and luxury toiletries.
King-size or twin · 18 sqmSuperior Suites
Beautifully styled with exquisite floral fabrics and warm tones, these suites have a sumptuously appointed seating area that takes comfort up another notch. Marble bathrooms, balcony, and the full suite amenity package.
King-size or twin · 48 sqmWinston Churchill Suite
The most storied room on Madeira. Named after its most famous guest, who came here to paint and restore himself. Hand-painted wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high ceilings give it a proper sense of occasion. Unobstructed ocean views throughout. Can be combined with an adjacent Deluxe Junior Suite to create a two-bedroom configuration.
King-sizeThe Property
Eat & Drink
8 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Work with local dried flower artist Tristoas to create compositions using dried and pressed flowers sourced from Reid's own famous gardens. You take your artwork home as a unique souvenir.
A private outdoor dinner on the panoramic rooftop terrace, featuring plant-based courses highlighting Madeiran island flavours. For up to 20 guests. Book two days in advance via Guest Experience.
Supervised children's programme for kids aged 3–9. Includes scavenger hunts in the tropical gardens, interactive cooking workshops, and games. Runs daily June–October, Tuesday–Saturday November–May (can open on request on other days).
A 5–6 hour immersive Madeiran cooking class with Eugenia ('Grandma Piedade'), who learned from her mother and shares traditional family recipes using local produce. Must be booked at least two days in advance; minimum two guests required.
A guided tour of Reid's famous 10-acre subtropical gardens, covering the hotel's history and the diverse flora — bougainvillaea, orchids, geraniums, cacti, and palms. Complimentary for guests.
A 4x4 jeep takes you up above the clouds to watch sunrise from the 1,818-metre summit of Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third-highest peak. A private butler meets you at the top with fresh pastries and fruit. One of the hotel's signature experiences.
Two clifftop courts surrounded by subtropical gardens, in partnership with LUX Tennis. Equipment is available on a complimentary basis. Private lessons with professional coaches and Kids Clinics also available.
A boat ride to the uninhabited Desertas archipelago, watching for dolphins and whales en route. The islands are rich in caverns, grottos, and rare Mediterranean monk seals — including the hotel's mascot, Zarco.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Multiple meeting rooms available for groups of up to 80 people, with in-house AV equipment.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel and in rooms. Note: some rooms feature wired internet rather than Wi-Fi.
Professional babysitters available on request.
State-of-the-art fitness room equipped with Technogym's EXCITE® range, including cardiovascular, strength, and functional training machines.
Free private parking on site. Valet service included — car is taken on arrival.
Pets welcome for a fee of €35 per day, which includes a pet bed, water bowl, and one exclusive pet meal daily prepared by the chef.
Two heated outdoor pools (one freshwater, one seawater) plus a tidal ocean pool at the base of the cliff with direct Atlantic access.
Lifts and steps descend to platforms at the cliff base, allowing guests to swim directly in the Atlantic Ocean. No sandy beach but the ocean platform is a real draw.
Airport transfers to and from Funchal Airport available. Additional charge applies.
Both dry and wet saunas on site, available to guests.
BUILD YOUR REID'S PALACE, A BELMOND HOTEL, MADEIRA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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