Belmond REID's Palace

Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, remains the gold standard of hospitality. Returning for our fifth consecutive year, this iconic hotel never ceases to impress us with its perfect balance of timeless elegance, continuous innovation, and genuine warmth.

From the moment you arrive, the staff makes you feel as though you have returned home. The level of service is exceptionally professional, yet deeply personal. We must give a special mention to Ivania at Afternoon Tea, who is simply brilliant, and Lucía at breakfast, whose affection and attentive care brighten every single morning. Seeing familiar faces year after year who remember your preferences is what truly sets Belmond apart.

The recent enhancements to the property have brought a fantastic new energy. The upgraded gym is outstanding—exceptionally well-equipped with high-level machinery, making it a joy to maintain a full strength and conditioning routine while taking in the views. Furthermore, the new bar and café area is a masterstroke; it has injected vibrant social life into spaces that were previously quieter, creating an inviting atmosphere to unwind with a drink.

Dining remains a highlight, particularly the relaxed Spa Lunch experience, where ocean-fresh seafood and pristine local produce take center stage. While we always miss the Chef's daily specials at breakfast, the kitchen team's willingness to cater to any bespoke request is a testament to their dedication to excellence.

Reid’s Palace is not just a hotel; it is an unforgettable experience built on heritage, superb detail, and remarkable hospitality. We are already counting down the days until our next return.

This unique old hotel retains its grandeur from times gone by and was one of our ‘go to’ places for cocktails and food on the terrace. Over recent years we have noticed a decline in service and value for money. The menu has been reduced to overpriced, small portion snacks. Another irritation is that smoking is allowed in this eating area which is frequented by families with young children. Not up to standards experienced in previous years.

We booked a deluxe double room which was described as a full sea view and I doubt we got the deluxe double as the view we got was more of the city than the sea plus the pictures for the deluxe rooms on the website had chandeliers, separate showers etc which we didn't get! We probably got the worst room in this category? I think if your name is not white Caucasian you will not get the best of anything no matter how much you pay. The worst part of our stay was booking the jeep tour which was the only sightseeing we wanted to do so thought of spending accordingly and go with what this luxury 5 star hotel was offering. In our research with other Jeep tours we established the prices ranged from €60 to €300 but we decided to pay €400 half a day tour for luxury and comfort. I am not exaggerating but the Jeep that arrived was dirty, old and far from comfort. It was smelling of diesel and had paint scrapped. I couldn't understand how could Reid's hotel get it so wrong? Even ChatGPT suggested that if you are paying €400 expect to be treated in luxury, you may even get champagne! The jeep did not even have an open top which defied the whole purpose. After complaining, the cost was reduced to €270 which I think should go to the young driver who made up for my daughter's tears. We ate at the hotel on all 3 nights, at Cipriani we got great service and a lovely table only to be spoiled by a strand of an eye lash in one of the dishes, luckily it was on the rim of the risotto bowl and not touching the food, we knew it was hair but didn't want to say and asked the waiter to take the bowl away. He came back with a clean bowl and said the chef has apologised and that it was a scratch! On another night we ordered room service and one of the dishes was lamb and mint. The mint had a short strand of hair, thankfully it came separate to the lamb so we didn't have it and didn't complain but it clearly shows that despite us paying €42 each for the dishes in both cases, no one really cares how it goes out. On day 2 of my trip, I noticed the toilet wasn't fully flushing so l told reception and they immediately responded that they will get it checked. No one turned up and the next day the water wouldn't stop flowing after a flush. I saw one of the cleaners outside my room and showed it to her and she then told maintenance. These rooms at this time of the year cost almost €900 per night. This was a quick 4 day break for me after working very long hours as a consultant cardiologist. I chose Belmond Madeira without a thought as I have stayed at Belmond Bali and Taormina and would rate them 9.5/10. Reid's I would give a safe 5/10. I'm beginning to question whether my nationality was welcomed at Belmond Madeira as I had read a review not long ago that a black lady felt she was non existent. I'm Asian and I should have taken note. Some of the staff members are truly amazing and the little presents from housekeeping very sweet but some of the staff need education/training that we don't live in a colonial era anymore! Most of the glorious and wonderful reviews on the hotel are from white nationalities and that’s fair because they truly get the full rounded great service and great facilities!