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A to Z of Hotel and Resort Information

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ANNIVERSARIES:  If celebrating a Wedding Anniversary whilst here, let us know.

ATM MACHINES:  Please be aware that “Euronet” machines charge a fee.

 

 

 

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BABY SITTING:  Call the SPA Reception (Ext 97) hourly charge of €10 to €15.

BEDS:   Extra beds can be arranged, either Z-bed for children up to 12 years old:  €5 per day for one.  €15 per day for two. Full size single bed: €25 per night.

BARS:   We have four bars, Portofino, Oceano, Bar Lido, and Varanda Bar. For information on times, happy hours and entertainment, click here .

BREAKFAST:    Buffet Breakfast in either Atlantida or Alfama Restaurants - 07.30 to 10.30. Price per day is €16 for 1/2 days, 3 days €12, 4+ days €10 4 to 11 years have 50% discount, with prestige discount off of these prices.

BANKS:   Caixa General Deposito – opposite taxi rank (outside Porto Mare) Santander Bank – opposite Hotel Tiles (Gorgulho).

BUSES:   01 & 02 Horarios de Funchal (yellow/orange bus) take you to Funchal City Centre, see timetable for more information. The bus stop is normally outside PM front entrance, however due to road works lasting until the end of June 2021, you need to go to the next stop at the roundabout .  Some 02 Bus into Funchal also pick up at the roundabout outside Residence front entrance, this is listed on the timetable. Cost on bus is €1.95. Pre-paid Giro Cards can be purchased at the ticket offices in Funchal or in Newsagents/Post offices. Look out for “Pay Shop” signs.  Giro card cost 50 cents, each credit is €1.35, min of 2 credits per card. 10 credits cost €12.50. 

Rodoeste Bus – Bus stop normally opposite Porto Mare front entrance, but double check with us due to road works. these buses take you towards the Southwest side of Funchal including Camara de Lobos. Prices depend on route and you pay on the bus.

Sam Buses cover the east side of the island. You will have to go either to their bus station near La Vie, or to the marina.

BOOKS:  There is a great library opposite the elevator in Residence reception, also one in Portofino Bar and one in the corridor to the left of Eden Mar reception..

 

 

 

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CAR HIRE: For more information on car rental please see Clare.

CAR PARK:  Free car parking available in the Residence garage located next to Il Basilico, use your key card to access, park in any available free space.

CHILDREN’S PLAY ROOM:  Located near the Porto Mare indoor pool.         

 

CABLE CARS:  There are a few cable cars available in different parts of the island.  The 2 located in Funchal are:  Funchal to Monte or Monte to Jardim Botânico.

Price for Funchal to Monte (discount with Prestige Card). Adults: €16 return and €11 one way Children (7 to 14yrs): €8 return and €5.50 one way

Price for Monte to Botanical Gardens: Adults: €12.50 return and €8.25 one way Children (7 to 14yrs): €6.40 return and €4.15 one way. Packages which include both Cable cars can be purchased.

CINEMA:  There are 2 Cinemas on the island one is located in the Forum Shopping Center and the other in Madeira Shopping.  All the blockbuster movies are shown with Portuguese subtitles (except Animated films). You get discount at The Forum Cinema with Prestige cards and there are discounts for children, students and over 65 yrs.  

CHEMIST:   Nearest chemist is now located on main Estrada Monumental, past taxi rank just outside Porto Mare front entrance in the row of shops.

CRUISE SHIPS:  Season is from September to June:  Timetable can be found on the Port Website.

CASINO:  Located near to the President’s Residence, open from 15.00 to 04.00 every day.  Over 18 years old and ID maybe required.  Special show nights and Dinner dances take place in the Baia Restaurant on the 5th Floor – for more information see Clare.

CHURCHES:  English Trinity Church – Rua Quebra Costa in Funchal City Centre (Near to La Vie Shopping) Mass on Sunday at 11am with refreshments in garden after. Also, many concerts during the week take place in the English Church from West End Musicals to Jazz, see Clare for tickets.

CATHOLIC CHURCH:  English Mass on Sunday at 10.00 in the Igreja Penha Franca, off Rua Imperitriz behind the Savoy Hotel. Also the Cathedral is open from 08.00 to 11.00 and 16.00 to 18.00. Open also for regular Masses.

BAPTIST CHURCH: Funchal Baptist Church has English Mass on Sunday at 11.00.  

 

 

 

D     

 

DVDs:  In refurbished rooms, DVD players are on request from reception. We have a DVD library in the book library opposite the elevator in Residence reception. 

DOCE LIMA:    Special coffee’s, pancakes and ice creams.  Located next to Alfama Restaurant, outside in the gardens.

DINNER: See Restaurants:  Meal Deal Vouchers available for the Atlántida Restaurant for their special buffet evening: 1 night €32.50, 3 nights €29 or 5 nights+ €28. Additional Prestige card discount off the price.  Children between 4 & 11 years pay half price.  Vouchers can be purchased with the Residence reception.

DENTIST: Located on the 3rd Floor of the Monumental Lido Shopping Centre

 

 

 

 

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EMERGENCIES:  In case of an Emergency please call down to Ext 96.

ENTERTAINMENT:    Licia is the mainstay of the Entertainment/Hotel Guest Relation team.  Each week there is a new weekly program, please get yours from the Residence reception or look at the webpage.

EXCURSIONS:  Discounted trips can be arranged with Clare in the Members/Sales Office. 

EHIC: See GHIC although old EHIC cards are valid until the expiry date.

 

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FEEDBACK:  To help us make improvements we appreciate your feedback.  For the Hotel Operation, you will receive a feedback email,  or ask for one at reception.

FLORIST/FLOWERS:  If you would like to arrange flowers whilst you are on holiday we have a Florist located across the road from the Residence Front Entrance.  It is owned by the lady who arranges all the displays in the VPM Receptions.

Fire Alarms: The Hotel carries out a fire alarm check every Friday at 12.00.

 

 

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GENERAL MANAGER:    André Caldeira is the General Manager for Vila Porto Mare.

GHIC CARD:  It is very important to carry your Global Health Insurance Card (or if you still have a valid EHIC) around with you always.  This card will only give you free medical treatment (if an urgent case) at the Hospital, also show at Chemist as some prescriptions are discounted with this card.

GYM:  Located near to the Porto Mare Indoor Pool.  Free of charge.

GOLF:  There are 2 Golf Courses on the Island:  Palheiro (18 holes) and Santo da Serra (27 holes).  Tee off times can be arranged with the Residence reception, 30% off green fees ask for more details.  Courtesy bus service can also be arranged.

GARDENS:  There are a wide range of fabulous gardens to visit in and around the Funchal area, for more details see Clare for a Garden list.

GLUTEN FREE:  All the Restaurants in the Vila Porto Mare complex will cater for many dietary needs even in the Il Basilico, and if you want an Afternoon Tea in Porto Fino.  Pre-booking are recommended with the Residence reception.

 

 

 

H   

 

HOUSEKEEPING:  The apartments are cleaned daily.  Towels can be changed daily if required.  Bedding is changed 2/3 times a week but can also be changed daily if required.  If you have an issue, need additional pillows, towels etc. please speak to Residence reception.

HAIRDRESSER:  There is a new hairdresser in the Eden Mar Shopping Centre called Ana Vieira.

HOSPITAL:  Funchal “Nelio Mendonça” is the main Hospital on the island, free treatment with the EHIC or GHIC.

 

I     

 

ICE MAKING MACHINE: Located on the Reception level through the grey door the left of the lift.  Take a jug.

 

 

K  

 

KIDS CLUB:  Available during the main school holidays including Easter, Summer, Halloween etc.  See Licia  in VPM Guest Relations for more information.

 

 

 

L    

 

LOCKERS:  Sr Suzano Sousa, the Residence Front Office Manager is responsible for the lockers, please see him for more details on availability.
LAUNDRY ROOM:  Located on the #30 floor near to apartment #3001. Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. You need to get tokens from the Reception and pay directly (by cash).

LIDO:  Cost of the all-day pass are €5 for adults and €1.80 for children from 4 to 17yrs and over 65yrs.  Family passes also available.

 

M  

 

MAINTENANCE:  If you have a maintenance problem in the apartment please inform either the Residence reception straight away.

MEDICAL CENTRES:  The nearest Medical Centre is located in the Monumental Shopping Centre on the 3rd Floor.  Opens: Mon to Fri: 10.00 to 18.00. English speaking Dr available.  Also, Nurse on duty from 10.00 to 12.00 & 16.00 to 18.00.

MUSEUMS:  A great variety of Museums in the City Centre, for more information on opening times etc please click here.

MUSIC:  From the beginning of September to end of June is the time for Concerts, held in the City Theatre, Congress Centre, English Church, Reid’s Hotel and many other locations in the City Centre.  See the News of the week for what’s on during your stay.

MILK: Full Fat (Gordo) – green carton.  Semi Skimmed (Meio Gordo) – blue carton Skimmed (Magro) – pink carton.UHT Milk comes in different coloured cartons depending on which brand you are using so look for the Portuguese words on the cartons.


MOSQUITOS:   Mosquitos come and go during the year, however, if you are prone to being bitten you can purchase Mosquito repellent from Pingo Doce or the local Chemist. 

MARKETS: Mercado das Lavradores located in the Old Town (Flower/Fruit Market) open monday to friday all day and Saturday until 13.00, closed Sunday and Bank Holidays. The Craft Markets can be found in the Old Town and generally are every day.

 

 

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NEWSPAPERS:  Next door to the Porto Mare you have the Kiosk who sell British Newspapers after 4pm, or you can see a copy of some of the UK Newspapers at the Court Café located next to the Atlántida Restaurant.

 

 

O   

 

OPTICIANS:   Forum Shopping Center located on the ground floor.

 

 

P   

 

PROMENADE WALK:  From the Residence to Camara de Lobos, the Promenade walk is a must to do and it takes approximately 1 and a half hours.  Follow the Promenade always keeping the sea to your left.  Once you arrive at the restaurant Doca dos Cavacos you will see the Natural Pools, follow steps down past the restaurant and you will come to the tunnel entrance*.  Keep following all the way to the end of the beach (past 2 hotels on right).  Go along the road area following round until you can get back down to sea level and from here you just follow the walkway until you reach Camara de Lobos.

 

* When the tunnel is closed, instead keep following the road which goes up and round, past Golden Residence, back to the main road and along. After the roundabout with the Fallen Angel you will see a sign saying steps to the left. Follow that and you end up down by the beach.

POOLS:  There are 4 main pools located on the complex, 2 outdoor & 2 indoor plus a small outdoor childrens pool. See here for information.

PIGEONS:  Pigeons can be a real pest and to deter them the Hotel have contracted a company who bring along birds of prey each day, we ask you NOT to feed the pigeons.

PRESTIGE CARD:  For all our Members Gold Prestige Cards if you need a new card please see Clare. 

PRESTIGE PARTNERS:  See the list of Porto Bay Partners.

 

 

Q   

 

QUEUES:   If you are going to the Supermarket cheese, meat, bakery or fish counters you will need to collect a numbered ticket from the side of the counter, otherwise you will be stood there all day!

 

 

R   

 

RESTAURANTS : See the restaurants section of the Porto Bay website for up to date details.

 

RESERVATIONS:  The PortoBay Reservations Department for all the Portugal group hotels are located in the VPM complex.  They will be able to assist with prices to book extra night directly if you would like to contact them via email their address is: reservations@portobay.pt

ROOM SERVICE: You can access the room service menu on this page.

 

 

S    

 

SPA:  Contact the Spa (#97) to book treatments (10% discount with Gold Card), or to book tennis, Aqua gym, Pilates or Yoga classes. Also equipment for other sports available here. Sauna and Steam Rooms are available and are free to Gold Card holders.

 

SUPERMARKETS: Pingo Doce: the nearest is 2 mins walk towards the Lido.  Open from 08.30 to 22.00 every day. SPAR:  Opens from 08.30 to 21.00 everyday, located near Goya Restaurant.


SHOPPING CENTERS:  There are a number of small Shopping Centers including, locally, the Eden Mar Shopping and Monumental Shopping.

The Forum Is approximately 10 minutes’ walk or 5 minutes on the local bus.  Offers a variety of shops including C&A, H&M. ZARA and ZARA home, Black Cat, Ponta Roma, Sport Zone etc. Also has a large Pingo Doce Supermarket and Food Court (McDonalds etc) Open from 10.00 to 22.00 every day.

La Vie is in the Center of Funchal near to large round a bout at the bottom of the Santa Catarina Gardens.  Offers a variety of shops including, Massimo Dutti, Woman Secret, Worten, Sport Zone etc. Food Court (Burger King etc) Open from 10.00 to 22.00 every day.

Madeira Shopping is located on the outskirts of Funchal. No 8 or 8A buses go from town. A taxi will cost approximately €10 .  Open from 10.00 to 22.00.  Like the Forum it offers a wide range of shops including FNAC, iStore, plus large Continente Supermarket, Cinema and Food Court.  Free car parking.

 

 

T    

 

TIPPING:  In restaurants, 10% is normal but not expected.  For maid service, it's best to give directly to the maid, however you can hand into reception in an envelope with the maid's name on it.

 

TAXIS:  Reception can call you a taxi at any time of day, or there is a rank if you go outside the Porto Mare and turn right. By law they have to use their meters. After 18.00, weekends, and Bank Holiday’s they will add an additional 20% charge on to their bill.  There are also charges for larger amount of passengers. If you ever experience a problem with a taxi driver you can ask him for a receipt including all his details and taxi number, and then a complaint can be made at the Tourist Office.

TOURIST OFFICE:  Main Tourist Office is located in Funchal City Centre next door to Blandy Wine Lodge. They have an excellent website.

 

 

U   

 

UMBRELLAS:  Will hopefully not be needed on your holiday!

 

W    

 

WI-FI: Free in all areas using PortobayGuestFree. Password is portobay. In a lot of restaurants and cafes there is free wifi.

WINE: Most wines sold in the Supermarkets are Portuguese wines from different regions including Alentejo, Dao, Douro, Tejo, Lisbon, Algarve etc. If you want any recommendations, ask us! Madeira Wine is a fortified wine which normally comes in four varieties :  Sercial (Dry), Verdelho (Medium Dry), Boal (Medium Sweet) and Malmsey (Sweet) price depends on the age.

WINE LODGES:  There are a few in Funchal City Centre including the famous Blandy’s, who have guided tours each day except Sunday. In their shop you receive discount with the Prestige card and they also offer a free delivery service to the Airport Duty Free area if you want to take some home. 

WAKE UP CALLS: Can be arranged with the Residence reception.

WATER -  tap water is generally safe to drink although it is advisable to drink bottled water.  Gold card holders are provided with 1 bottle of water per day.

WATERPARK:   Located near the Village of Santa Cruz open from end of June to beginning of October. See Clare for more information.

 

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XMAS VOUCHER:  Do not forget to bring your PortoBay Christmas Voucher when you next come over, for Member’s it is valid all year.  Each year the Group offer you something different and you only get the gift for the Group hotel you are staying in. So, if you are going to stay in one of our Hotels in Lisbon during the same year don’t forget to take it with you!

 

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ZEBRA CROSSINGS:  Be careful when you are crossing as not all locals will stop at them!

      

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