Quinta Da Montanha

Lovely hotel in a fantastic location. Right up in the hills about 45 mins from Praia airport. Great views right to the sea. We visited in February and were prepared for walking. The walks were well waymarked. the paths were very steep in places. OK going up but slippery going down (dry gravel). huge temperarture difference between the top and bottom of the hill! The hotel is high in the hills (higher than anywhere in England) and so as soon as the sun goes down it can get very cold. There was a cold breeze in the evenings and the mist came in every night. Dining room has picture window with super views. This is in a country geared for the heat so it was cold in the evenings- as in I wore my down jacket to dinner. Felt sorry for the staff who seem to live in the neighbouring town which is about three (pretty much vertical) miles away and consequently about 10 degrees warmer. They really must have felt the cold. There are some nice walks around the area. Hotel wasn't able to give much info but we found some for ourselves. I almost freaked when we saw the spiders- loads with big webs, on bushes across the path from the telegraph wires etc. As not keen on spiders and they seemed to be just above my head in places I was a bit worried. Anyway discovered they are non-aggressive, non-venomous spiders so I relaxed and enjoyed them. Dulcie was very helpful.

We arrived very late at night and awoke to the most magnificent view from our balcony, looking all the way down from the mountains to the coast. It really was very special, I just wish everything else was as magnificent. This is a budget hotel which is run-down through under-investment post covid and really needs a lick of paint and a lot of maintenance work done. Breakfast was a rabble at 9am and the same the following day at 7.30am They ran out of everything and only replenished it in small quantities so that Guests were waiting / watching them come out of the kitchen and then running up to get say eggs (always fried and way overcooked). Fruit selection was poor, in fact it was all poor! Dinner was no better, at least it was a buffet and you could select the best looking options. The place was busy but there never seemed to be enough staff. When we were checked out by the owner (?) we were given a column of figures written on a scrap of paper – the bill! No itemisation, just a total – we had no idea what we were paying for! On a positive note, the wifi was good. If you want warm water to shower, get up early or avoid peak times. We wanted to go for a walk but realised that we would probably get lost as we didn’t understand the very kind receptionist who was trying to help us. Tongue in cheek, I asked for a guide and within 15 mins a young lad appeared who couldn’t speak English, was given the route and off we went. I asked what I should pay him and 1,000CVE was suggested for 4 hours. We had a great walk up to the local top where we could see all around the island and I gave him 2,000CVE and he was delighted! Big success and left early the following morning having really enjoyed ourselves, bar the food. The "poor" review is for the hotel and definately not the view/surroundings!

The position of this hotel is wonderful and the view of the valley from the terraces is awesome. The hotel is very clean and the bed comfortable but it all has a slightly jaded feel. Buffet dinners and breakfast were OK, if a little institutional.