Pestana Ocean Bay Resort

Good,not perfect

This hotel is in a beautiful location. The sound of the booming ocean made me realise how small and insignificant I am. To the left of the hotel is a wonderful lido used by locals (payable) that is worthy of a visit, and to the right are several lovely beach bars. It was at these beach bars (amongst other places) that we tended to eat. The food was awful, and there didn’t seem to be any consideration of a full meal plan. In addition, there appeared to be the previous evening’s left over vegetables served for breakfast. Most worryingly however was the amount of time food was left standing. It was only like warm ever, and so incredibly unhygienic. The drinks selection was ok, there was entertainment most nights if that’s your thing, the bus to Funchal was prompt (as was the local bus just through the tunnel). I would not stay here again, but I would stay in this area. Being just outside Funchal was ideal. Take some trips, explore the city, ride the cable car, and then watch the sunset.

We visited this hotel as a family of 3, we have an 11 years old son. We were there during halloween and All saints day. I'll write detailed report of our wonderful stay that was much better in all areas than we expected. Arrival: We arrived by a rented car. The road to the hotel is easily found, you pass neighbouring hotel and arrive behind Pestana Ocean Bay where there is a parking place sorounded by a beautiful vegetation-it was so nice to see all the plants that you usually have as indoor plants, such as Dieffenbachia in a natural habitat and as a huge climbing plant. We always were able to get a parking space, which is free and freely accessible. Location: it is situated directly on the beach. The beach itself is a tourist attraction and i must say that this hotel has absolutely THE BEST location in Funchal! Not only you are able to watch sunset and the ocean 24/7, but you also watch it while you eat your meals. Beach: we went for one swim and didnt repeat it and it was really short. I felt unsafe in the water, like the water is going to pull me away from the beach if i went too far. And the water was not as salty as expected. Also the getting in and out of the sea was tricky. We stayed by the pool mostly, where the sunbeds are very comfortable and the sun area is gorgeus-again observing the flowers, such as Bird of paradise, in its natural habitat. We also loved the abundance of sand lizards playing, they were so cute. Room: we loved everything about it. The design is very thought of, the images of tropical birds on the tapestry, pillows, knobs... The wood of the closet gives a tropical feel as well. All was clean, there we beach towels in the cupboard. We didnt use the kitchenette because there was no need. We didnt use airconditioning, because it was never too warm or too cold. We slept deliberately by widow half closed so we could listen to the crashing waves of the ocean. And the first morning, when i stepped on the balcony, it took my breath away- the birth of a new day, the stillness of the air, the colours of rising sun and the waves, magical. Food: I loved all the food! It was as fresh and home cooked as i would do it at home.. For breakfast i took fried eggs, which were very delicious because they fry them in deep oil, I had also delicious porridge with a splash of Nutella. Lunch and dinner always had 2 fish dishes- tuna steaks, panseared fish, seafood pasta etc. One day there were option to make burgers, beef or chicken. You would get patties, buns and all the fillings. My favourite salad was coleslaw, husbands was string beans. And i must especially mention deserts: signature desserts were custards, creams, puddings. All delicious and even i ate a lot of them, they never left my stomach heavy, such a good idea. By the dinner all the wines were bottled. Staff was very good, quick and discreet. Soft drinks from the automat were: pepsi, pepsi zero, apple juice, pineapple juice, multivitamin juice and water. Plus beer. I also liked th

A group of 12 of us spent 5 days at the Ocean Bay for a 60th birthday. Transfer from airport was only 20 mins which was ideal. Hotel is situated overlooking the beach which is beautiful. All rooms face the sea. Rooms very large and clean with plenty of storage. Lifts to all floors. Sadly no Aircon in the hotel other than the premium rooms on the 7th floor. Plenty of beds around the pool and towels supplied. Pools very clean and close to bar and restaurant area. Daily water aerobics which was great fun! I couldn't fault the food, plenty of choice at every meal. All inclusive drinks were plenty, they never scrimped on the alcohol! Staff were amazing! Nothing was to much trouble. A huge thanks to top bar man Mohammed. This gentleman was a total credit to the hotel. Mohammed helped us arrange the birthday meal - table clothes, cutlery etc. He went above and beyond to make our stay extra special. Bus runs from the hotel to Funchal twice a day. Get to the coach pick up point early as it is very popular. We all loved our time at Ocean Bay and look forward to returning again soon .

From check in to check out the staff was so helpful/cheerful & made our holiday special especially the new years eve party we couldn't thank them enough was a memorable night watching the spectacular fireworks organised by the hotel The rooms was budget but had everything that we needed & very clean lovely views of the sea & gardens Used the courtasy bus into Funchal & had lovely walks on the promenade right outside the hotel All in all a brilliant holiday well done to all the staff

Very nice team, very nice people at hotel reception, very nice staff. I forgot something in the room when leaving the hotel : the reception quickly organize the post transfer. Thank you again. Thank you for the good week of holiday in your hotel.