Monte Palace Hotel Ruins – São Miguel Island, Azores

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel Island, you’ve probably come across the Monte Palace Hotel ruins as one of the must-see attractions. So, what makes this place unique? Is it worth exploring?

Absolutely, in our opinion, the Monte Palace Hotel ruins are definitely worth a visit! Situated at the Vista do Rei viewpoint in Sete Cidades, this location offers a panoramic view of the Sete Cidades lakes and the village inside the volcanic crater.

This blog provides detailed information about the Monte Palace Hotel ruins, including how to enter, what to expect, and tips for exploring this incredible site.

About Monte Palace Hotel

The Monte Palace Hotel opened in 1989 and was the first 5-star hotel on São Miguel. Beyond its luxurious accommodations, it boasted restaurants, a nightclub, a bar, a hairdresser, and even a bank. However, this hotel now stands abandoned, leaving many curious about its history and current abandoned state.

The hotel’s story has a rather sad ending. On the same day the director received the award for the Hotel of the Year in Lisbon, the staff on São Miguel learned that the hotel would close within a week as the owners had to declare bankruptcy. The building was left abandoned.

Despite its bad state, the Monte Palace Hotel still has a remarkable place in the hearts of those who remember it initially. Many people still hope it will one day be restored to its former state.

Trespassing The Monte Palace

Entering the Monte Palace Hotel ruins is very easy. There’s no need to jump over walls or navigate barbed wire. You can simply walk in through an interior courtyard accessible from an open space beside a roadside parking spot. 

If you’re visiting with kids, keep them close, and wear good closed shoes, ideally trekking shoes. The site is quite messy, with broken glass and other risks, so be very careful. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to explore in-depth, as the basement is so dark that your phone light won’t be enough.

Explore The Monte Palace Ruins

This site is very mysterious! Most visitors stay at the viewpoint below, outside the ruins, so if you dare to explore inside, you’ll find yourself alone or with only a few other explorers. Those who stay outside miss out on something incredible, as the rooftop offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of São Miguel! You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama if you’re brave enough to get inside.

As soon as we entered the Monte Palace Hotel Ruins, our first impression was that we had just entered a devastation zone. Wood, plaster, rocks, broken glass, and pieces of iron were scattered in mud on the ground, with barely enough space to walk around. Parts of the ceiling shattered over us in this dark dump place. 

This hotel is left completely empty. There are no windows, doors, or elevators. Just empty rooms echo the building’s skeletal frame, full of trash and graffiti.

For those who, like us, love exploring abandoned places, there’s so much to discover at the Monte Palace Hotel ruins. Climbing each floor through a narrow spiral staircase reveals breathtaking views, each level revealing different, incredible views.

Climb to The Top Floor For Breathtaking Views

Wow, and WOW!! That was our reaction when we reached the top of the Monte Palace Hotel ruins. What an incredible view!! We spent quite some time on the rooftop, wandering around and taking countless photos, fascinated by the vibrant lakes of Sete Cidades. It left us wondering why such a wonderful place isn’t a must-see on every traveller’s bucket list.

As we explored further, the sense of adventure only grew. Every corner of the ruins told a story, with graffiti art adding more colour to the walls. The contrast between the bad structure and the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding it was truly unique, making our visit to the Monte Palace Hotel ruins an unforgettable experience.

Are you gearing up for an adventure on São Miguel Island? Do you consider exploring the mysterious depths of the Monte Palace Hotel ruins?

FAQs about Monte Palace Hotel Ruins

Is it still possible to visit the Monte Palace Hotel?

Yes, it is still possible to visit the Monte Palace Hotel. According to some locals, there are times when guards are present, and barriers block all entrances. However, this situation changes frequently. Stay positive, as you’ll most likely be able to visit.

What is the best way to reach Monte Palace?

The best way to reach Monte Palace is on a road trip with your own transport. Driving on this small island is very easy. Simply follow the signs leading to Sete Cidades, and Visto do Rei. Continue driving until you arrive at the car park adjacent to the hotel.

What is the best time to visit the ruins?

The best time to visit the Monte Palace Hotel Ruins is during the day. Avoid visiting in the evening, as you won’t see anything and have a greater chance of getting hurt. Morning and early afternoon are ideal, as you’ll have more daylight for exploring and taking photos.