Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores is a mid-range hotel from a well-known international brand, and it fits the island well for travellers who want a comfortable, predictable room without paying for a resort. The price sits between a simple guesthouse and the larger upscale hotels, which makes it a popular choice for couples, friends and families planning a week on Sao Miguel. Most visitors spend the day outside, so the hotel needs to do a few things well: a good bed, a hot shower, a hearty breakfast and a helpful front desk that can book a taxi, a tour or a table. Hotels of this class normally do all four, and often add a bar, a restaurant and meeting rooms. Rooms typically include air conditioning, a desk, a television and a private bathroom, and some categories offer more space for families or longer stays. Details vary, so check the room type, the bed layout and the floor before you book, and confirm what is included in your rate, such as breakfast, parking and cancellation terms. If you are travelling in summer, it is wise to book early, because Ponta Delgada fills up when whale-watching season and the holiday period coincide.
How to use it. Use the hotel as a base for the capital and for day trips. Ponta Delgada has the old town gates, the churches, the botanical gardens, the pineapple greenhouses and a lively marina front with restaurants, all within a short distance, and the island's main sights are one to two hours away by road.
Look at the map when you book to see how far the hotel is from the marina, where whale-watching boats depart, and from the airport, which is close to the town. Ask about parking if you plan to hire a car.
Practical points. Weather on Sao Miguel is changeable, so plan your outdoor days flexibly and keep a spare day for the lakes if cloud covers the crater on your first visit. Pack a light waterproof jacket, walking shoes and a swimsuit for the thermal pools. Cards are widely accepted in town, but carry some cash for small cafes and village stops.
Who is it for? Couples, friends and families who want a dependable mid-range hotel with a good location and no frills they do not need. It is less suited to travellers who want a spa, a resort pool or a historic manor, and for those the larger or more characterful hotels on this page are better. Compare prices on your dates, read recent guest comments, and check the details of breakfast and parking before you reserve.
Why stay here
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Front desk
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Bar or lounge
- ✓Lift
- ✓Multilingual staff
- ✓Close to the marina
Good questions
Is Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores good value?+
It sits in the mid-range, between simple guesthouses and the larger upscale hotels. Compare rates for your dates.
Is it close to the marina?+
It is in Ponta Delgada. Check the map when you book for the exact distance to the marina and boat departures.
Is there parking?+
Parking differs between hotels, so ask before you arrive, especially if you are hiring a car.
