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Mercan in Alentejo: From Stunning Coastal Views to the Interior Plains

20 November, 2025
Mercan in Alentejo: From Stunning Coastal Views to the Interior Plains

The beauty of the Alentejo region, from the coast to the border with Spain. Everything feels different. The plains, the lagoons, the cork oaks and olive trees, the animals that walk freely around the infinite horizon. This rurality and freedom make the region unique, rooted in tradition and culture yet incredibly open to contemporary influences.

Mercan's hotels reflect the essence of Alentejo, showcasing its beauty, cultures, traditions, and flavors. Each place is designed to mirror the calmness for which the region is known. The colors, the decorations, and textures are perfectly blended to show a place that has proven its value in tourism and hospitality, while growing and welcoming guests as only the Alentejo can.

Bringing international hospitality brands to this region, as IHG and Hilton, is a sign of trust and recognition. Their presence boosts local tourism and reinforces its appeal for luxury hospitality, representing a step forward in local economic development. This way, Santiago do Cacém, Évora and Beja are now must visit points for global guests.

Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

With a prime location, by the Atlantic Ocean and the Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Natural Reserve, Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton stands out for its contemporary architecture, organic design, and deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

This 4-star hotel with 44 rooms was carefully designed to blend into the landscape of Vila Nova de Santo André: its coastal beauty, golden dunes, gentle waves, and migratory birds. From the color palette to the textures, every detail reflects the region's character, nature, and maritime culture.

Warm and cool colors are used to create a sense of both energy and calmness. In every detail, there are soft sands, ocean blues, and sunlight yellows. This ambience is completed by earthy textures, wooden furniture, and natural fibers perfectly mixed with curved and horizontal forms that reflect the outside view.

After a day exploring, walking trails, birdwatching, swimming, surfing, or riding horses at the beach, guests can relax at the rooftop pool – an outstanding point of view for the region's sunset. Its restaurant and bar give a taste of the Alentejo traditional cuisine. Once tried, it will certainly be an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

At Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, light and color shape a living design where the Alentejo's beauty, traditions, and flavors inspire a truly unique atmosphere.

Holiday Inn Express Évora

Located at the northern entrance of Évora and just a few steps from its UNESCO World Heritage city center, Holiday Inn Express Évora offers a unique balance between cultural immersion and modern comfort. With easy access to iconic landmarks such as the Roman Temple of Diana, Capela dos Ossos, and Praça do Giraldo, this 3-star hotel is ideal for exploring one of Portugal's most historic and vibrant cities.

Designed to give functionality and elegance, for both adventurous and business travelers, the hotel mirrors the spirit of Alentejo's hospitality. Its contemporary architecture pays tribute to the region's simplicity and character, using natural light, smooth textures, and clean lines to create a space that is both inviting and efficient.

Holiday Inn Express Évora features 76 rooms that provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Each room was thought to offer a sense of calm and practicality, giving you a space to recharge after a day exploring ancient streets or attending meetings in town.

The hotel's lounge bar is perfect for you to unwind, socialize, or have a drink. At the same time, the outdoor swimming pool is a refreshing escape under the golden Alentejo sun. When the time to stop comes, remember to have a taste of local cuisine at Forno da Telha. The signature restaurant brings the flavors of the region to the table with dishes created by renowned Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira - a new and delicious interpretation of the traditional recipes of Alentejo's culinary heritage.

For long or short stays. To relax and enjoy, or to discover the hidden secrets of Évora, at Holiday Inn Express Évora, the rhythm of the city meets the ease of modern hospitality. Your stay will be memorable, and so will Alentejo.

 

Hilton Garden Inn Évora

Just minutes from Évora's UNESCO World Heritage center, Hilton Garden Inn Évora is a modern hotel where design, comfort, and the timeless beauty of the Alentejo meet. Surrounded by history and culture, the hotel is perfectly located at the southern entrance of the city.

From here, you can walk to the region's most iconic attractions, including the Roman Temple of Diana, Capela dos Ossos, Praça do Giraldo, and the Évora Cathedral. The Megalithic Cromeleque dos Almendres and the city's charming streets, museums, and traditional shops are all in the surrounding area, making this a privileged location for all guests aiming to discover the city's culture.

With 130 elegant rooms and a design concept rooted in the four natural elements - fire, water, soil, and air - the hotel offers an experience inspired by the landscape and traditions of the Alentejo. Earthy tones and wooden textures dominate the lobby, creating a friendly ambiance grounded in local craftsmanship. The restaurant and bar embrace the warmth of fire through vibrant fabrics and ambient lighting, offering a cozy and sophisticated space to enjoy regional cuisine.

The rooftop is a serene escape, filled with light and soft breezes. This open-air retreat is perfect for you to unwind and have a peaceful moment. Overlooking Évora's prettiest horizon, the outdoor swimming pool invites you for a refreshing swim. If you need a boost of energy, the fully equipped gym offers a modern space to do sports while discovering the city.

Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, Hilton Garden Inn Évora offers a seamless blend of local charm and contemporary convenience. From morning coffee to sunset swims, every space is designed to make you feel connected to the Alentejo's rhythms, textures, and hospitality.

 

Holiday Inn Beja

Set in the heart of Beja, Holiday Inn Beja invites guests to experience the soul of Baixo Alentejo through comfort, culture, and authentic hospitality. Built on Roman and Moorish heritage, this city mirrors the essence of the region's calmness.

Holiday Inn Beja is only a few steps from the major attractions and landmarks – the perfect starting point to explore the city. From here, you quickly access the Beja Castle, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and the Regional Museum.

This 4-star hotel, with 95 rooms, reimagines the landscape, local traditions, and cultural heritage. With soft colors and clean lines, this accommodation is based on a welcoming atmosphere, as the city it is in. After exploring, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alentejo's plains on the rooftop, unwind at the lounge area, and have a swim in the rooftop infinity pool.

To wrap up the day, Chaparro Alentejano, the hotel's signature restaurant, gives you a taste of Alentejo's gastronomy. Traditional dishes are served while Fado and Cante Alentejano live performances bring the region's music to the table – local culture in all forms in just one place.

Whether you're exploring the region's vineyards, walking through ancient streets, or simply enjoying the sunset from the rooftop, Holiday Inn Beja is where the stories of the Alentejo begin, giving you a place that is in perfect harmony with the region.

Mercan's hotels and restaurants in Alentejo reflect the cities they are in. Full of tradition, culture, and convenience, everything is carefully thought out to give you the best experience in Portugal.

More than hosting places, these hotels create a lasting impact in these cities, which is evident in the value of investment and jobs created. These 4 hotels alone generated more than 140 direct jobs, in addition to the hundreds created during construction. By investing a total of over 72 million euros in three different cities, our hotels enabled an important urban regeneration, giving local communities and guests new places that embody the spirit of Portuguese hospitality.