Madeira's Hidden Gem: Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel: My Madeira Meltdown (in a Good Way!) – A Review for the Real Travellers
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Madeira and I'm still sorting through the sheer gorgeousness of it all. And right in the thick of that gorgeousness? The Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds – here's the real deal, the warts and all, the good, the… well, let’s call it "character-building" aspects of my stay. And spoiler alert: Overall, I'd book it again in a heart beat!
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Ups, the Downs, the Elevator that Almost Defeated Me
Landing at Funchal airport, Madeira just smacks you in the face with its lush beauty. And the Dorisol Estrelicia? It's perfectly positioned to take advantage of this. Before I dive in, let's talk accessibility. I'm not mobility-impaired myself, but I always appreciate a hotel thinking about everyone. The Dorisol tries – and they're clearly putting in effort. There's an elevator, which is essential, because there are levels to this place, and let me tell you, navigating it feels a bit like a treasure hunt. (I may or may not have ended up on the wrong floor… more than once. Pro-tip: Read the signs – unlike me). They mention having facilities for disabled guests. I saw ramps and accessible rooms, which is great. But navigating the grounds, with their charming, winding paths, might be trickier for some.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Germaphobe Heart Sings (Mostly)
Okay, let's be honest: I'm a bit of a clean freak. Especially since, you know, gestures vaguely at the world. The Dorisol gets a huge gold star for this. They're serious about cleanliness and safety. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – all the buzzwords I crave! I even saw staff trained in safety protocol. It's the little things that make you feel safe, like the abundance of hand sanitizer everywhere. They had hot water linen and laundry washing and professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt secure, which is half the battle, right? (Though I may have wiped down my doorknob anyway. Old habits die hard, you know?)
The Room: My Sanctuary (and Occasionally My Panic Room)
Now, the rooms themselves were… well, they were comfortable. I had a room with a window that opens, which is a must for me (fresh air, people!). There was air conditioning, thank heavens, because Madeira can get balmy. I also appreciated the blackout curtains for those precious lie-ins. They had all the usual suspects: desk, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe box. It wasn't a super-modern, minimalist design, just… a decent, clean room. The refrigerator was a lifesaver for stashing snacks (and maybe a sneaky bottle of local wine!).
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Here's where things get interesting. Restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar! I was ready to EAT. Breakfast was included, and it was a pretty standard buffet in restaurant. There were Western breakfast options, and variations of Asian breakfast. I'm a sucker for a good omelet station (and they had one!).
The "Hiccup": I did, however, experience a slightly awkward moment. I’m a vegetarian, and on one evening, I ended up with a plate of something, I’m not even sure what it was. The alternative meal arrangement wasn't quite what I'd hoped. (But hey, that's travel, right? Sometimes you get delicious, sometimes you get…an unexpected adventure for your tastebuds.) The saving grace was the salad in restaurant!
Ways to Relax: Pools, Spas & Pure Bliss – And Potential Confusion
Okay, this is where the Dorisol really shines. The swimming pool (outdoor) with a pool with view? Spectacular! I spent hours just floating, gazing at the mountains, the gorgeous scenery. They have a spa with various treatments. The fitness center, gym/fitness, and sauna are there, if you're into that kind of torture (kidding! …mostly). They also have a Steamroom.
I did, however, encounter a teensy bit of confusion navigating the spa. It wasn’t always super clear when things were open. I'm a pretty laid-back person, but a little bit of clearer signage wouldn’t hurt!
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (and the Funicular to Funchal!)
Madeira is LOADED with things to do. Hiking, exploring the capital, Funchal, just driving around… it's a paradise. The Dorisol, being in a great location, gives you access to it all. Its on a perfect spot for that.
Service & Convenience: The Good, The Slightly Less Good
The staff were generally lovely. The concierge was helpful, and the front desk [24-hour] was always there if you needed them. The daily housekeeping was efficient. There was luggage storage, which was a lifesaver on my last day.
The Hiccup: I would suggest that they improve the Contactless check-in/out because it didn’t work as well as I hoped.
What About Internet? – My Love-Hate Relationship
The most amazing thing is – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The internet access – wireless was generally fine (once you figured out the password, which… took me a minute. Seriously, I'm not tech-savvy). I could usually get a decent signal.
The Hiccup: Then, on the last day, the Wi-Fi just… died. Total radio silence. And I needed to catch up on some work. Thankfully, the Internet access – LAN existed as a backup.
For the Kids: Yay or Nay? – I'm Still Not Sure
I didn't travel with kids, but the Dorisol seemed… okay. They had babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal. It's definitely a family/child friendly option.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The Dorisol makes getting around easy. They offer airport transfer (definitely recommend it!), car park [free of charge]. They’ve got a taxi service available.
The Final Verdict (with Added Emotional Flair!)
Look, the Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel is not perfect. There were a few hiccups – the slightly wonky Wi-Fi, the occasional culinary surprise, the slightly confusing spa signage. But you know what? That's what made it feel… real. It wasn't some sterile, cookie-cutter experience. It had character. It had charm. And honestly? I loved it.
The Dorisol is ideal for:
- People who value a good location: Close to the action but offering a peaceful retreat.
- Budget-conscious travelers: Offering great value for the price..
- Those who appreciate a focus on cleanliness and safety: You'll feel safe and secure here.
- Anyone wanting a relaxing, beautiful getaway: The pools, the views, the overall atmosphere are simply gorgeous.
My Score: 8.5/10. Would definitely recommend. Would book it again. And, if I'm honest, I'm already dreaming of going back!
BOOK YOUR UNFORGETTABLE MADEIRA ESCAPE AT THE DORISOL ESTRELICIA HOTEL!
Tired of the same old travel experiences? Crave stunning scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and a touch of authentic charm? Look no further than the Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel in Madeira!
Here's Why You SHOULD Book Now:
- Unbeatable Location: Perfect base for exploring Funchal & the island – access everything Madeira has to offer!
- Picture-Perfect Poolside Bliss: Swim in our gorgeous pool with breathtaking views.
- Safety First, Always: We're committed to your well-being with rigorous cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (mostly!), upload those stunning photos, and share your Madeira adventures!
- Delicious Dining: From breakfast buffets to a la carte dining, fuel your adventures.
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Spa treatments and wellness facilities to unwind and recharge.
- Fantastic Value: Get more out of your holiday without breaking the bank!
- Perfect for Everyone: We cater to families, couples, and solo travelers.
Special Offer!
Book direct via our website or contact us to get exclusive early bird prices!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of Madeira. Book your stay at the Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
**#Madeira #MadeiraHotels
Escape to Paradise: Casa Bormioli, Your Dream Procida Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned brochure itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to capture the utterly bonkers joy and occasional, slightly embarrassing, mishaps that will likely unfold at the Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel in Madeira. Here we go, warts and all:
Madeira Meltdown (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Banana Wine)
Day 1: Arrival. The Existential Dread of Luggage and the Promise of Poncha.
- Morning: Fly from the (hopefully) non-delayed location to Funchal, Madeira. Pray to the travel gods my luggage doesn't get lost. Seriously, I packed like I was heading to the moon. Sunscreen, three different types of mosquito repellent, and a book I swear I'll read this time.
- Afternoon: Land! Breathe in the fresh Atlantic air (hopefully not already polluted by my impending sweat). Taxi to Dorisol Estrelicia. Quick check-in (fingers crossed for a decent view, not the parking lot). Unpack. Or, you know, attempt to unpack after the luggage, which is the size of a small car, finally materializes.
- Anecdote: Last time I traveled, a zipper gave way on my suitcase mid-flight. Chaos. Absolute, glorious chaos. So, this time, double-checked everything. Feeling smug… until I realize I forgot my toothbrush. Goddammit!
- Evening: First official Madeira sunset. Find a scenic spot near the hotel (or, you know, on the balcony - if I HAVE A BALCONY). Drink some Poncha. A LOT of poncha. Embrace the buzz. This is the first step in the plan: getting rid of the city blues in the best way.
- Quirky Observation: Portuguese people seem genuinely happy. Like, permanently. Is it the weather? The food? The poncha? I need answers.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated relief. Finally, vacation! Freedom from emails, deadlines, and the crushing weight of adulting.
Day 2: Funchal Frenzy: Markets, Museums and the Mystery of the Fisherman's Pants
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Attempt to conquer the buffet (I'm a competitive eater, in my own mind).
- Morning to Early Afternoon: Time to conquer Funchal! Wander through the Mercado dos Lavradores (the main market). I hear it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Smell all the exotic fruits. Try something I've never seen before. Buy something crazy (like that, I don't know, fisherman's pants!)
- Rambles: This place is like a painting. The colours, oh sweet god the colours. They are so vibrant they could give a rainbow a run for its money.
- Action: I will take pictures of everything.
- Late Afternoon: Visit a museum. Maybe the CR7 Museum (I am not sure). Or the Madeira Story Centre.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Funchal (research needed, but I'm open to suggestions. Unless it’s a Michelin-starred place…my credit card is already screaming.)
- Opinionated Language: Michelin stars are overrated. Give me a good, honest plate of food, and I'm happy.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried "fine dining," I spent more time worrying about which fork to use than I did actually enjoying the meal. Never again.
Day 3: Levada Walk: Waterfalls, Worrying and the Quest for Perfect Photos
- Morning: Wake up. Hydrate with a LOT of water.
- Morning/Day: Levada walk. Choose a "moderate" one. Emphasis on the "moderate." I am not a mountain goat. Wear appropriate shoes (lesson learned from past hiking disasters). Pack lots of water.
- Emotional Reaction: Oh god, the heights. I am afraid of heights. I will probably spend half the time clinging to the trail, sweating, and questioning my life choices. But the photos will be epic, right? Right?!
- Afternoon: Picnic lunch with a view (if I’m still alive and haven’t slipped off a cliff).
- Imperfection: Expect to get lost. Expect minor scrapes. Expect to swear a lot. Embrace the mess.
- Evening: Dinner at an "honest" restaurant (whatever that means) near the hotel. Early night. I'm going to need it.
Day 4: The Sea, the Sun, and the (Unlikely) Quest to Avoid Sunburn
- Morning: Sleep in. Possibly oversleep.
- Morning/Day: Beach day! (If there is a beach nearby.) Sunbathe. Read a book. (Actually, I'll probably spend the whole time re-reading the same three sentences.)
- Double Down: I AM going to conquer the art of relaxation. I will not check my phone. I will not worry about emails. I will become one with the sun lounger.
- Messier Structure: Okay, let's be real. The sun is my enemy. I will be slathering myself in factor 50. I will probably still get a sunburn. But I will try anyway.
- Afternoon: Explore the town. (Or go shopping).
- Evening: Fado show. (I hope I don’t cry.)
Day 5: Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Madness of the Toboggan Ride
- Morning: Head to Monte. Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Take in the views.
- Quirky Observation: Those tropical gardens look like a place where you could get lost in a good way.
- Afternoon: The toboggan ride down from Monte. Pray I survive. Film everything (for posterity and potential legal ramifications).
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Oh, the fear! The speed! The potential for wiping out spectacularly! This could be the best/worst thing I do on this trip.
- Evening: Celebrate my survival with a celebratory dinner. Or drown my sorrows. I'm flexible.
Day 6: Banana Wine and Departure:
- Morning: Explore the hotel again.
- Morning/Day: Banana Wine. I'm serious.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping (panic buying is my specialty). Pack. Attempt to leave suitcase room for everything I bought.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Toast to Madeira. Toast to surviving.
- Opinionated Language: This place better be amazing.
- Night: Fly home. Reflect on the chaos and the joy. Plan my return!
Day 7: "Back to reality"
- Back to normal life.
- Remember how good the trip was.
This, my friends, is just a rough draft. Expect deviations. Expect meltdowns. Expect me to fall in love with Madeira and never want to leave. This is a trip designed to be lived, not just planned.
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Luxury at Arli Hotel, Punta Ala
Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel: The Unfiltered Truth - FAQ
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You're thinking about Estrelicia? Glorious, potentially terrifying, choice. I've been, I've survived, I'm here to tell the tale. This isn't your sanitized brochure; this is real talk. Let's hack through the jungle of questions, shall we?
Is Estrelicia Really a "Hidden Gem"?
Well, "hidden" in the sense that it's not exactly advertised with the force of a thousand suns… But gem? That depends on how you define “gem.” If you're expecting polished marble and Michelin-starred dining? Look elsewhere. If you want a genuinely lovely, slightly eccentric, experience, with a view that’ll make you weep, then *maybe*. Look, it's more like a slightly tarnished antique, charmingly… off. There were some cobwebs in my room, I'll be honest. But also, a balcony overlooking the Atlantic that nearly *stopped* my heart. So, yeah. Mixed feelings, mostly good, though.
The Reviews Mention the Views...are they *really* that good?
Okay, STOP. Seriously. The views? Prepare to have your breath stolen. The pictures? Don't do it justice. I spent, no joke, a solid hour on my balcony the first day, just…*staring*. The ocean, the cliffs, the sunsets that painted the sky like a mad artist had gone wild with watercolors… I’m getting emotional just thinking about it! I may or may not have cried a little during a particularly spectacular sunset. Don't judge me. It's *that* good. It’s worth the price of admission alone, frankly. Forget the hotel, just rent a room to sit and stare. You won’t regret it. Just, maybe bring tissues.
What's the Food Like? Because I need Food.
Okay, the food? It's… honest. No pretension here. Think hearty, home-style cooking. There's definitely an emphasis on traditional Portuguese fare. The breakfast buffet's a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. Some days, pure joy (the fresh fruit!), other days, let’s just say it’s... functional. The dinner menu was a bit hit-or-miss for me, but I'm a picky eater. I'd definitely recommend venturing out to nearby restaurants – the suggestions from the staff were *gold*. There's a little Portuguese place a short walk away that was AMAZING. So, the food’s not the *star* of the show, but it'll keep you alive and fueled for adventures.
One thing: I befriended a particularly friendly waiter, bless his heart. He would always bring me extra pastel de nata (thank god). I'm sure that bumped my ranking the food-wise, at least some.
What about the Rooms? Are They Modern?
“Modern”? Honey, no. They're… functional. Think more "classic charm" and less "cutting-edge design." My room? Fine. Cleanish, big balcony (again, THE BALCONY), a somewhat dodgy shower with water pressure that could vary from a gentle drizzle to a power wash, depending on the time of day. Embrace the imperfections, people! It's part of the charm! Also, don't expect the latest gadgetry. Did I mention the wi-fi was spotty? Prepare to detach… which is great, actually. I read three books.
Is there a pool? Please tell me there's a pool.
Yes! There is a pool! And it's…pleasant. It's not Olympic-sized, but it's perfectly adequate for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. It has a bar. I sat by the pool, drank a poncha, and watched the sunset. Life doesn’t get much better, frankly. It wasn't overly crowded (bonus!), and it's a great spot to unwind. Just… don’t expect a fancy, Instagram-worthy pool scene. It's chill, relaxed, and exactly what you need.
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Family-Friendly? Because My Kids...
Okay, the vibe. Relaxed. Unpretentious. A bit… old-school. I found it utterly charming. It's definitely not a party hotel. It leans towards the more mature traveler, but it *is* family-friendly, just not in a raucous, kids' club kind of way. They're accommodating and welcoming, though I wouldn't bring, say, ten particularly energetic toddlers. Think well-behaved kids who appreciate a good sunset. If your kids are the "run wild and wreak some havoc" sort, maybe not. If they can appreciate tranquility and a good view? They'll *love* it.
Location, Location, Location! How Easy is it to Get Around?
The location is excellent. It’s a short bus ride or taxi from Funchal. I highly suggest renting a car, though. Madeira is all about exploring, and having your own wheels makes it *so* much easier to discover all the hidden corners of the island. Parking at the hotel was fine. It’s also within walking distance of some restaurants and shops. The bus service is okay, but it's not always the most reliable, especially late in the day. And taxis can add up. Rent a car. Seriously.
Any Downsides I Should Know About? Don't Sugarcoat it!
Okay, the not-so-great parts. The wi-fi. Seriously, it's a pain. Pack a good book and embrace digital detox. The décor is a bit dated. The pool bar can get a little slow at times. And, honestly? Sometimes, the staff seems a bit… overwhelmed. Not rude, just… stretched thin. But honestly, these are minor gripes. The views more than makeup for any shortcomings. One time, the elevator broke down, and I had to walk to the 7th floor, but hey, at least I had a great view. I just can't believe it happened on my first day.
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