Interview for the Municipality of Amadora with Jordi Vilanova, President of the Mercan Properties Group, and Mariano Faz, CEO of Ace Hospitality Management

Jordi Vilanova: “Alfragide, in Amadora, is one of the main gateways to Lisbon. Moreover, it’s impossible not to consider this region when thinking of the top three most dynamic business hubs in the capital.”

1. What were the reasons or main motivations that led the Mercan Properties Group to invest in a hotel like the Moxy in the municipality?

Jordi Vilanova: It was a strategic choice mainly driven by the excellent location. Alfragide, in Amadora, is one of the main gateways to Lisbon. Moreover, it’s impossible not to consider this region when thinking of the top three most dynamic business hubs in the capital. This is evident from the increasingly modern and innovative surroundings of the Moxy. On top of that, there’s the diversity of places that can be reached within 10 minutes—whether it’s the center of Amadora, the center of Lisbon, or the banks of the Tagus River.

2. How did the entire process unfold, from project development and construction to the opening phase? Which company was responsible for the project?

Jordi Vilanova: The process was very well-structured and collaborative. From the very beginning, we defined the concept in close coordination with Marriott, aligning Moxy’s international brand standards with the local reality of Amadora, which is becoming increasingly modern and dynamic.

We worked closely with all companies involved in the project’s design. The architecture was handled by Saraiva + Associados, the interior design was developed by Broadway Malyan, and the engineering was the responsibility of JFA.

3. What was the total investment of the group and the number of jobs created?

Jordi Vilanova: This is very important because the Mercan Group invested over 60 million euros in this project, generating more than 400 direct and indirect jobs. The direct ones remain above 80, a number that makes us very happy since these are opportunities created for young people and families. Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than having a positive impact on communities.

In this year of 2025, when the Mercan Group celebrates a decade of operations in Portugal, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with the opening of our 15th hotel and our first in the Lisbon region. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of over 100 investors from various nationalities who placed their trust in Mercan and believed in this project.

Our employees and partners also played a fundamental role, especially the Amadora City Council, which supported us from the very beginning and helped further energize the region by providing all the necessary support.

Just as I extend my sincere thanks to the Amadora City Council, I would also like to thank the Marriott Group for believing in the vision of this project and in the potential of Amadora.

4. What kind of synergies does the Moxy Hotel aim to develop with the municipality?

Mariano Faz: We aim to create synergies in two ways. The first is through close collaboration with the City Council, especially in its cultural initiatives, such as the Amadora BD International Comic Festival, with which we are already partnering together with the Council. The second is through people.

The Moxy Hotel stands out as a very attractive space for both families and businesses, and we want it to be a meeting point where different people can share experiences and feel part of the same community. Within five to six months, we will open a restaurant that will add value not only for nearby businesses but also for local residents who will be able to enjoy a good lunch with their families, have a coffee, or simply spend time together in a pleasant atmosphere.

Now and in the future, we are very open to establishing all kinds of partnerships and collaborations that contribute to the cultural and social development of the municipality and to creating enriching experiences.

5. What kind of guests does the hotel aim to attract, and what kind of rates will it apply?

Mariano Faz: The guest profile is quite diverse. On one hand, we have guests who are fully loyal to the Marriott brand and only stay at its hotels. On the other, we have companies interested in hosting their meetings here and benefiting from our modern rooms for their teams. We also welcome guests who want to be close to the airport, which makes the Moxy a strategic meeting point for those working in Lisbon and needing quick access to the city.

On weekends, the hotel takes on a new dynamic, geared toward leisure groups and conferences. In this regard, we want to actively contribute to making Amadora a relevant meeting and convention hub—an attractive option, for example, for a pharmaceutical company looking for a modern, well-located venue to host its events.

As for rates, they are attractive and adjusted to seasonality, ranging between €100 and €120 per night. We offer a 4-star service that represents excellent value for money, and we believe it will generate great interest.

6. What are your goals for the Moxy Hotel in the coming years?

Mariano Faz: Our clear goal is for Moxy Alfragide Lisboa to become a benchmark hotel within the community. This property was designed to meet the needs of our different guest profiles and, at the same time, to be a reference point in Amadora for those looking to host an event—whether small or large.

To make that possible, we are committed to delivering excellent service and an experience that exceeds our guests’ expectations. With the support of Marriott and our highly qualified team of hospitality management professionals, we are confident that we will achieve this goal successfully.