“A week in the Monte Carlo Hotel, Funchal”

The hotel is centrally placed in Funchal but up a hill away from the commercial centre in a quiet back street. It is near the old part of the town. It has a wonderful sunny, south facing breakfast room and a large terrace in front of the hotel where you can sit and have a drink and look down over the town and the sea.Very good buffet breakfast. We had a very large room on the top floor in the front with an amazing view of the town. The hotel is over 100 years old and has a lot of character. It has a lift. We were mainly interested in walking along the levadas and in the mountains and found the staff very helpful and informative with bus time tables etc.The main receptionist spoke perfect English.

“Art Deco Funchal wonder!”

The Monte Carlo is an experience in itself; an Art Deco building with original fixtures and fittings, a certain 'palm court' elegance, with comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. It has a fabulous sun terrance at the front with the best views over Funchal and the mountains of any hotel in the city. Breakfast at sunrise or a drink on a sunny evening is something to be savoured. In addition it has a roof top pool with fantastic views. It is centrally located with easy #if steep# walks to the center of the city, and is near many of the major museums, and art collections in Funchal. It also makes a good base for driving out walking and site seeing. The staff are also great; both charecters, and kind, helpful, and welcoming human beings; rare qualities in the modern world. It also has a computer for free internet and WiFi. If you expect five star luxury you may have to look elsewhere....If however, you want charecter, comfort, and style in abundace go to the Monte Carlo, a national treasure.

“Good value and wonderful views”

The other hotels in the Lido area may be modern and glossy, but the Hotel Monte Carlo has character. The grand old house has the most spectacular position looking over the bay. Sitting on the terrace in the morning sun for breakfast or for drinks in the evening gives you the wonderful views. To get these you have to walk up a steep hill from the Marina, but this is worth it. It is only 3 star - you get what you pay for: satisfactory breakfasts, clean, unsophisticated rooms and a small but lovely pool up on the roof with a few sunbeds.

“Would go back for a third time”

Good old fashioned hotel with loads of character and excellent value for money, needs a bit of TLC but in no way detracts from enjoying the stay. Fantastic views over Funchal. Staff very helpful would recommend hotel every time. One word of caution - its a tough walk uphill to the hotel from the seafront but its amazing how used to it you get after a week.

“What a lovely place”

The hotel has a good location with a stunning view over Funchal, both from the terrace and the roof top pool (No swim up bar, but still!). The staff could not be more charming and helpfull. They even make the rather tight car park less of a challenge to leave. We used it as a base for seeing the island, and returning to the totally uncrowded pool was always a pleasure. Thank you Expedia for recommending it.

“Rooftop pool with fab views was a bonus”

This hotel looks like it should be in a James Bond film, fab views from the terrace and the pool area. However it is a little run down and needs a complete makeover - but the friendly staff made up for the shabby decor.

“Great value for money”

The location is excellent being in an elevated position overlooking Funchal and the sea. There are very reasonable restaurants within a ten minute walk (downhill) although the walk back after a good meal and a few drinks can bring a bit of a sweat on!Easy enough if you are reasonably fit. The main town and harbour,buses,even the Monte cable car are all easily walkable. The decor and finishes are a bit mixed but this adds to the charm of the place. Our room (44) in the rear block had a balcony view but the decorations,wardrobe doors,skirting board etc could do with some TLC.But the room was a good size with adequate en-suite facilities including a bidet and was very comfortable. Breakfasts were varied with eggs,boiled and scrambled,sometimes bacon,fruit,ham and cheese and we ate out on the verandah. The swimming pool was smallish and very clean but surprisingly deep,2 metres except for the shallow childrens area. I've left the best till last-the staff.They were all so friendly and helpful and arranged anything you required,car hire,levada walks,packed lunches and advice generally. We would stay there again.

“good old fashioned”

spotlessly clean ,very friendly staff who could not do enough for you.

“Wow! Great views”

This is a character hotel and the one to stay in if you want to know you are in Madeira. Views from balcony spectacular. You need to ask for room 32-35 for a balcony. It has not changed in 25 years. But being at the top of a hill means you need to have energy and some fitness or take a taxi.

“A Hotel With Character”

I have stayed in the Hotel Monte Carlo several times in recent years and I shall return. The Monte Carlo is a charming old hotel which cannot compete with facilities of the larger,more modern hotels in Funchal,or the likes of grander old hotels - but it is full of character,has a consistent main staff and a wonderful situation on the hill overlooking the Old Town of Funchal and the Atlantic beyond.The staff are always polite,courteous and attentive. It is a pleasure to stay there. The Monte Carlo could feature in an Agathie Christie film - it would be no surprise to see Hercule Poirot sipping a Maceira brandy on the outdoor terrace,marvelling at the breathtaking view! I have done so myself many times. Of course,I love Funchal,its people,its wonderful Old Town restaurants, sitting in the shade of mango trees,walking into the centre of town to sit at an outdoor cafe and watch the world go by,but to stay at the Hotel Monte Carlo is the icing on the cake for me. The Hotel Monte Carlo is an old lady,but she is charming and full of character. I look forward to seeing her again.