Vista do Rei Viewpoint: the Abandoned Hotel With the Azores’ Best View
Some viewpoints become famous for the scenery. Others become famous for the scenery and a ruin standing right beside it. Vista do Rei is both: the most iconic view over Sete Cidades Lake, framed by a luxury hotel abandoned since 1990.
The view that named the viewpoint
The name “Vista do Rei” (King’s View) dates back to the 1901 visit of King Carlos and Queen Amélia to Sete Cidades. From this viewpoint, the view takes in both the Blue Lake and the Green Lake in full, with the small parish of Sete Cidades sitting at the bottom of the crater — one of the most reproduced images in the entire archipelago.
A five-star hotel with a short shelf life
In 1977, the company Indústria Açoriana Turístico-Hoteleira decided to build Monte Palace here, a luxury hotel with 88 rooms, including a presidential suite and four luxury suites. Opened in April 1989, it had two restaurants — Grill Dona Amélia and Restaurante D. Carlos, both named after the 1901 royal visit.
Bankruptcy in 18 months
Despite winning the Hotel of the Year award in Portugal, Monte Palace went bankrupt in October 1990, just 18 months after opening, losing around 800 euros a month. The frequent fog in the area, which spoiled the view promised to guests, is cited as one of the causes of its failure.
From guarded ruin to looted ruin
The building kept permanent security until 2011. After that, it was vandalised and looted — furniture, doors, carpets, even the elevators disappeared. Today, climbing to the top-floor terrace (carefully, given the state of decay) offers a 360º view considered one of the best on the entire island of São Miguel.
Planning your visit
- Location: Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada municipality.
- Viewpoint access: free and open at any time.
- Exploring the hotel: at your own risk — there’s no security, handrails, or lighting.
Best time to visit
Clear-sky days are essential: the same fog that ruined the hotel still hides the lake on many visits.
Nearby highlights
Sete Cidades Lake and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint are just minutes away.
After Vista do Rei, head down to the parish of Sete Cidades to see, up close, the lake this hotel never quite managed to sell to its guests.
Learn more about the landscape of the Azores.
