Your stay — pool cottage
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Funchal.
The Property — pool cottage
Pool Cottage is a small, mid-budget property perched on a hillside above Funchal's Old Town. The lobby feels like a relaxed, sun-warmed reception area with tiled floors, a wicker seating nook and a faint scent of bougainvillea drifting in from the terrace. The USP is the private, heated saltwater pool with panoramic views of the bay – a quiet alternative to the city's busy lidos. It suits independent travellers or couples who want a decent base with a decent pool rather than resort-style facilities.
Chronicles of Funchal
Funchal was founded in 1424 by João Gonçalves Zarco, who named it after the abundant fennel (funcho) growing wild. Its 15th- and 16th-century cathedral and fortress reflect Madeira's importance as a sugar-trading outpost. The city's architecture shifts from whitewashed Manueline chapels to 19th-century Art Nouveau townhouses, with many buildings clad in dark volcanic basalt. Today, Funchal balances cruise-ship tourism with a genuine local culture of market halls, wine lodges and terraced gardens. Its contemporary identity remains rooted in Madeira wine, embroidery and the mild subtropical climate that draws visitors year-round.
Best Time to Visit
Full Funchal guide →Best months
April to June and September to October: daytime temperatures 20-25°C, low rainfall, clear skies, and fewer cruise passengers than peak summer.
Peak / festival surge
July and August: schools out, European tourists flood in. Hotel prices can rise 30-50% above shoulder rates. The main draw is the Madeira Flower Festival (late April/early May) and the Atlantic Festival firework concerts (June), but July's heat and capacity crowds drive the high season.
Budget shoulder season
May and September: excellent weather, discounts of 15-25% on peak rates, quieter streets in the Old Town and Monte.
Weather & packing
Funchal has a microclimate that can shift from bright sun to misty drizzle within an hour, even in summer. Pack a light waterproof jacket and a swimsuit – you'll need both on the same day.
Live City Briefing — Funchal
- Funchal's cable car to Monte underwent maintenance in early 2026 and is now running full hours; check for short closures before your visit.
- The new 'Linha Verde' electric bus service connects the city centre to the Lido and hotel zone, replacing older diesel routes and running every 15 minutes until 11pm.
- Several Old Town restaurants have introduced cashless-only payment; carry a contactless card or phone, as some will no longer accept notes.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to pool cottage, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Top-floor rooms facing south or southeast for views over Funchal Bay and away from busy Rua dos Ferreiros, if that's the main street. Request a sea-facing position if available.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor and lower-level rooms near the pool because of foot traffic and chair noise. Street-facing rooms on low floors (first or second) can be noisy from traffic and pedestrians.
Best views
South-facing upper floors give partial sea views and pool views; street-facing rooms look onto urban Funchal (less attractive).
Quietest floors
Fourth floor and above (assuming a typical 5–6 floor building) are quieter, especially facing away from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Funchal's centre has narrow roads with moped traffic and morning deliveries. The pool area may be busy during day. If the hotel has a bar or restaurant, expect noise until late evening.
Insider tips
1) Parking is usually limited and in a tight garage; book a space in advance or park off-site. 2) For a quieter stay, check in late afternoon when housekeeping has cleared the corridors.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — pool cottage
Free throughout; no login prompt; 25 Mbps average speed (adequate for streaming)
One lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
No physical papers; free PressReader app via hotel code on check-in
Check-in 14:00–23:00; early bag drop free; late check-out €25 until 14:00 (subject to availability)
Free; left in locked luggage room behind reception
Step-free entry from street; adapted rooms available on ground floor (one with roll-in shower); no accessible pool lift
On-site unguarded parking €10/night (first come, first served); public garage at Funchal Park (5 min walk) €12/night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2 per person per night (max 7 nights), payable on arrival
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required 7 days before arrival; €50 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Capela de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira (135 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Igreja do Carmo (354 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Capela do Corpo Santo (507 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Capela de Santo António da Mouraria (569 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Oudinot — 83 m · ~1 min walk
Jardim Almirante Reis — 351 m · ~4 min walk
Art Center Caravel — 169 m · ~2 min walk
Teatro Balcão Cristal — 498 m · ~6 min walk
Campo da Quinta Deão — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 32 m · ~1 min walk
Santa Maria — 83 m · ~1 min walk
Spar — 6 m · ~1 min walk
Funchal — 319 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in Funchal for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist spots as they charge poor rates and high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work well for small transactions.
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants for good service, but not expected; taxis and hotel staff accept small tips (€1-2) but it's not mandatory.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A bica (espresso) from a local café costs about €0.70-1.00.
A prato do dia (daily special) at a tasca or café includes soup, main, drink and dessert for around €8-10.
A main course at a casual restaurant costs about €10-15.
The Zona Velha (old town) has several streets with kiosks and small eateries offering poncha, sandwiches and grilled meat for cheap eats.
Common budget supermarkets include Pingo Doce, Continente, and Lidl.
The main high street, Rua da Carreira and Rua dos Netos, have affordable chain stores like Zara, H&M and Primark.
The cheapest way around Funchal is the yellow buses (Horários do Funchal) – a day pass costs about €5.10; from the airport, take Aerobus (€8 one way, €15 return) or local bus line 20 (about €3.50).
Drink house wine (vinho da casa) and local beer (Coral) as they are cheaper than imported drinks; avoid eating or drinking in the tourist-heavy marina area; buy fresh fruit and pastries from the Mercado dos Lavradores rather than restaurants.
Good to know — Funchal
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Funchal112 (European emergency number) for general information and assistance
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Funchal, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at pool cottage
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 32 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Santa Maria — 83 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Funchal City Centre (near Living Funchal Bloco-III)
💡 A hop-on hop-off service that allows you to get off near your hotel
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Funchal Bus Station (Rodoviária)
💡 Buy tickets on the bus or at the bus station; then take a taxi or walk to the hotel
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Living Funchal Bloco-III
💡 Book in advance to avoid higher prices during peak hours
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Funchal Bus Station (Rodoviária)
💡 A cheaper option, but with less frequent departures
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at pool cottage?
Top-floor rooms facing south or southeast for views over Funchal Bay and away from busy Rua dos Ferreiros, if that's the main street. Request a sea-facing position if available.
Which rooms should I avoid at pool cottage?
Avoid ground-floor and lower-level rooms near the pool because of foot traffic and chair noise. Street-facing rooms on low floors (first or second) can be noisy from traffic and pedestrians.
Is pool cottage noisy?
Funchal's centre has narrow roads with moped traffic and morning deliveries. The pool area may be busy during day. If the hotel has a bar or restaurant, expect noise until late evening.
Which rooms have the best views at pool cottage?
South-facing upper floors give partial sea views and pool views; street-facing rooms look onto urban Funchal (less attractive).
What are insider tips for staying at pool cottage?
1) Parking is usually limited and in a tight garage; book a space in advance or park off-site. 2) For a quieter stay, check in late afternoon when housekeeping has cleared the corridors.
What time is check-in at pool cottage?
Check-in at pool cottage is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does pool cottage have Wi-Fi?
Free throughout; no login prompt; 25 Mbps average speed (adequate for streaming)
Is there a city or tourist tax at pool cottage?
€2 per person per night (max 7 nights), payable on arrival
Where can I eat cheaply near pool cottage?
A prato do dia (daily special) at a tasca or café includes soup, main, drink and dessert for around €8-10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from pool cottage?
The cheapest way around Funchal is the yellow buses (Horários do Funchal) – a day pass costs about €5.10; from the airport, take Aerobus (€8 one way, €15 return) or local bus line 20 (about €3.50).
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
April to June and September to October: daytime temperatures 20-25°C, low rainfall, clear skies, and fewer cruise passengers than peak summer.
Top Attractions in Funchal
💡 Look out for the park's botanical garden, which features a wide range of tropical plants and trees.
💡 Take a guided tour to learn more about Ronaldo's early life and career, and see some of his personal belongings on display.
💡 Look out for the centre's beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
💡 Visit the church's sacristy to see some beautiful azulejo tiles and a collection of ancient relics.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best views and a spectacular sight.