The new hostel of Funchal in nr.29 da Rua dos Netos, was Inaugurated yesterday, in a ceremony sponsored by friends and family of the project partners, Catarina Sequeira Guimarães and Gil Freitas. The ‘29 Madeira Hostel’ is the name of the new establishment; has 7 rooms and a total capacity of 22 guests, with shared bathroom. It will have affordable prices, between 16 and 17 euros for rooms with 4 bunk beds and  the possibility to connect 2 rooms  to the same family or group use using 8 beds. The new alternative fits the local hostel and differentiates itself by being located in a calm and stress-free city area, favourable to relaxation.

In the reception area, games are available (chess, cards, Playstation 2) and a tablet that can be requested. A rule is already set: from 10p.m.it is time to be quiet so as not to disturb other guests and neighbours. In the '29 Madeira Hostel ´s patio there´s a wall covered in basalt stone with flowers and typical herbs of the island in vases, as a reminder of the islanders taste for gardening and plants. It was kept the traditional garden bench, just like the ones guests will find in many gardens in Funchal, both public and private: wrought iron benches with seat and back in wood usually painted dark green. In addition to the relaxed moments, the guest can try to make the traditional madeiran 'Poncha' ( a typical spirits drink).

 

This new alternative fits the local alternative accommodation and differentiates itself by being located in a calm city area and conducive to rest. In the hostel is all set to welcome guests, especially by the careful restoration of the interior spaces extending to the outside in the patio for enjoyable socializing. 

It's a venture by Catarina Sequeira Guimarães and partner Gil Freitas.  Catarina highlights: care taken to maintain the original character of the building, built in 1937. "The three floors offer a modern, relaxed style, inspired by the 'wicker' and the best of Madeiran craftsmanship," Indeed, quickly jumps to view the creative placement of pieces in Wicker, in addition to the giant and original 'brinquinho' that adorns the staircase , probably the biggest ever made (about 40 kilos!).

"Refinement at backpacker prices." The expression is the owner´s and will involve all the promotional material of the new establishment. Catarina Sequeira does not tire to stress the centrality of '29 Madeira  Hostel 'and the possibility to visit all the city on foot, saving time and money. "A few steps away  you can visit the historic building of the Town Hall, the former convent of the Jesuits, the College Church, the Museum of Sacred Art ..." she says. "And just  a few minutes’ walk from the traditional market, the old town and the promenade by the sea."

Guests can enjoy the pleasant communal living room or use the common kitchen to cook light meals. The courtyard with flowers and herbs typical of the island is a reminder to taste for gardening and plants, a common characteristic of most islanders. There was kept the traditional wrought iron park bench in dark green. The guest can try to do the traditional 'Poncha' to accompany a sunset with assorted drinks and music. "Simply Irresistible in the evening," anticipates Catarina Sequeira.

 

7 BEDROOMS, 22 GUESTS 

 

There are 7 bedrooms (3 doubles) and total capacity for 22 people with shared bathroom. The prices are affordable, between 16 and 17 euros for rooms with 4 bunk beds, and there is the possibility to add 2 rooms to the same family or group using 8 beds.

In the reception there is  access to TV with multiple channels, games, books and a tablet that can be requested. Golden Rule: from 10 p.m. it is time to be quiet so as not to disturb other guests and neighbours.

 

Funchal Daily News - January 25, 2015