by Ethel Smith

Created on: March 11, 2009   Last Updated: March 12, 2009

Background

We travelled to the island of Madeira in September 2006 , never having visited before. Apparently the average age of visitors to the island is 50 plus, so I guess we fitted perfectly. The Oasis Atlantic hotel is not too far from the airport, as the main road is very good. Although The Oasis is classed as in Canico, Canico is actually a village quite a way, away. It is an uphill walk all the way from the Oasis Atlantic Hotel and, although within reach, is not for the faint hearted. The easier option bus is right outside the hotel anyway, so why struggle. There is a bus shelter with a timetable . Fuller timetables an be picked up at the hotel reception.

The Oasis Atlantic Hotel

At first sight the hotel appears to be dwarfed by the Rui Palace next door. On entering though everything looks clean and welcoming. The reception desk is manned 24 hours a day and you can change travellers cheques there. There is the usual 5% charge. Thankfully most staff speak very good English. On arrival reception did keep mine and my husband's passport for 24 hours. This is apparently normal procedure. For this holiday we had packed photocopies of our passports just in case anything went wrong.

Before arrival we had read a review, of the hotel, that said the furnishings were out of date and that the hotel struggled for its 4 star rating. Our apprehension was thankfully unnecessary. The furnishings weren't at all bad considering the amount of usage the Oasis had encountered and the fact that it was built in the1990's. Also, in my opinion, it is easily a 3/4 star hotel, for many reasons.

The Oasis Atlantic has 224 rooms spread over 5 floors, I think, including a lower level. Most of the rooms have sea views whether you pay for them or not, but some are side sea views. The lower level ones won't have a sea view but either a pool or garden view. You can stay on a room only, Bed and Breakfast, half or full board, or self catering basis.It is possible to buy vouchers on arrival to change your meal status to half board, for example. Some visitors, there, were on a time share holiday.

On the ground floor, to the right as you enter the hotel there is a small shop, a boutique and a hairdressers. Some prices for gifts and treats are expensive but cigarettes were the same price as at the airport. You can buy bottled water here for a reasonable price, but we found the tap water excellent. It does have a high mineral content though, so it is up to you.

Across from reception there was a seating

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