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I Stayed at the Second Best Hotel in the World

Savoy Resort Madeira

By Madelyn Miller

Years ago, Avis Rental Cars made being second best a very special art with their “We try harder campaign.” And I really understood how wonderful being second best can be when I recently stayed at the second best resort hotel in the world, THE SAVOY RESORT MADEIRA.

I don’t know who the judges were, but I totally agree with them. The Savoy resort surprised event a jaded traveler like me with a really warm welcome, staff members who could meet any challenge, and seemed to think my strange requests in the middle of the night (jetlagged travelers need things at weird hours) were perfectly normal. They did not seem to know the word NO. I can’t imagine anyone trying harder to make sure a guest had a perfect stay.

The Savoy Resort Madeira was recently elected as the SECOND BEST RESORT HOTEL IN THE WORLD in the 2003 Telegraph Travel Awards Ceremony held in London   an immediate runner up to “Jumeirah Beach” in Dubai.

The Savoy Resort was short  listed in the Top 5 position in this award category  other finalists being  “Shangria-la Tanjung Aur Resort in Malaysia  (3rd position), The Reid’s Palace in Madeira and Timanfaya Place in Lanzerote !

This distinguished prize is the end result of an annual travel industry - related poll taken from readers of both UK newspapers, The Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Telegraph.  Prizes are awarded for different categories and range from the best international airport, best travel agent and tour operator, best city and of course, the Best Resort Hotel in the World. 

Faithful to the centennial legend of the Madeiran hotel industry, The Savoy has welcomed the most discerning European aristocracy for almost a century, justifiably earning itself several distinctive accolades and acclaims for its unsurpassed excellence and commitment to quality guest service over all these years.

The quality 5 star Savoy Resort offers its guests a perfectly harmonious blend of past classic gracefulness at the Classic Savoy and all of today’s modern and contemporary comforts at the Royal Savoy, priding itself with an ongoing dedication of professional and friendly hospitality on the part of both management and staff.

Loyal Savoy Resort guest clientele readers of the Daily Telegraph, being avidly attentive to even the most finest of details during their worldwide travels, did not hesitate in casting their vote for the hotel as no. 2 in this very prestigious and most sought after annual Award.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travel tips for Portugal.

Many museums are closed on Mondays. The normal hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Smaller and private museums may have different opening times.

The major religion of the country is Roman Catholicism. Church services are held most evenings and every Sunday morning as well as on religious holidays.

Voltage in Portugal is 220volts and plugs have two round pins. Most hotel bathrooms offer built-in adapters for electric razors, but you will need to supply your own adapter for other appliances. Public telephones may be used for phoning internally or abroad, either with coins or cards.

Shopping

Pottery, ceramics and tiles are plentiful and make wonderful souvenirs. White lace and embroidery items are also beautifully hand-made in the country. Port wine is a nice gift for yourself after you arrive home and want to remember the wonderful time you had in Madeira as you enjoy some savory port.

TOURS  TO PORTUGAL

The Association of Tour Operators to Portugal (ATOP), an organization of major U.S. - based tour operators with programs to Portugal.
http://www.atop.org

Abreu Tours
350 fifth ave. Suite 2414
New York, NY 10036-4785
Phone: 212-869-1840
1-800-223-1580
Fax: 212-354-1840
E-Mail: info@abreu-tours.com
www.abreu-tours.com/JEWISHHERITAGE.html

Pinto Basto tours
365 RT. 304, suite 206
Bardonia, NY 10954
Phone: 800--768-7232
Fax: 845-623-6111

Space Travel
Ave. 5 de Outubro, 321
Lisboa, Portugal 1649-015
Phone 351-21-791-9970
Fax: 351 21-791-9999
E-Mail: fit.lisboa@space.pt

Skyline Travel
376 New York Ave.
Huntington, NY 11743
Phone: 516-423-9090
1-800-645-6198
Fax: 516-423-9094

GREAT GUIDEBOOKS

Rick Steve’s Spain and Portugal 2003
Avalon Travel Publishing
www.ricksteves.com

Walking in Portugal
By Bethan Davies and Ben Cole
www.pillpalapress.com
Leave the crowds behind with this invaluable guide to Portugal’s undiscovered countryside

Fodor’s EUROPE PORTS OF CALL
What to do and see when you go ashore
www.Fodors.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT PORTUGUESE FOOD

Langenscheidt’s Pocket Menu Reader
Portugal and Brazil
An indispensable gastronomic dictionary, phrasebook and guide

Cuisines of Portuguese Encounters
By Cherrie Y. Hamilton
Hippocrene Books
www.hippocrenebooks.com

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