A new gem on the Alentejo coast: Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton opens its doors

The new hotel from Mercan Properties Group, managed by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, S.A., has just opened under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, inviting guests to discover a coastal Alentejo that is as tranquil as it is vibrant. With 44 rooms, a restaurant, pool and bar, this new property offers an authentic and captivating retreat at the heart of the Alentejo coast.

The hospitality scene of Portugal’s Alentejo coast has just welcomed a new protagonist: Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is now officially open. Owned by the Mercan Properties Group and managed by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, S.A., a group company and a leading hotel management firm in the Portuguese market, the hotel is the result of a €18.2 million investment.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Santo André and Sancha lagoons, Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton draws inspiration from the region’s identity to create a distinctive proposition based on a lively, welcoming, and luminous hospitality. The hotel joins the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a brand that brings together a global portfolio of original hotels. This brand embraces the unique personality of each hotel, highlighting the distinctive elements that enhance guest experience.

The name “A–MAR–ELLO” is a wordplay that captures the essence of the hotel: the yellow (“amarelo”) of the sun and sand, the ever-present sea (“mar”), and the sound of “hello”, symbolising the brand’s warm and inviting spirit.

“Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton embodies the spirit of the brand – a local, genuine and memorable experience. We are thrilled to bring the brand to the Alentejo region. We aim to provide an authentic experience rooted in local identity, delivered with sophistication, approachability and a personal touch. It’s a proposition that resonates with today’s traveller seeking the Alentejo coast,” says Mariano Faz, CEO of AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, S.A.

This is the group’s 13th operating hotel in Portugal, further cementing its role as a key driver in the national tourism sector. The project, which brought together several investors and created 30 direct jobs, is a milestone in the sustainable development of tourism in the region and reinforces Mercan Properties Group’s commitment to the economic and social growth of Santiago do Cacém.

"The opening of Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton marks an important milestone for Mercan Properties, as this is our first hotel on the Costa Vicentina and a clear reflection of our long-term vision to grow in Portugal through sustainable, high-value tourism investment. This partnership with Hilton is particularly meaningful to us. By bringing the renowned brand to the Alentejo Coast, we are combining our deep commitment to regional development with Hilton’s global standards of quality and authenticity. Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will contribute to boosting tourism by strengthening the region’s distinctive hospitality offering and creating new opportunities. This is our 13th hotel in operation in Portugal, and we are confident that this project will enrich the local tourism landscape and deliver memorable experiences that celebrate the unique character of this extraordinary destination,” adds Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties.

A modern and welcoming retreat on the Alentejo coast

With 44 rooms, including two suites, Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is ideal for guests seeking authenticity and peace without compromising on comfort. The architecture is inspired by the surrounding nature, while the organic interior design blends sand tones, natural textures and artisanal details — a visual homage to the coastal Alentejo. The hotel atmosphere is both genuine and elegant, reflecting the spirit of the region.

Accommodation options include sea-view rooms and lagoon-view suites. Culinary experiences, curated by renowned chef Miguel Rocha Vieira (VP of Culinary Arts at AHM), are another highlight. The menu celebrates local produce with creativity and respect for tradition: the sea takes centre stage with dishes such as fresh catch of the day, cataplana, codfish açorda, and tuna pica-pau. The menu also includes meat dishes and signature vegetarian options, including wild mushroom rice with quail eggs and linguine with seaweed pesto and tomato. Outdoors, the bar and pool area offer panoramic views over the Atlantic, ideal for enjoying bespoke cocktails under the golden Alentejo light.

A dedicated meeting room is available for small-scale events, enhancing the hotel’s appeal as a destination for both leisure and business in one of the most dynamic parts of the Alentejo.

Adventure, tranquillity and authenticity

Just minutes from Costa de Santo André beach and the Santo André and Sancha Nature Reserve, Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is the perfect base for reconnecting with nature. Guests can enjoy walking trails and quiet paths through unspoilt landscapes, or venture out to attractions such as Badoca Safari Park, the historic town of Santiago do Cacém, or the Miróbriga Roman ruins. Cultural experiences and Alentejo cuisine are always close at hand.

“We want to be a seaside sanctuary where nature envelops guests in a serene, immersive and harmonious environment – a space that celebrates tranquillity and connection with the natural world. We open at a time when more and more travellers are discovering the allure of the Alentejo coast. Our aim is to let the surrounding landscape and culture inspire a truly remarkable kind of hospitality,” says André Ornelas, Cluster General Manager at AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, S.A., for the Alentejo region.

We would like to express our gratitude to all investors, partners, and all the teams involved in making this project possible.