Riu Madeira

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3581 reviews

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  nice winter sun break

  Have visited this hotel on previous occasions, the last one we said we wouldn't return as just before the Easter holidays there were too many children running around, so we figured that being the middle of January it would be quieter ! This is not the type of holiday destination for children, there is nothing for them to do, there were however still some families there. We really just wanted a nice relaxing break and some sun which is what we had, I think we were lucky as the weather can be quite variable in Madeira. Many of the staff are still there as our previous visits, especially Monica and Jonny in the restaurant. We did a couple of trips to Funchal on the free bus, I'm not a fan of Funchal but wanted to go out on a dolphin boat, this we did but out for three hours we didn't see anything. The food is pretty much standard Riu fare there is always something to eat, I avoid the cocktails they are awful but cava is plentiful ! The evening entertainment is not very good and the layout of chairs in the theatre isn't very relaxing, hard dining room type chairs and hardly any tables. We enjoyed our winter break but it took a couple of days to warm up once we got home. The hotel is not far from the airport, we had a taxi to avoid queues ( 20 euro inc tip ), the airport is very busy and there are not enough places to sit.

  Feb 09, 2026
• 

  Very pleasant stay

  Very nice hotel tidy and clean rooms were very good as quite large.Vwry helpful and friendly staff. No waiter service in bar areas except for glass collecting you do expect waiter service in a 4 star hotel .You had to que at the bar.Cocktails not the best very watery. Entertainment quite poor but maybe because winter season. A little way from town not walkable but great courtesy bus to funchal and a quick journey from airport.

  Feb 08, 2026
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  I would certainly recommend a stay at the Hotel Madeira

  This was the third time we have stayed in a RIU Hotel and again it did not disappoint! The hotel was extremely clean and all the staff very friendly, helpful and efficient. All meals in the main restaurant were very varied and delicious. The bars and lounges were comfortable. I would highly recommend a stay at the RIU Madeira.

  Feb 07, 2026
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  Another amazing trip to Madeira

  This is our third time at the Riu Madeira - it never disappoints! We had a junior suite between the three of us - lovely big room with direct sea views, and not overlooked at all. The staff at the Riu, including the reception staff, cleaning staff, bar staff, catering staff and pool side staff are all lovely, and so helpful! The hotel is kept spotlessly clean and is well maintained. There are three pools, all heated, one of which is inside - that is great early in the morning. The drinks on offer are great - some which you can self serve, which we like. The evening entertainment is very mediocre - it's the same entertainers doing the same sets every time we go. The food is great, and the dining room very well managed.

  Feb 04, 2026
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  Fantastic choice of hotel for a relaxing stay

  Just coming to the end of a week here with a friend. We were looking for a stress free, relaxing week which we have had. I agree with most of the positive comments and have very few negatives. The food was excellent, although you learn that the choice of desserts gets less as the evening progresses! The choice, quality and variety were greater than my expectations and as mentioned before, the service in the dining room was first class and friendly. Unfortunately, although efficient, I found the bar staff less welcoming. They have a tough job I’m sure, but service with a smile is always welcomed! The rooms are spacious and we had a great view from our 6th floor full sea view balcony, which we paid extra for. The sun only comes on it for one half of the day but there are plenty of places to sit outside. Being January, the weather was quite windy at times and not safe to go on the rocky beach in front of the hotel but as I’m not a fan of the sea, not a problem; we managed to swim in the pool a couple of times as warm enough. We used the shuttle bus twice but would advise booking a taxi back as the return times are not conducive to a half day visit. We didn’t go to the evening entertainment apart from once but we didn’t particularly enjoy it. I would have liked to have seen a greater selection of lighter dumbbells in the gym as it’s a well equipped gym otherwise. However, all in all, I’d thoroughly recommend this hotel. Yes, it’s outside Funchal but much quieter and therefore more relaxing in my opinion. Organised tours pick up from the hotel so not an issue. As an added bonus very close to the airport without hearing any planes! Thank you, RIU, you have recharged my batteries!

  Feb 01, 2026