The Cliff Bay - PortoBay

“We arrived at the hotel early in the morning after a long flight from the USA. The reception staff were incredibly kind and helpful (special thanks to Stephanie Cruz). When we arrived, we received a warm welcome. The staff promptly stored our bags and provided us with breakfast vouchers, making everything seamless from the very beginning. Our room (Atlantic Suite) was amazing, with a breathtaking view of the bay. Waking up to that scenery was truly unforgettable. The breakfast buffet offered an excellent selection, especially the freshly prepared egg dishes, fresh fruit, salads, cheeses, and many other delicious options. The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained, with stunning flowers and lush landscaping throughout the property. The pool and sea access areas were immaculate, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available, making it easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings. We had a wonderful stay from start to finish. The exceptional service, beautiful facilities, and attention to detail made our vacation truly memorable. We will certainly be back and highly recommend this hotel.”

“Our second year in a row to The Cliff Bay Hotel and once again we were completely blown away with every aspect of this beautiful hotel. This place is paradise, it gave us both a sense of relaxation that we have not felt since the last time we stayed. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel at home by the absolutely outstanding staff. They are friendly, kind, helpful and nothing is ever too much. The rooms are kept immaculate day and night. The breakfast with every imaginable option while enjoying the most amazing ocean view. A brilliant selection with delicious food and drinks. Its hard to explain what this hotel and Madeira do to the soul. I could not recommend it highly enough. I wish everyone could experience it. Thank you for all of the special touches and for giving us the best holiday of our lives :)”

“Overall rating: Not a 5-star experience The hotel has a great location with beautiful sea views. The pool areas are stunning, the restaurants offer a pleasant atmosphere, and the breakfast was very good. We also enjoyed the live music at the hotel, which added to the experience. Unfortunately, the service was disappointing and far below what I would expect from a 5-star hotel. Valet parking is not available, parking comes at an additional cost, and nobody informed us that parking spaces need to be reserved in advance. Staff did not assist with luggage unless specifically asked. The service at the Cliff Bar was particularly poor. Our waiter appeared inexperienced, spilled Coke on me, cleaned the floor with a napkin, and then offered the same dirty napkin for me to clean my hands. In addition, the Caesar salad was overpriced and not enjoyable, especially considering the high Swiss-level prices charged. The check-in experience was also disappointing due to an unprofessional receptionist and a lack of hospitality. While the property itself is beautiful and the location is excellent, the overall service quality does not justify the 5-star rating or the prices charged. I left feeling that the hotel focuses more on appearance than on delivering the level of service guests should expect.Here’s a polished full review combining everything you wrote: Overall rating: Not a 5-star experience The hotel has a great location with beautiful sea views. The pool areas are stunning, the restaurants offer a pleasant atmosphere, and the breakfast was very good. We also enjoyed the live music at the hotel, which added to the experience. Unfortunately, the service was disappointing and far below what I would expect from a 5-star hotel. Valet parking is not available, parking comes at an additional cost, and nobody informed us that parking spaces need to be reserved in advance. Staff did not assist with luggage unless specifically asked. The service at the Cliff Bar was particularly poor. Our waiter appeared inexperienced, spilled Coke on me, cleaned the floor with a napkin, and then offered the same dirty napkin for me to clean my hands. In addition, the Caesar salad was overpriced and not enjoyable, especially considering the high Swiss-level prices charged. The check-in experience was also disappointing due to an unprofessional receptionist and a lack of hospitality. While the property itself is beautiful and the location is excellent, the overall service quality does not justify the 5-star rating or the prices charged. I left feeling that the hotel focuses more on appearance than on delivering the level of service guests should expect.”

“We had a wonderful stay at The Cliff Bay. While there were a few minor things that felt a bit "classic," the overall experience, especially the service and amenities, was top-tier. ​The Highlights: ​The Facilities: The spa area is incredible. We spent a lot of time enjoying the swimming pools, saunas, and jacuzzis—everything was clean and very relaxing. The gardens are also beautifully maintained and offer a peaceful place to walk with stunning views. ​The Breakfast: Absolutely amazing. The variety and quality of the food were a highlight of our mornings. ​The Staff: The service here is truly special. They went above and beyond by providing a birthday cake for our daughter’s birthday, which was such a thoughtful and personal touch that we really appreciated. ​The Room: ​Comfort: Our room was very spacious, and the beds were large and incredibly comfortable. We had plenty of space to relax. ​The Decor: If there is one downside, it’s that the furniture and carpets felt quite outdated. The room could definitely benefit from a modern refresh, but because it was so clean and comfortable, it didn't ruin our stay. ​Final Verdict: Despite the slightly dated decor in the rooms, the world-class facilities and the warmth of the staff make this a 5-star experience. We would definitely recommend it for a relaxing family getaway!”

“Stunning hotel with lovely staff. We stayed in the Atlantic Suite which was perfect and then upgraded to the Penninsula Suite which had the best views over the ocean and funchal. We had a little kitchen with fridge as well as two bathrooms. Only criticism is the beds should be at least king size rather than two singles pushed together. The grounds were so well looked after. We walked to funchal and really enjoyed it. Fully recommend”