Reid’s Palace has been on my hotel wishlist for many years— an elegant clifftop retreat where time slows down, and the Atlantic sparkles endlessly below. Set high above Funchal’s bay on the Portuguese island of Madeira, this legendary hotel has always embodied the kind of old-world glamour that never truly fades. And after finally setting foot through its ivy-framed gates, I can confirm: it’s every bit as magical as I’d hoped.
Reid’s Palace isn’t just a hotel; it’s an institution. Opened in 1891 by Scottish entrepreneur William Reid, it was designed to welcome Europe’s elite in search of winter sun and sea air. Over the decades, it’s hosted an astonishing list of illustrious guests — from Winston Churchill (who famously painted watercolours on the terrace) to George Bernard Shaw (who learned to dance in the hotel ballroom). Even today, the atmosphere feels steeped in that same genteel grandeur: a blend of timeless elegance and subtle luxury that’s become the hotel’s signature.
You can almost sense its history in the details — the wrought-iron balconies overlooking the ocean, the polished marble floors, the hushed corridors lined with photographs of famous visitors. There’s something deeply romantic about staying somewhere that’s seen so many stories unfold.
Rooms with a View (and Then Some)
Each room and suite at Reid’s Palace feels like a love letter to the island itself. The décor strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary — think high ceilings, soft pastels, and French doors opening onto private balconies with sweeping ocean views. Waking up here feels like waking in another era, with the sea breeze drifting through the curtains and the sound of waves echoing from far below.
My personal highlight was sitting on the balcony at sunrise, a pot of strong Portuguese coffee beside me, watching the light dance over the terraced gardens that tumble down towards the cliffs. There’s no better way to start a day in Madeira.
A Taste of Madeira: Bars and Restaurants
Food is a central part of the Reid’s experience, and it’s delivered with a sense of theatre that befits the setting.
- The Michelin Starred William restaurant is the heart of the hotel’s culinary world — a grand space where chandeliers glint above white tablecloths and attentive waiters glide between tables. The menu celebrates local ingredients with refined European flair: fresh seafood, island-grown vegetables, and Madeiran wines that pair perfectly with the coastal view.
- Ristorante Villa Cipriani, perched just below the main building, offers a more relaxed but equally memorable dining experience. Italian-inspired dishes like handmade pasta and grilled fish are served on a terrace so close to the ocean you can almost taste the salt in the air.
- And then there’s the Afternoon Tea — a cherished tradition at Reid’s Palace. Served on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic, it’s an indulgent, old-world ritual of finger sandwiches, warm scones, and delicate pastries. Sitting there, sipping tea from fine china while the sun dips behind the horizon, you can’t help but feel part of something timeless.
For evening drinks, the 1891 Cocktail Bar is pure cinematic charm — all polished wood, soft lighting, and piano melodies that transport you straight back to the 1920s. Whether you order a classic martini or the house “Reid’s Royal,” made with Madeira wine, it’s the kind of place where conversations linger long into the night.
Why Reid’s Palace Will Always Call Me Back
What makes Reid’s Palace so special isn’t just its history or its grandeur — it’s the feeling it gives you. It’s that rare kind of place where everything, from the scent of the gardens to the echo of the waves below, conspires to make you slow down and savour the moment.
For years, I dreamed of visiting Reid’s Palace, picturing it as a faraway slice of paradise. Now, having finally wandered its gardens and dined beneath its starlit terraces, I realise it’s even better than I imagined. Because some places don’t just live up to their legends — they quietly surpass them.