Site Inspection at Hotel Caju, Madeira

Arrival and Getting Around

Most travelers fly into  Funchal, Madeira, at FNC (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport). Getting to the center of Funchal is easy (~ 20 mins) by taxi, Uber, bus or rental car. For travelers wanting to see different parts of the island, a rental car is recommended but shuttles and tours to different sites are available as well. If an automatic car is needed, make sure to book early and get a car with some power (the hills in Madeira are no joke).

Madeira has fairly temperate weather year round. The recommended months though are between April to October/November for those wanting to avoid the rainy season. Visitors wanting to take advantage of dolphin/whale watching will want to take advantage of that period as well. 

Image 1: Double Balcony Bathroom ; Image 2: Junior Suite Bathroom1

The Hotel

Located in central Funchal, Madeira, just a few blocks above the municipal gardens, you’ll find Le Petit Hotel Caju. The hotel is on the corner of a walking street filled with small restaurants and shops and a one way street that’s accessible by cars. While many pedestrians frequent this area during the day the evenings are very quiet with little noise reaching any of the rooms.

Hotel Caju is great for those who are looking for a smaller, more intimate property that still has easy access to all Funchal has to offer. I’d recommend this property for couples, friends and solo travelers. The property opened in 2019 and is housed in a heritage building that throughout its history has been a marketplace specializing in selling cashew nuts, an office building and a school. (Note: Hotel Caju is the sister property of The Vine, located about 5 mins walking distance away).

The design is a combination of historical charm and modern conveniences. The exterior showcases a clean facade with wrought-iron balconies. The interiors, designed by local Nini Andrade Silva, are cozy and utilize a palette of neutral colors. The room materials are a combo of natural and synthetics but still have a warm feeling. 


Rooms & Facilities

Hotel Caju has 24 rooms and suites.

All room types have:

- A separate toilet/glass enclosed shower area with both rain and handheld showers. (Only the Junior Suite additionally has a deep soaking tub.)

-Refillable glass water bottle (refill station in the gym area of the hotel on the lower level)

- A desk/seating area, reading lights

- Tea/coffee making facilities & fridge (i.e. electric kettle and Nespresso)

- Electronic Safes

- Iron & Ironing Board (personally a fan of this and not having to special request one or send out for laundry services)


Rooms with balconies either have a Juliette balcony (facing the walking or small street) or the Junior Suite has a wraparound balcony with seating area and views overlooking the city. 

Good wifi service was available throughout the property. 

There is also a small  gym located on the lower level.

There’s no parking on site but available for special rates at The Vine a few minutes away. Access to the pool, spa  and other facilities at The Vine is also available to guests at Caju.

Their restaurant Prima Caju (located on the main floor of the hotel) offers continental breakfast to guests every morning from 8-11. The menu is geared towards health conscious travelers with simple but fresh ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. Fresh juices are offered every morning. 

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Madiera, Portugal. In need of further inspiration? Check out ’s guide, Best Restaurants & Things to Do Outdoors in Madeira, Portugal.