Estalagem do Vale
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Estalagem do Vale
Madeira and Porto Santo › Northern Madeira › São Vicente
Dating back to the 19th century, but subsequently restored and extended, this small hotel offers comfortable accommodation in the centre of the north coast.
- 4-Star Estalagem with 41 rooms
- Bed & Breakfast or Half Board
- Heated swimming pool (covered in winter)
- Car hire included
Situated in the upper part of São Vicente village, with lovely views across the deep, long valley of the same name, this handsome manor house has had a chequered history. Originally built in the 19th century as a country inn offering some of Madeira's earliest visitors a comfortable base away from the main city of Funchal, the house was temporarily converted into a hospital to help deal with the cholera outbreak of 1856. For much of the 20th century it served as a local school, before being sold in 1998 to its current owners, who embarked on a quest to return the former inn to its original vocation.
As well as restoring the old house to its original glory, they built a sympathetic extension, taking the total number of rooms up to 41 - small enough to feel friendly and personal, but large enough to offer a good range of amenities. Guests may choose between superior rooms, situated in the original manor house, and standard rooms in the new extension.
The former have double beds and a distinct old-world charm, whilst the latter are twin-bedded, a little more modern in style, and benefit from having balconies. All are comfortably furnished and attractively decorated, and naturally they all incorporate the customary 4-star comforts such as satellite TV, direct dial telephones, safety deposit boxes, mini-bars, central heating and modern en suite bathrooms.
Leisure facilities include a heated swimming pool, which can be covered during the cooler season and opened up for the summer months, a crazy-golf course, a croquet lawn and bowling green. Indoors, there is a small gym for those who feel the need to exercise, and a sauna and Jacuzzi for those who prefer to relax or soothe tired muscles after long walks in the mountains or along the coast. São Vicente certainly makes an excellent base for walkers, as it is situated in the centre of the rugged north coast, with equally easy access to the south coast and the island's interior via the nearby Encumeada pass or tunnels.
Whether you spend your day out and about exploring, or simply relaxing and enjoying the facilities on site, evenings at the Estalagem are always highly enjoyable. After a delicious meal in the hotel's intimate restaurant, the atmospheric wine cellar beckons with its convivial ambience and delightfully rustic surroundings. Alternatively, you may enjoy a round of cards in the games room, or browse through the library in search of inspiration for the following day's outing.