We have just returned from a wonderful 2 weeks in Funchal staying in this apartment. Miguel is a great host, he arranged a taxi transfer to meet us at the arrivals gate in the airport, and then he personally met us at the doors to the apartment building. He showed us right through the apartment, explaining how everything worked and how to operate all the appliances and the hot water system. Everything was spotlessly clean, and all you could need for a self-catering holiday was there. The bedroom and main living areas both have air conditioning and ceiling fans if you don't want to use the A/C. Miguel informed us where everything is in and around the building. The Apartment is on the 4th floor of the Marina Shopping Mall, with a bakery, an Italian Restaurant and a car rental company immediately underneath. Miguel took us down to the basement and showed us where the dedicated parking spot for the apartment is, and how to operate the entrance/exit gates. Altogether, he spent over an hour explaining everything to us.
The apartment could not be better situated. From the large wrap-around balcony you have a perfect view looking down to the main harbour boulevard, overlooking the harbour, the marina, the cruise liner terminal, all the way down to the CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum and Hotel. It is directly opposite a rank of bus stops, for the local buses and also the two main open-top sightseeing buses - the red and yellow lines.
There are two lifts in the building. The main entrance on the ground floor opens onto the famous Avenida Arriaga, where almost any important events in Funchal take place. There are many shops and restaurants along this street, one side near the apartment is a long taxi rank. Just opposite the apartment there is another bakery with delicious breads and pastries, and about 150 mtrs up a little side road is the large 'La Vie' Shopping Mall, with the Pingo Doce supermarket in the basement.
Although the apartment spans two busy streets, the sound proofing in the apartment is excellent. With all 4 patio doors securely closed we could not hear a thing from outside.
All in all, we could not think of a better place to stay in Madeira, and we hope to be back there soon.
Alan