The Hotel Savoy Gardens is a new addition to the Thomson Gold range for summer 2009, and it sailed through the selection process.

It’s in a quiet spot, with Funchal’s old town less than half an hour away. If you don’t fancy the walk, a bus stops outside the hotel fairly regularly. Madeira’s premier bathing spot, the Lido complex, is just a 15-minute walk away, too.

The hotel comes up trumps on the looks front, as well. It was given a total makeover in 2008 so you can expect fresh, contemporary interiors. Think spacious bedrooms dressed in elegant dark-wood furniture, and mod-cons like cable TVs with on-demand video. The public areas are just as impressive, and you’ll find a large collection of artwork on display.

The good looks continue outside. From its hillside setting, the hotel gazes out to sea and is backed by lush banana plantations. In the sub-tropical gardens lies a large pool terrace peppered with sunloungers and parasols. For more in the way of relaxation, visit the wellness suite or head up to the rooftop whirlpool which serves up panoramic views.

As for food, expect plenty in the way of international cuisine. Mornings are given over to buffet breakfasts, while evenings see home-from-home favourites and local dishes take pride of place on the menu. Light snacks are available during the day, too, from the poolside and rooftop bars.

As with all Thomson Gold hotels, you can expect a layer-cake of activities to keep you entertained – everything from guided walks to French boules, wine-tasting sessions to shuffleboard. There are even golf driving nets for you to practice your swing. There’s plenty going on in the evenings, as well, with comedy, live music and glitzy shows topping the bill in the sophisticated Magnolia Lounge.

Location

On a hillside, about 800m down to lido with sea access.
100m to nearest restaurant.
300m to nearest bar.
500m to shops.
800m to nightclub and casino.
1km to resort centre.
20m to bus stop.

Hotel Facilities

2 Single Beds, 24 Hour Reception, Air Conditioning, Air-Conditioning, Balcony, Bar, Beauty Treatments, Boules, Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Service, Cable TV, Card Room, Chess, Darts, Elevator/Lift, Evening Meals, Hair Dryer, Hairdresser, Heated Indoor Pool, Indoor Games, Internet Access, Junior Suites, Lounge Area, Lunch, Massage, Mini-Bar, Mountain View, Putting Green, Restaurant, Safety Deposit Box, Sauna, Sauna, Sea View, Shuffleboard, Skittles, Snack Bar, Snooker & Pool Tables, Sofa Beds, Solarium, Sun Loungers & Parasols Available, Sun Terrace, Table Tennis, Tea & Coffee making facilities, Telephone, Umbrellas, Under Floor Heating, Whirlpool

Room Description

3rd and 4th beds are sofa beds.
nteractive flatscreen cable TV with video on demand.
Telephone.
Tea and coffee facilities.
Minibar
Hairdryer.
Safety deposit box.
Air-conditioning/heating.
Junior suites have a lounge with 2nd TV and 2 balconies.
Suites have a lounge with 2nd flatscreen TV and large balcony with sunloungers.
Mountain view rooms with balcony available at reduction.
High floor rooms and Juliette balcony available at a reduction - all with stunning sea views .
No. of rooms:119.
No. of lifts: 2.