The Mercedes is a wonderful modernist building with a great sense of space and tranquility. There are only a handful of rooms so you do feel that you have the place to yourself and at times it almost felt that I was in a private villa, which was ideal as I had wanted complete rest and relaxation after a stressful year. I also had the pool and sun loungers to myself for most of my stay (7 nights). It is a family run business and not a hotel, so the experience is more intimate and relaxed, do not expect the reception to be manned 24/7 as it's not that sort of establishment though Miguel and his son were great and were on hand if you needed something. You will often see Paco (their adorable pug) around and when they say they are dog friendly they really are - wish more places could be like this. Breakfast is continental style and there were enough options to keep us happy. There is a lovely Ukrainian woman serving at the moment and she is very friendly and attentive. The jewel in this particular crown is the Thai restaurant attached to the property. The food is very good and reasonably priced so it was surprising not to see it full every evening. Miguel stores his wine cellar with fabulous wines - honestly we had some of the best white wine that I have tasted all year here (and I drink a lot of wine!). The surrounding land is being used to grow fruit and veg for the restaurant. So you will see things like avocado trees, this can make the land seem a bit scrubby but the smells that would drift our way in the evening... magical! I also loved that the pool was so close to our room - literally 10 steps away. I have to say I was rather sad to leave at the end of our stay.

This is not the hotel's fault but the surrounding areas are not attractive and it is not a location that is conducive for walking. We didn't hire a car and used Bolt/Uber which was ok (taxi drivers were all very friendly) but maybe for flexibility a car would have been better. The pool is great and a good size but there are no ladders/steps to help you get in. Not a problem for us but if you have mobility issues might be less than ideal. While we enjoyed the Thai food it is not the sort of cuisine that you would want every lunch/night, not a problem if you are only there for a couple of nights but meant we had to go out to get something different and that meant hiring a taxi as again nothing really available in walking distance.

The breakfast was varied - and the yogurt delicious beyond words It was the closest accommodation that I could find for my visits to my mother in the Monte de Palguheira Nursing Home. It was a peaceful retreat to come back to in the evening. The restaurant was a bonus because had it not been there, it would have been another Uber ride to find somewhere. I was so impressed with the hotel and the manager that I took cards to the Home to be circulated to family looking to visit their loved ones. I also told all the Uber drivers - that was about 8 more people.

Some milk in the bedroom fridge - to make tea- would have been very welcome. I really should have asked because the hotel manager did ALL he could to make it the best stay.

The rooms were very comfortable and large. We got the rooms with an outdoor garden and added to the charm. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. My mother needed some extra assistance during our stay and the staff was helpful to attend to our needs and to provide resources available. The location was central. We were interested in visiting several towns in the south and Mercedes Country House was well situated to allow us access to the easter and western towns. Breakfast was delicious and offered many options. The fresh juices were absolutely delicious!

We loved the breakfast, great choice and fresh. Evening meals were delicious every single night, as were the wines! I am coeliac therefore gluten free, Miguel made a special effort making two cakes and providing safe alternative desserts and bread. Location was ideal with a car, close enough to beaches and towns but a nice quiet and peaceful feel. Great service, staff were friendly and attentive, especially Miguel’s son. All areas and room were exceptionally clean. The pool was lovely along with the grounds, perfect for a busy toddler. Our stay was exactly what we were hoping for and more.

The bed was very firm. There were ants in the bathroom.

This place is a hidden gem. It is located in a rural area, and the small way leading up to the gate might lower your expectations. But what a place. An amiable and likable host - Miguel - welcomed us as the season's first guests and we had the whole establishment ourselves. The country house is very modern and minimalistic and has all amenities you could ask for. Swimming pool, pool table, sun beds, huge garden with loads of fruit trees. The breakfast was served in the garden and was delicious and included all you could dream of including eggs as you like them. And they are from their own chicken. Miguel makes sure the visit has a personal touch and you always feel welcome when approaching him. He managed table reservations and we could arrange a wine tasting. We would have stayed longer if we could - but will come back.

“We felt like home” We don’t say it a lot of times, only when we feel truly welcomed 😊 - pet friendly: our French bulldog was always with us, we were never apart, even in the pool area (please be aware that the dogs are not allowed in the pool). There are no additional charges for the dogs, the hotel welcomes every family member ! - pool area & surroundings: we spent the most time in the pool area, which is really nice. The pool with salt water, sun beds and sunshades, the surrounding plant trees and and the best part: peace and quiet. You can read a book and hear the birds, everything is so relax and tranquil - breakfast: local food, prepared with love and care. Scrambled eggs prepared on demand and with eggs from the hotel’s chickens, the local cheeses, homemade jams, fruits, homemade cake, bread and pastries - room and decoration: we loved our room (Tejo), it had a little garden which our dog loved, the bed was wonderful, and the decor was cheerful and typically Portuguese with the beautiful tiles in the bathroom We loved our stay, specially because we stayed with our dog. Pet friendly hotels are hard to find in Portugal, specially one that treats them like guests I spent my 30th birthday, and I will definitely return to enjoy the quiet and the beauty of Mercedes Country House

We extended our stay here to 5 nights and I’m very glad we did. The staff were all amazing. Miguel was very accommodating and Anna, who baby sat our son, was wonderful with him. The gentleman who worked in the restaurant was always so friendly! We ate at the restaurant each day and the food was always delicious. The pool is a good size and there is plenty of room on the lawn for sunbathing and relaxing. The rooms themselves are very spacious and perfectly designed for keeping cool in the summer heat!

excellent breakfast, very quiet location ( except for the clicking high heels roaming the corridors every morning ! ) very friendly staff. Thai Dinner very enjoyable .Road

Road signage difficult to spot, especially if arriving after dark. We love pets and pet friendly hotels , however perhaps some owners need to understand the grass next to the breakfast area is not a dog toilet.

The property is stunning on every level. absolute paradise in Portugal

nothing

Set in a quiet location, however a 10 minute drive takes you to Estoi or Santa Barbara da Nexe. The comfortable bed (mattress topper requested before stay). The spacious rooms and the cleanliness of all areas. Delicious glass of wine (Miguel knows his wine). Breakfast highlight was the scrambled egg. The welcome given to Our dog Mia.

Listening to strimmers & mowers during breakfast and when relaxing in the garden. Appreciate it has to be done sometime! On the first evening we had noisy guests talking loudly in the next room until very late, perhaps Miguel mentioned this to them as it was quiet from then on.