The Savoy Palace is high end and perhaps a bit sterile in places. There are a lot of vast, empty public areas which didn’t entice you to sit down with a drink etc.
On the positive side, the rooftop bar area was a stunning place to sunbathe, swim in the infinity pool and enjoy a drink with amazing views. The pool areas are wonderful with plenty of loungers and luxury towels provided. All of the hotel staff were great, although checking out was a little bit slow due to a sudden influx of new guests - Monday appears to be changeover day for the timesharers. Breakfast was up there with the best we’ve had at any hotel with lovely service on the terrace.
The biggest downside was it was impossible to relax peacefully on our 11th floor superior ocean view balcony. There was a dreadful all day jazz festival close by on the Friday, which went on long into the night. And the Savoy’s sister ‘Next Hotel’ had a lively rooftop bar where the loud music started before sundown and continued until late, even though there appeared to be next to no one there to enjoy it. To a lesser extent, there was the continuous hum of multiple aircon units on nearby buildings. Fortunately the rooms were well soundproofed so the outside noise didn’t leak into the room. We couldn’t make our minds up about Funchal as a destination we liked the city feel and it is a spectacular location albeit it lacks a beachfront feel. We would probably look at a more compact hotel if we do return one day.