“A charming property overlooking the harbour. Rooms are traditional in style with plenty of nods to Churchill, and most with a private balcony overlooking the port below. The rooftop terrace affords stunning views from the excellent restaurant and infinity pool. An authentic feeling, low-key base.”

Hotel review

When you think about large chain hotels, you usually imagine ubiquitous interior design and comfortable, yet formulaic rooms. At Pestana, they have such a large range of hotels in their Madeira portfolio that they have decided to eschew the obvious and ensure that each property sings from its own hymn sheet; and each has very different things to offer.

At the Pestana Churchill Bay, you have a charming traditional property crafted from an old building right on Camara de Lobos’ harbour (where you'll find reception, a bar and lounge) with a wing for the rooms just across the road. The setting is stunning! Here it’s all about celebrating the port’s most famous guest (apparently Winston sat at the front here painting, and there’s a statue outside the hotel to that effect), and there are plenty of references to him throughout the property. Rooms are charming and traditional, most with a wall of individually commissioned wallpaper of one of Churchill’s paintings. The ensuites are compact, but the rainfall showers do what you want them to! Each room (except the entry-level Classic Doubles) has a furnished balcony with port views; there’s nothing nicer than sitting there, watching the boats bobbing on the water, and the world going about its business with a glass of something chilled.

Here, the vibe is most definitely one of relaxation. And where better to do that than on the large roof terrace, where there’s a heated infinity pool and plenty of loungers with umbrellas for some welcome shade. Also up here is the excellent Pier One Grill Terrace restaurant. As well as breakfast, they serve dinner and lunch here with a menu packed with local specialities and flavours. Much of the meat and fish is cooked on the barbecue, and the food is absolutely delicious!

I can't recommend this hotel highly enough. The design might feel a little dated in places, but the welcome is incredibly warm, and the staff are excellent — they are smiley, helpful and very good at their jobs. This is the hotel to book if you want to be within striking distance of Funchal, but prefer a low-key village atmosphere. At Camara de Lobos, there are undoubtedly plenty of tourists, but there are also many locals, lending the place a gentle authenticity.

Recommended for

  • Romantic Break

    • Away from the crowds of Funchal, this is an intimate and characterful choice with stunning views & great food
  • Views

    • All the rooms have balconies with stunning views over the harbour with its bobbing boats and beyond
  • Total relaxation

    • A very chilled base, with comfy rooms, great food and fantastic rooftop pool and sundeck
  • Local exploring

    • A quieter base than central Funchal, but equally good for seeing the rest of island
  • Sights nearby

    • Funchal is 15 minutes to the east, whilst Cabo Girao, Madeira's highest cliff with glass skywalk, is about 10 minutes west
  • Restaurant

    • Pier One Grill Restaurant serves delicious regional dishes that champion the flavours of Madeira
  • Great walks

    • Madeira is renowned for its great walking and there are some routes straight from the door
  • Child friendly

    • The hotel has family rooms which can accommodate two adults and one child
  • Lively area

    • Right in the heart of Camara de Lobos, in front of the bustling harbour
  • Beach nearby

    • There is a large, stony beach about 10 minutes walk away
  • Kayaking

    • There are sea kayaking opportunities from the port
  • Roof terrace

  • Charming

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Intimate

  • Air conditioning

  • Traditional

  • On an island

  • Gym

Facilities

  • Rooms

    57 rooms in this hotel
  • Sauna/Steam

    There is a sauna on the sun deck. Just let reception know if you'd like to use it, so that they can fire it up!
  • Restaurant

    Pier One Grill Restaurant serves delicious regional dishes that champion the flavours of Madeira
  • Child friendly

    The hotel has family rooms which can accommodate two adults and one child
  • Walking distance restaurants

    There are loads of restaurants just steps from the hotel
  • Swimming Pool

    Heated outdoor infinity pool on the rooftop
  • Airport transfer

    Can be arranged
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Massage

  • Outdoor dining

  • Lift

  • Wifi

  • Roof terrace

  • Bar

  • Bath robes

  • Air conditioning

  • Concierge

  • Gym

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Funchal is 15 minutes to the east, whilst Cabo Girao, Madeira's highest cliff with glass skywalk, is about 10 minutes west
  • Great walks

    • Madeira is renowned for its great walking and there are some routes straight from the door
  • Kayaking

    • There are sea kayaking opportunities from the port

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
Guests particularly appreciate the hotel’s unique setting right on the bay, the authentic atmosphere of Câmara de Lobos, the beautiful views and its calm, intimate character.

What is there to do in the area or on site?
At the hotel, guests can enjoy the rooftop pool, sauna and restaurant overlooking the bay. In the surrounding area, they can discover the charm of Câmara de Lobos, stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the local bars and restaurants, and easily explore Funchal and other parts of Madeira.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
We offer a buffet breakfast with a good variety and beautiful bay views.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Yes — the hotel has its own restaurant, Pier One Grill Terrace, serving lunch and dinner with beautiful views over the bay. For those wishing to dine out, Câmara de Lobos offers a selection of traditional Madeiran restaurants, many of them set around the picturesque harbour.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Our bay-view rooms are especially popular, particularly the Deluxe Bay View and family options, thanks to their panoramic outlook and unique sense of place.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
Some family room categories are available, and extra beds or cots may also be provided in selected room types, subject to availability

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
If you want an authentic Madeira stay in one of the island’s most characterful fishing villages, with wonderful views and a relaxed atmosphere, Pestana Churchill Bay is a very special choice.

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