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Summary of reviewsThe Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel is celebrated for its prime location in central São João da Madeira, offering easy access to local attractions and transportation links while ensuring a tranquil and comfortable stay. Guests appreciate its convenience for events and business trips, complemented by ample parking options and the friendly, attentive hotel staff.
The breakfast experience receives mixed feedback. While many guests enjoy the varied and rich selection of fresh bread, pastries and quality items served attentively, others note a lack of variety, repetitive offerings and occasional hygiene concerns. Some also find the breakfast room's condition lacking and the separate cost high for the provided experience.
The dinner offerings at the hotel also receive varied reviews. Positive remarks highlight tasty and well-priced meals with commendable quality and presentation. However, issues such as improperly cooked meals, long waiting times and lack of variety are commonly mentioned, indicating areas needing improvement.
Rooms are generally seen as spacious, clean and comfortable with good bedding and pleasant views. However, many reviews point out the need for renovations, better maintenance and improved lighting and noise insulation.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is largely praised despite specific areas needing more attention and some facilities showing signs of neglect. The hotel’s staff receives high praise for their friendliness, dedication and helpfulness, although some guests note occasional service inconsistencies.
Guests’ WiFi experiences are mixed with some praising its speed and quality, while others report frequent outages and weak signals, especially on certain floors. The gym and pool areas face significant criticisms for their poor condition and limited functionality with many guests finding them unsatisfactory and in need of renovation.
Parking facilities are generally positive, offering both free and paid options, though some areas are noted to be unkempt and occasionally flooded. The hotel is considered family-friendly with suitable accommodations and child-friendly spaces, despite some criticisms of service standards.
Bed comfort is largely appreciated, though a few guests report issues with worn-out mattresses and poor pillow quality. Inconsistent bed types and practicality issues are also mentioned.
Despite the hotel’s four-star status, many guests feel it does not meet this rating due to outdated decor and services falling short of expectations. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment is that with some improvements in maintenance, variety in meal offerings and attention to service details, the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel can enhance its standing as a favorable choice for travelers. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Room Types
Executive SuiteThis ample suite comes with a private bathroom, safe and air conditioning. It has city and garden views.
Its living area includes a sofa and a satellite TV.
Superior Double RoomThis double room comes with a private bathroom, safe and air conditioning. It has city and garden views, as well as a satellite TV.
Standard Twin RoomThis twin room comes with a private bathroom, safe and air conditioning. It has city and garden views, as well as a satellite TV.
About Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel
License: 1494
Guest Reviews
7.2
Good
Location
Located in São João da Madeira, the Golden Tulip Hotel stands out for its prime accessibility and convenience. Guests frequently highlight its central position, providing easy access to both local attractions and essential roadways, making it ideal for visitors exploring the city or the surrounding region. This well-located establishment offers tranquility despite its central location, ensuring guests a quiet stay.
Visitors attending events, such as handball tournaments or those on business trips, find the hotel’s placement particularly advantageous with facilities and workplaces nearby. Besides its strategic location, the hotel boasts ample parking options, direct garage access and proximity to public transportation links.
The hotel staff is often praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, enhancing the overall experience. While some reviews mention noise from nearby roads and pedestrian areas, the general consensus remains positive, appreciating the convenience and comfort provided by the hotel’s setting.
Overall, the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel is noted for its excellent geographical positioning, modern amenities and accommodating staff, making it a favorable choice for both short stays and extended visits.
Breakfast
Reviews of the breakfast at the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel present a mixed picture with an emphasis on both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, numerous guests highlighted that the breakfast was good, very good and even excellent. Descriptions included mentions of a varied and rich selection, as well as commendations for the quality and plentitude of the breakfast items. Fresh bread and pastries, attentive staff and a well-served meal experience were appreciated. Additionally, some enjoyed the hearty and complete nature of the breakfast, citing it as fitting their expectations.
However, there were significant criticisms that cannot be overlooked. Many reviews pointed out a lack of variety, particularly for a hotel of this rating with some highlighting the repetitiveness and poor quality of certain items like fruit, meats and scrambled eggs. Issues such as cold milk, inadequate restocking and hygiene concerns involving cleanliness and fruit flies were also mentioned. The breakfast room's condition was another point of issue with it being described as either too hot or too small to accommodate all guests comfortably. Additionally, the price of the breakfast, separate from the room rate, was deemed high by several guests.
In summary, while many guests found the breakfast to be a positive and pleasant start to their day, there were notable areas for improvement regarding variety, quality and maintenance that need addressing to meet the expectations of all guests.
Dinner
The dinner experience at the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel has garnered mixed reviews. On the positive side, many guests found the food in the restaurant to be tasty, delicious and enjoyable with some highlighting the quality and affordability of the meals. There were also commendations for a varied and well-served breakfast, alongside a good dinner experience. Some diners appreciated the decorated dinner tables and the remarkable quality of the food.
However, there were several criticisms as well. Some guests encountered issues such as steaks being served completely raw, hair found in the sauce and reheated rice and chicken. There were concerns over the long waiting times for meals with some dinners taking up to 1 hour and 45 minutes for one drink and one dish and comments on the poor organization of evening service. Certain reviews mentioned that the food was below par with dishes resembling those from a roadside restaurant rather than a hotel. Additionally, there were instances where the same evening meal was served for a week, leading to a lack of variety.
Overall, while many enjoyed their dining experiences, there are areas in need of improvement, such as food consistency, service speed and variety.
Rooms
The rooms at the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel receive mixed feedback from guests. Positively, many reviewers appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, describing them as comfortable with good room dimensions. The bedding is particularly noted for its comfort and some rooms offer pleasant views of the tree-lined street outside. Guests also commend the friendly staff and the cleanliness of the hotel.
However, several issues are frequently mentioned that could detract from the stay. Many rooms reportedly need renovations with broken outlets, degraded furniture and outdated bathroom fittings being common complaints. The cleanliness of the windows and certain areas like the toilet brush also received negative remarks. Additionally, numerous guests experienced problems with the air conditioning, leading to uncomfortably warm or cold rooms.
Noise is another concern, both from external sources due to poor sound insulation and from housekeeping activities early in the morning. The lighting in the rooms is often described as inadequate, making them feel very dark. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment highlights that with some much-needed maintenance and updates, the hotel rooms could significantly improve and provide a comfortable stay.
Beds
Guests at the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel frequently commented on the overall comfort of the beds, describing them as large, very clean and generally quite comfortable. Many reviews highlighted the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms, emphasizing the quality of the bedding and the pleasant views from some of the beds. The rooms seemed to be well-maintained with very good bedding, making for a restful night’s sleep for most visitors.
However, there were a few negative aspects mentioned. Some guests found the beds to be uncomfortable with issues like worn-out and old headboards, mattresses with unpleasant smells and poor pillow quality. There were also mentions of practicality issues, such as a lack of outlets on one side of the bed and beds made with only a comforter rather than proper sheets.
Inconsistencies with bed types were noted, such as a mixture of double and single beds and instances where two single beds were pushed together to form a double bed, causing discomfort where the beds joined. Despite these issues, the majority of reviews suggest a generally positive experience with the bed comfort at the hotel.
Cleanliness
The Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness with many guests praising various aspects of their stay. Positive feedback highlighted very clean and spacious rooms, comfortable and clean bedding and well-maintained bathroom facilities. Many found the cleanliness impeccable, describing the accommodations as clean organized and modern.
However, several guests pointed out some negative aspects, including reports of poor air quality due to pollution and early morning noise from housekeepers. Some facilities showed signs of neglect with broken lights, stained toilets and malfunctioning equipment such as hair dryers. Reviews also mentioned specific areas needing more attention, such as dirty shower curtains and towels full of lint and tears. The hotel itself appeared degraded to some reviewers with comments about its need for renovation and deeper cleaning.
Despite these issues, the hotel's cleanliness was rated positively overall, contributing to a pleasant stay for many guests. The hotel featured good room cleaning and had clean, spacious rooms, making it a generally acceptable choice for travelers in need of clean and comfortable accommodations.
Staff
The 'Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel' is highlighted by its friendly and helpful staff, frequently described as attentive, dedicated and keen to assist guests. The reception team stands out for their availability and effort to solve problems, enhancing the overall hospitality experience. Cleanliness and hygiene are well-maintained, contributing to a calm and pleasant stay. While the staff's dedication and approachability receive high praise, there are occasional mentions of service inconsistencies, such as the lack of training and occasional cold interactions. Despite these minor setbacks, many guests appreciate the welcoming and polite demeanor of the hotel employees, making the stay enjoyable.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel received mixed feedback from guests. Positive comments highlighted that the internet was good and the WiFi speed was fast. However, there were several issues reported, such as the network frequently going down, weak or non-existent WiFi, particularly on the fourth floor in room 401 and no internet access after 22:00. Additionally, some guests found the WiFi quality poor overall, impacting their stay negatively.
Gym
The gym at the Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel has received mixed feedback from guests. While some visitors appreciated the availability of a nice and complete fitness room, others faced disappointments due to the gym being closed or not operational during their stay. The gym's space and layout were also mentioned with it being described as tiny and facing an angle. Additionally, there were some comments on cleanliness issues in the hallways leading to the gym.
Pool
The Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel presents a challenging pool experience for its guests. Many reviewers consistently highlight the pool area's poor condition, citing issues such as degradation, neglect and the need for significant renovation and maintenance. Additionally, the indoor pool often appears to be either closed or out of service with some commenting on safety hazards like loose and dangerous materials and inadequate lighting. A common theme is the strong bleach odor, indicating cleaning concerns and water temperature issues, particularly with the indoor pool being very cold. These factors collectively result in a pool area that is frequently not operational or suitable for use, leaving guests generally dissatisfied with this aspect of their stay. Despite the presence of both indoor and outdoor pools, the inability to use these facilities reliably is a recurring disappointment.
Parking
The parking situation at Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel is generally positive with several types of parking available to guests. The hotel offers both free and paid parking options, including convenient internal and external parking spaces. Free covered parking is a common highlight and there is a free parking garage on the lower floor that is praised for its excellence. There is on-site parking available and the basement parking is free for all customers.
However, some aspects of the parking could use improvement. The parking area behind and on the back side of the building is noted to be a bit unkempt with narrow access at the hotel entrances and exits. Occasionally, the parking can be flooded and there is limited lighting in the parking lot. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall parking experience is seen as convenient and comfortable with the added benefit of the hotel being not far from the city center.
Family
The Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel receives positive feedback for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for travelers with children. The hotel offers child-friendly spaces near the check-in desk and provides child beds for groups of travelers, although some parents noted they had to share beds with their children. The rooms are designed to be accommodating for families, enhancing the overall experience for those visiting attractions like Perlim. Guests appreciate the hotel's aesthetics, friendly environment and personal attention given to families, despite some comments about service standards not meeting expectations. Overall, it’s a good choice for family travelers.
4 Star
Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel, claiming a four-star status, appears to face significant criticism regarding its upkeep and service levels. Several reviewers pointed out that the decor, both in rooms and common areas, feels outdated and in urgent need of renovation. There is a clear sentiment that the hotel does not live up to its four-star rating with many describing it as more appropriate for a two or three-star establishment.
Breakfast offerings, a key highlight for many travelers, received negative feedback. Guests mentioned the limited breakfast room space and noted that some items, like eggs and coffee, were not served fresh, which falls short of four-star expectations. Additionally, several services that are usually expected in a four-star hotel, such as a functioning pool and spa, have reportedly been unavailable for several years.
Reviewers also stressed the need for better maintenance and attention to detail, noting the noise levels and lack of consideration for guests' comfort. Despite being labeled a four-star hotel, the general consensus is that the price and quality are not aligned, implying an overall disappointing experience for those expecting the standards typically associated with a higher-star rating.
Accessible
The Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel is notable for its accessibility, making it a convenient choice for guests with disabilities. The hotel provides direct access from the garage to the rooms, which, when combined with free parking, simplifies arrivals and departures. Inside, the facility boasts very comfortable rooms enhanced with mobility accessible sensors, ensuring ease of use and comfort. Although a ramp is not mentioned, the hotel compensates with comfortable staircases and effective night lighting, promoting a safe environment. Both internal and external parking options further add to the hotel's accessibility features. Overall, the hotel is well-equipped and accessible, making it easy for all guests to navigate and enjoy their stay.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel has garnered crucial feedback from guests, offering a clear picture of its current state. While some guests appreciated the availability and noise-free environment, frequent comments highlight significant issues. The pool has been noted for its cold water and environment, suggesting an uncomfortable experience for swimmers. Additionally, guests have pointed out that the indoor pool area is often cold and under-lit. There are prevalent concerns about maintenance and the pool being in poor condition, leading to it frequently being closed or unavailable. Temporary closures, sometimes attributed to COVID-19, have also been mentioned. Overall, while there are some positive aspects, the recurring themes of inadequate upkeep and accessibility issues clearly need addressing to enhance guest satisfaction.
Yes, Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel.
No, Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel.
Yes, Golden Tulip São João da Madeira Hotel has a gym.