Mertola Homestays

This is a fascinating location built over the excavations of a house from well more than 700 years ago. There are views of this from inside the hotel and options to get closer, though all is protected by plexiglass barriers. There is an interesting library area near the reception that's well worth checking out. They allow you to take books to your room. Please remember to return them. The rooms - the first room was so small the door wouldn't open past halfway without being stopped by the bed. There was also an electric panel next to the bed that buzzed non-stop all night long. The second room was much better. It was larger and the electric panel was far from the bed. The biggest drawback is, and apparently this is true of some other rooms, the shower floor has a surface that could be well used as an artificial ice skating rink. The most slippery surface I have ever encountered. They have non-slip mats at the reception, not in the rooms! Ask for one before you find out how much you wish you had. When I told them about how slippery it was they eventually responded by saying they had installed non-slip surface in the showers. One wonders at their definition of non-slip, or whether they had been told that but had not themselves given it a try out. Perhaps the non-slip part was next to the floor instead of where you stand?

This is a very good hotel, ideal for a weekend break and especially if you want to be near to the beautiful Guardiana river. We travelled up the Portuguese side and visited Mertola which was, to be honest, a bit underwhelming but as the road gave way to the Alentejo countryside, appreciation was lifted. The hotel was easy to locate, impressive even in the mist and gentle rain and we felt instantly that it wa a good choice. The reception was warm and friendly and our room was substantial with all facilities, very clean and well prepared and had a lovely view over the swimming pool. The observatory was under modification; the games room in the Library was good to have even though it was quite cold. We did arrive on a Sunday night - the restaurant was open with an understandably limited menu. One of us is a no-fish vegetarian and so it is our fault that there was nothing we could sit down to and we could find nothing open in the village. But it was our fault. Should have rung ahead. We would happily visit again. Breakfast was extensive and good but, other than pancakes, nothing hot.