Monte Mar Palace Hotel

“Quiet and immensely enjoyable fortnight's stay.”

Spacious rooms. Immaculately clean. Lovely views. Buffet offered excellent choice and standard. Very quiet. Enjoyed both indoor (occasionally) and indoor (often) pools. Above all the friendly and efficient staff made one feel very welcome. Will be returning (deo volente). Walks around villa… more

Spacious rooms. Immaculately clean. Lovely views. Buffet offered excellent choice and standard. Very quiet. Enjoyed both indoor (occasionally) and indoor (often) pools. Above all the friendly and efficient staff made one feel very welcome. Will be returning (deo volente). Walks around village are, like all Madeira, are partly uphill.

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“5 star review for a 4 star hotel ”

Visited on a Saga holiday and were very impressed. Room was large and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and could not do enough for you. Food in the restaurant was excellent. The only downside was that it was quite remote; however if you want a relaxing holiday it would be hard to beat, or if y… more

Visited on a Saga holiday and were very impressed. Room was large and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and could not do enough for you. Food in the restaurant was excellent. The only downside was that it was quite remote; however if you want a relaxing holiday it would be hard to beat, or if you have transport it makes a wonderful base to explore the north of the island. We will certainly revisit

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“Stunning View.........”

I booked this hotel via Love Holidays as we wanted to visit Madeira, stay in a hotel with a stunning view and a Spa on site. Good:- Stunning view from our bedroom - seriously! Just breathtaking! Restaurant - geared up for all-inclusive (we weren't) but you could still eat from the buffet (decent r… more

I booked this hotel via Love Holidays as we wanted to visit Madeira, stay in a hotel with a stunning view and a Spa on site. Good:- Stunning view from our bedroom - seriously! Just breathtaking! Restaurant - geared up for all-inclusive (we weren't) but you could still eat from the buffet (decent range & clued up on food allergies) or have the a la carte, Friendly staff. Local stray kitties (if you're into cats) they are just so cute and love a pet. Bad:- While the room was clean and a good size, it was VERY dated - almost out of the 80's - could definitely do with a refresh. The bed was pretty hard too and the pillows were small. There was a fridge in the room but no refreshment facilities ie; kettle, cups, water etc. I managed to borrow a kettle from reception but had to buy my own tea/milk from the local supermarket. The air con didn't work so had to leave the balcony door open, which meant waking up to loads of mozzie bites. The bathroom was clean and good water pressure (apart from the overhead shower) The towels provided were small. Housekeeping came to make the beds and empty bins, but they didn't refresh the towels, so had to ask for new ones. They didn't take away used cups either. I wouldn't necessarily call this a spa hotel either - yes they have an indoor & outdoor pool - but you have to pre book a massage and the therapist comes to the hotel. The sauna you need to request to be put on. So not really a come and go as you please - you have to schedule your sessions. Ugly:- Maybe I should've done a bit more research on the location, but there is literally nothing near the hotel - a cafe is directly opposite, small supermarket 15 min walk away and the hills are crazy! We don't drive so needed to rely on public transport (non existent - maybe one bus a day!) or pay out for taxi's...... at 50-70 euros into Funchal that was quite pricey - you DEFINITELY need a car to stay here! The hotel is popular with all inclusive groups and the elderly (Saga). Overall it was a mixed bag - I've definitely stayed in worse hotels but I have stayed in much better ones too. Maybe the 4 star rating was from years ago as it's probably only worth a 3. When we return to Madeira we won't stay at this hotel again (even if the view was the best!).

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