This hotel, as its name "Monte" suggests, is up a hill. But then Madeira is an island rising dramatically out of the sea, so the place is hilly. The view is fantastic, from the balconies that look initially over its own tropical gardens, then out over the official Tropical Gardens and down the hill to Funchal. The staff are great and try really hard to do whatever they can to help. Most have good english, and as with Portugal, if you are not fluent in Portuguese remember that French is the default second language which is a useful back up. Be warned, the hotel is not in Funchal and you will need use either the free hotel bus, taxis or the cable car to get from the hotel to town and back. Going down you can also use the wooden sledges, if you are brave enough, which will take you half the way.
The hotel is relaxed, with big rooms, which are well cleaned and good balconies to sit on to enjoy the view. The restaurant is lovely, with a good range at breakfast, and dinner is either a buffet or a la carte, depending on your mood. Lunch can be had as well at the pop up restaurant they operate in the grounds. The hotel also offers the opportunity to dine at other sister hotels in the group with in house transport. I would describe this a traditional hotel, in a beautiful location, gorgeous wooden floors in the public areas. It has a pool, and a relaxation area but is probably not really suited to young children. I suspect we will be back.