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Reviews of APARTMENT - 2 balconies overlooking City, Harbour, Gardens & Mountains

APARTMENT - 2 balconies overlooking City, Harbour, Gardens & Mountains
Funchal, Madeira Island

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 88 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
A really great place from which to enjoy Funchal
This is a spacious modern two bedroom apartment which was delightful to call home for my wife, my friend and myself for 8days. The views over the harbour far below were stupendous. Sandy was the friendliest, most knowledgeable host imaginable. She informed us about activities both in and out of Funchal that we otherwise would not have known about. 5 stars go to the host and the accommodation!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jan 2023
Just received your Review and thank you kindly for your comments. Take Care, Sandy.

10/10 Excellent

Barry M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Special 2 weeks
Our host was the key to the success of our holiday in Madeira. She was knowledgeable and helpful. The condos location was excellent for all we wanted to do. The roosters awoke us every morning and the dogs said goodnight. We would come back in a heartbeat and would recommend it to others.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2022
Dear Guests, I would have to travel far and wide to find such lovely people.....It was my pleasure having them and they would always be welcome 'in a Heartbeat'. Thank you dear friends.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Madeira Getaway
Sandy's lovely apartment is perfectly located to access everything Funchal has to offer, while being far enough away to enjoy the countryside. It is spacious, well appointed and fully equipped. And Sandy is a wonderful host offering advice and helpful hints. Taking us to the grocery store upon arrival was especially helpful. I would recommend this property to anyone.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2020
Thank you Ladies, It was my pleasure to have you and you are always most welcome to return. Kind Regards, Sandy.

10/10 Excellent

Linda O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Madeira
This property was superb. It was old fashioned but we loved it as it had that holiday feel. Sandy was an excellent host and provider of tips for buses and places to go. She also took us to the supermarket when we arrived and we were able to stock up on the basics especially 2 huge bottles of water. We can't thank her enough and would highly recommend this property and her.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you both for your kind comments and also for looking after the property as if it were your own. I look forward to seeing you both again in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

What a fabulous gem of a place to stay
We had such a good time in Madeira and Sandy and the apartment played no small part in that. The apartment is so well situated and the view from the balcony is stunning. Sandy was so welcoming and helpful. She was always on hand to help with anything - from shopping on the first day, organising bus passes, booking tours and supplying a cork screw when needed!!!! Thank you for a fabulous 5 days - I can't wait to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Dear Susan and Sue, So pleased you both enjoyed your stay. I must say that you surely got around the Island....both near and far. You still have a few Levadas to walk and it will be my pleasure to have you back in the future. Thank you Ladies for your kind remarks. Sandy.

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

A lovely. private rental. overlooking Funchal and the Cruise Ship harbour, within easy public bus
We had been to Funchal twice, once on a Package holiday. then on a Amazonia cruise. We wanted a holiday that was different, and more satisfying. I had recently recovered from major operation and we both needed somewhere to recuperate. We went to HomeAway, and decided on Sandy Becker's mountainside apartment, because it appeared to tick all of our needs. We soon paid the deposit and confirmed our booking. We confirmed travel by Jet2. Sandy Becker was in email contact from the beginning. She rated our 5* grading from the onset, by nicely explaining on line, the apartment position, arranging a taxi to meet us at the airport, greeting us when we arrived, and then carefully showing us around the property and workings. Later, in her car, Sandy took us to get our GIRO town bus, discounted, tickets, and to a supermarket to buy the immediate things for our settling in. Next day Sandy took us by town bus, us into Funchal to show us the essential landmarks such a bus stops to get to and fro the apartment. We also shopped at the best supermarket, with Sandy showing where familiar items were and at the same time, restaurants where best to dine well, at very sensible cost. We later found this to be good advice, which not only saved us money, but also gave us some excellent meal out occasions. Sandy then walked us through to Old Funchal, sightseeing, towards the Cable Car and the Fort, after confirming we could find our way back to the apartment left us to explore. Our holiday in Funchal was 34 nights. Sunday is a quiet day in the city! However every Sunday invited us to join her in her car to visit places well off the beaten track. We went to the Sunday Market at a village on top of the mountain, visited a historic park, had a thrilling drive back! On the following Sundays we went to two superb Golf Courses, spent a day in Blandys Garden Park, were lucky to actually walked under a rainbow, then found it became a double rainbow. managed to photograph the event! The 29 bus from the stop near the apartment took up to the peaceful, forest Levada walks where we loved to walk most days, and we learned from Sandy other bus options to different Levadas. I came home s much fitter, my wife completely content, after my survival from Boerhaave;s Syndrome Op at Easter. It was all down to the finding this place where we relaxed, ate, walked miles, slept long and lived well. A good choice in finding Sandy Becker's apartment, and meeting Sandy. Thank you!
Stayed 35 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for the Review. I must say that even though you did not rent a car, you certainly managed to see a goodly part of the Island by using the local bus. It is nice to know that your holiday in Madeira helped with your recuperation and it will be my pleasure to have you both back again.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

Property was as shown in the photos.
Sandy was very helpful with suggestions for our stay. Always available for any questions we had. Hot water tank problem was resolved the same day even though it was a national holiday. Easy ten minute acces to Funchal by bus. The only suggestion I would make is that for transatlantic guests a few basic provisions could be available so that a main shopping could be done the next day.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Dear All, Thank you for the kind comments which are greatly appreciated. As 'Transatlantic Guests' it was good to know that you had no difficulty in exploring the Island using the local transport. Should you ever decide on a return visit you would be most welcome.

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Relax in Funchal
Very nice apartment overlooking the harbor and city of Funchal. Great views from the balconies. The apartment comes with all you need. Sandy the owner is a wealth of information for traveling through Madeira and assisted with maps and timetables. We rented a car, but city and regional buses can get you almost everywhere. Driving on the narrow and steep streets can be high adventure, but the highways and secondary main roads are no problem. We used the city bus almost every day to the Funchal Old Town and shopping areas. Our one week stay flew by.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Dear Richard and Gerli, Thank you so much for your Review, which I have just come across. I notice in the short time that you were here you were able to 'pack-in' a considerable amount of touring. Lovely to have had you. Kind Regards, Sandy.

10/10 Excellent

Franky D.

Excellent Apartment. Clean, sunny and a fabulous view.
We are truly happy that we stayed at Sandy's place in Funchal. It is an independent apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies. It is close to the Botanic Gardens and 15 minutes bus ride from downtown. We wanted to be away from the late night noise of the downtown and we were able to enjoy the fabulous views of the harbour from a vantage point of our balconies. We used a combination of city buses, taxis, minibus tours and hiking to cover lavadas, mountains and coastal towns. We went to Potrto Moniz and North West of Madeirato on a minibus tour recommended by Sandy and it turned out to be well organized and great value for money. Sandy had arranged a taxi for our pick up from the airport. She was there to welcome us. She took us to the grocery store in her car which helped us to stock up for the two weeks we stayed in Funchal. Throughout our stay she was available to provide information and guidance. My wife and myself found Pingo Doce, the local supermarket chain a good place to buy necessities and the farmers market on Fridays at the main market in Funchal a great for local fruits and vegetables. I am a writer and I was able to work on Cultivating Happiness, my current book, during our stay there. We are happy to have discovered Madeira as well as Sandy's place. We will be back again. Franky Dias Author of Buddha in Rush Hour and The Taste of Water
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Dear Franky and Family, It was my pleasure having you all. What an interesting family you are. Yes, I was quite surprised how you managed with the local busses travelling all around the Island. You managed so well. Next time you will be able to explore the Levadas, so that will be something to look forward to. Thank you so much for your stay and I hope to meet up with you again in the future. Kind Regards.......Sandy

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

A wonderful apartment and view
First I must say that the owner Sandy is without doubt the most helpful owner of an apartment that we have stayed in, and we have stayed in quite a few! She lives below the apartment and is always on hand but she is not intrusive. Her guidance was most helpful and a trip to the supermarket on arrival most welcome. The apartment is lovely, with two excellent balconies that overlook Funchal including the harbour and being south facing receives sun all day, of which there was plenty despite it only being February. The kitchen is one of the most well equiped that we have had and is of full residential standard unlike many more basic ones. The buses from nearby provide an excellent service to get into the heart of Funchal which is a lovely capital with more of a feel of a large town than city and the whole area that we experienced was wonderfully clean. The fee was not loaded for school half term as many are and is superb value. Why has it taken me until retirement to find this wonderful island? Sandy's apartment is the perfect place to experience it from.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you ALL so much for being my guests. It was an absolute pleasure to have you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further assistance or information about the Island of Madeira. Hopefully, I will see you again on a return visit.

10/10 Excellent

Edgar W., Berlin

Liked: Cleanliness
What a view!
We had a warm welcome from Sandy! From the apartment you have a wonderful view of Funchal, the port and the sea. A bakery and a supermarket is in the near. The apartment is a good start point to make a lot of trips all over the island. We had a wonderful time in Madeira.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erich S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beste Lage in ruhigem Quartier
Sehr geräumige Wohnung mit super Service und grandioser Aussicht. Die Wohnung ist zwar etwas älter eingerichtet, hat aber ihren Scharm. Die Vermieterin ist absolut nett und sehr hilfsbereit. Sie ist uns mit Rat und Tat zur Seite gestanden. Die Strassen in Funchal und auch die Anfahrt zum Haus sind zwar sehr steil aber ein tolles Erlebnis.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2022
Liebe Erich und Familie, Ich danke Ihnen allen für Ihre freundlichen Bemerkungen und auch für all die 'Goodies', die Sie mir hinterlassen haben. Sie werden geschätzt und Sie wissen, dass Sie immer willkommen sein werden, wenn Sie jemals auf die Insel zurückkehren. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Sandi.

8/10 Good

Niels P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Splendid view
Sandy is a perfect host. Very friendly and helpful. Perfect communication. We chose the apartment because it is peacefully located and has great views. The location, a few km from Funchal center, presupposes the use of bus or car. The apartment is cozy and a little old. Especially the kitchen could need a little update, but of course only if you want to cook yourself. Overall, a really good experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Karsten S.

Godt sted, venlig værtinde 😊
Overordnet en fin rummelig lejlighed med skøn udsigt. Bus nedenfor og parkeringsmulighed på lukket vej, men beliggenheden egner sig ikke for gangbesværede. Ville gerne have givet fuldt med stjerner, men renligheden kunne have været en tak højere, og WiFi var kun tilgængeligt i køkkenet. Venligheden fra værtinden fejlede ikke noget, og vi kommer gerne igen.
Stayed 24 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your kind comments. You are always welcome should you decide to return to the Island. Kiiiiiind Regards, Sandy.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara D.

Großzügige Ferienwohnung in einer sehr guten, sonnigen Lage in Funchal. Sehr freundliche Vermieterin
Ich habe zehn wunderschöne Tage im März in dieser sehr großzügig geschnittenen Ferienwohnung verbracht. Sie ist ein idealer Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge mit dem Auto oder mit dem Bus und hat zwei sonnige Balkone mit einem herrlichen Blick über Funchal, den Hafen und das Meer - Sonnenuntergänge inklusive. Man ist in zehn Minuten mit dem Auto im Parkhaus in Funchal und in ein paar Minuten auf der Autobahn um die Insel zu erkunden. Die ruhige Lage ist wirklich ideal. Die Vermieterin Sandy hat mich spontan aufgenommen, als es mit einer anderen Ferienwohnung Probleme gab und ich habe mich direkt sehr wohl gefühlt. Sie ist sehr freundlich ohne aufdringlich zu sein und hat immer einen wertvollen Tipp parat. Vielen Dank Sandy.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you Barbara for your kind remarks. I am glad that I was on hand to help you out of your predicament and pleased that all went well. Your comments relative to directions around the Island will be helpful for other guests. You will always be welcome back.............Sandy.

8/10 Good

Ulrich O.

Gutes Apartment mif fantastischen Blick über Funchal
Gutes Apartment mit fantastischem Blick über Funchal. Das Apartement war sauber und gut ausgestattet. Auch eine Waschmaschine ist vorhanden, die wir gut nutzen konnten. Waschmittel und Spüli muss man allerdings selber mitbringen. Die Vermieterin Sandy Becker ist sehr freundlich und gibt sich sehr viel Mühe mit den Gästen. Sie hat uns z.B. mit dem Auto direkt den Weg zum nächsten Supermarkt gezeigt. Auch Tipps für die Dinge, die man in Funchal und Umgebung unternehmen kann, hat sie uns gerne gegeben. Bei der Nutzung der örtlichen Busse hat sie uns auch sehr geholfen. Dieses Apartment kann man also gut weiterempfehlen.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Lieber Ulrich und Sabine, Es freut mich, dass Sie sich in der Wohnung wohl gefühlt haben und alle Einrichtungen nutzen. Vielleicht kehren Sie in der Zukunft nach Madeira zurück und sind immer willkommen. Vielen Dank für die Nutzung der Wohnung, da sie sehr geschätzt wird. Dear Ulrich and Sabine, So pleased that you were comfortable in the apartment and were able to make use of all the facilities. Maybe, in the future, you will return to Madeira and will always be welcome. Thank you for using the apartment as it is greatly appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Heleen R., The Netherlands

Ruime woning, goede uitvalbasis!
We hebben er twee goede weken gehad. Woning is voorzien van alle gemakken. Met 4 personen is een tweede badkamer heel handig. Uitzicht op beide balkons was heel mooi. Je eigen maaltijden bereiden ging prima. Eigenaresse Sandy was zeer behulpzaam, zonder haar hulp had het ons veel meer tijd gekost om onze weg te vinden in Funchal. Op de eerste dag heeft ze met ons de boodschappen gedaan en ons getracteerd op koffie met Portugese lekkernij. Binnen Funchal hebben we veel met de bus gedaan, buiten Funchal hebben we het gebied verkend met een huurauto. Het rijden met een auto vraagt wel wat inspanningen. Het is een heel mooi eiland, we hebben genoten. Tip: laat Sandy het taxivervoer regelen vanuit luchthaven, goed betaalbaar en een hele goede chauffeur.
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your Review. I am sure it will be helpful to others to know more about the Island, particularly, the use of the local bus. Another interesting aspect was your visit on an excursion to learn more about the Flora and Fauna - Butterflies and Birds indiginous to Madeira. As nature lovers I know you appreciated the Levada Walks and beautiful scenery as well.

10/10 Excellent

Ruth K.

Eine wirklich tolle Wohnung und unglaublich hilfsbereite Vermieterin
Wir waren eine Woche nun zu dritt Gast bei Sandy. Mein Mann und ich und meine Mutter. Leider hatten wir ganz miserables Wetter und mussten so viel Zeit in der Wohnung verbringen. Die Wohnung selbst ist sehr großzügig geschnitten. Den Bereich mit dem "Doppelbett" gaben wir meiner Mutter, weil das Bett nur ca 140 cm breit ist. Mit dem großen Bad mit Wanne bilden die beiden Räume eine eigenen Bereich, wo sie sich auch wunderbar zurückziehen konnte. Das andere Zimmer hat zwei Einzelbetten getrennt durch ein Schränkchen. Man kann sie zusammenschieben, wenn man will. Das kleine Bad hat eine "Powerdusche". Die sollte man wirklich ausprobieren... :) Der Ausblick ist einmalig und man blickt von beiden Schlafräumen und dem Wohnzimmer auf Funchal und den Hafen. Ausstattung: Man vermisst nicht wirklich etwas. Es ist alles vorhanden, was man braucht ! Sandy ist mit uns am Ankunftstag einkaufen gefahren. So bekamen wir die ersten Tipps in Sachen einkaufen in einem sehr guten Supermarkt. Überhaupt ist Sandy ein Schatz und hilft wo sie kann mit Rat und Tat. Internet ist vorhanden, aber nur in der Küche wirklich nutzbar. Da ist ein Tisch mit 2 Stühlen. Ab und an schwankt die Leistung etwas, aber das lag vielleicht auch am miesen Wetter. Aber sonst war es schnell genug für problemloses Arbeiten. Fazit: Sollten wir noch einmal Madeira besuchen, ist das eine sehr gute Adresse!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Dear Guests, Thank you so much for you comments. What a shame that 'The Beast from the East' arrived in Madeira simultaneously! Next time you visit we will order good weather which is what Madeira normally experiences. Kind Regards, Sandy.

10/10 Excellent

johanna h.

Mooi, ruim appartement met prachtig vrij uitzicht over Funchal vanaf de beide balkons.
Madeira is een heel mooi, weelderig begroeid, bergachtig eiland met een vriendelijke bevolking en een heerlijk klimaat. Het was eind oktober rond de 25graden en soms hoger! Het appartement is bergopwaarts gebouwd en vanuit het centrum bereikbaar met 2 lokale buslijnen. Dichtbij is een kabelbaan die boven naar de tropische tuin in Monte leidt en de botanische tuin ligt vlakbij beneden, waar ook een terrasje is plus een souvenirwinkel die buskaarten verkoopt. Het openbaar vervoer met de bussen is prima, niet duurder dan in Nederland en wij hebben bijna alle bezienswaardigheden ermee bereikt. Weliswaar dankzij de uiterst beminnelijke eigenaresse van het appartement, die ons alle info over bussen, tijden en plaatsen kon verstrekken. Zij verwelkomde ons door middel van een "verrassingsuitstapje" met haar eigen auto naar de zuidelijkste punt van het eiland en bracht ons ook nog naar een voordelige supermarkt voor de eerste boodschappen. Een meer dan voortreffelijke klantgerichtheid van een zeer attente dame! Het verblijf bij haar is ons zeer goed bevallen alsook de stad Funchal. Vooral het oude stadsgedeelte is erg gezellig met de haven, winkeltjes en vele restaurantjes met terrasjes, waar het eten en drinken erg lekker en gevarieerd is. En wederom, niet duurder dan bij ons in NL. Kortom, een geweldige plek voor een heerlijke vakantie, maar neem comfortabele schoenen mee, want het is nergens vlak!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you so much Johanna and Guests for your comments. I know that information relative to the local bus service will help other visitors to the Island. Yes, I must congratulate you all navigating all the villages and view sites with the local transport. It was my pleasure to have you and hope to have you back again in the future.