We stayed 9 nights in this apartment. We loved that the Forum shopping mall with a big supermarket is right downstairs from the apartment. It gave us plenty of freedom for meal choice when we didn't feel like going to a restaurant. The kitchen has a big fridge, an oven and enough basic cookware, and it was great to be able to grab some good value seafood from the shop and whip up a nice big dinner, or crisping up a pastel de nata. Having a washing machine is super convenient as clothes get dirty from outdoor activities. We didn't expect we would need an AC in late September, and we were so grateful this apartment has units in both the living room and bedroom. Not every apartment that we considered has them. Designated parking spot in a well-sized garage -- don't know if that's a standard in this neighbourhood but we appreciated it. While we drove our rental car nearly everywhere, we didn't want to bother with parking in Funchal and it was straightforward to take a bus. Just make sure you have cash, and don't rely too much on the timetable.

1. The boiler did not work on the day we arrived and we did not have hot shower. Communicated the issue through WhatsApp, and they sent someone to fix it the next day. Boiler stopped working again on our last night. Extremely irritating. 2. The key for entering the lobby worked in a very peculiar way. The young man who checked us in did not show us how to do it (he gave the most unwelcoming vibe), and any subsequent attempts from An Island Aparts side to help us over WhatsApp was useless. We resorted to entering through the car garage, until we finally worked it out on the third day -- insert the key fully in, pull it back out gradually while trying to turn it, you eventually hit a point somewhere in the middle when the key and lock click. 3. No lighting in the dining area. 4. Earlier reviews of the apartment highlighted hospitality of the private host, and were taken into consideration when choosing our accommodation. Those reviews are outdated and irrelevant under current management.

Comfortable apartment with everything we needed

It wasn't near anything so everywhere we went we had to get a taxi or bus. The old town was over an hours walk away. Camara de lobos we had to get a taxi. There we only 2 bars nearby and they were around 20-25 min walk.

The accommodation and location is perfect - to the center of Funchal you need to walk 50 min but you can also take city bus (about 10 minutes to the center, for 1,95€) from the bus stop close to the apartment. Also the airport bus has their stop just near to the apartment. Right next to the apartment is the Forum Madeira shopping center, where you can find everything. We received a small welcome and goodbye gifts from the host which was additional plus. Mary is a very-very kind, and helpful person, she recommended us restaurants in the area and in Funchal also. She even allowed us to postpone the check-out to a later time. I really recommend this apartment.

NOISY BUILDING SITE OPPOSITE.