Accor (unpacked): Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, Where Culture and Communities Connect - Embracing the Legacy of Creating Locally Inspired Experiences
Mercure’s hotels are a gateway to the destination, inspiring guests to explore, connect and discover, while building a legacy of capturing and connecting to the essence of each destination, through meaningful experiences. The Accor (unpacked) video series returns to uncover more captivating stories from our hotels and brands through the voices of our teams. In this third episode, we discover the Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, in Portugal, with Maria Silva, Receptionist, and Yasmin Siqueira, Principal Cook, as they share meaningful items from their luggage – a map of Porto and a signature dish from the hotel’s menu – as symbols of the way the hotel immerses its guests in the local life, creating powerful connections between communities and cultures.
Discover what a Luggage Can Hide in the Episode 3 of Accor (unpacked): “Embracing the Legacy of Connecting Cultures and Communities” at Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
Near the UNESCO-listed old town, Mercure Porto Centro Aliados is a formerly abandoned historical building, brought back to life by Mercure while keeping a true sense of authenticity and sense of place. It’s not a one-size-fits-all hospitality experience that could be duplicated anywhere: when at Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, guests know where they are. They can feel, savor and connect with the vibrant culture of Porto all throughout the hotel, from the hotel’s beautiful façade to the atmosphere of each one of its elegant, cosy rooms, and from the bar and restaurant’s signature drinks and dishes to the stories and secrets the teams have to share about their city. The hotel is a gateway to the locale, a welcoming invitation to explore the destination.
We take inspiration from local communities to enhance the authenticity of the travel experience. Maria Silva, Receptionist, Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
We believe that food is one of the most important ways for a culture to make a connection with those who are getting to know new people and a new place.Yasmin Siqueira, Principal Cook, Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
“Discover Local”: Crafting an Authentic and Immersive Travel Experience
At Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, guests enjoy an authentic immersion in the local lifestyle and culture. Mercure’s “Discover Local” program empowers the hotel’s team to act as guides, opening the doors of the city and offering exclusive insight into its heart and soul. By revealing captivating stories, hidden gems and age-old legends only known to locals, they enable guests to move beyond sightseeing and forge a meaningful connection with their destination – living like true locals.
“We Are What We Eat”: Tasting the Essence of Porto
Food and beverage lie at the heart of this immersive experience, as gastronomy offers a gateway to discovering Porto and connecting with local communities. As the saying goes: “We are what we eat”. Like in every Mercure hotel across the world, a selection of products and gastronomy-based events is curated specifically to ignite in guests a passion for local discoveries. And to meet the diversity of their needs while enhancing the authenticity of their travel experience, the hotel’s menu combines international ‘classics’ with Portuguese culinary specialties. This cuisine is based on responsible principles: it highlights locally sourced, seasonal and healthy products, including herbs from the hotel’s very own garden. It reflects the taste of Porto, in all its warmth and nuance.
Embracing Mercure’s Legacy: Locally Inspired Hospitality
Founded 50 years ago, Mercure owes its name to Mercury, the Roman god of travelers. With a network of over 1,000 hotels in more than 60 countries, Mercure is a global brand with a local heart. This local ethos is reflected on multiple levels in each of the brand’s hotels: from building an authentic sense of place through thoughtful design to fostering lasting connections with local communities and introducing guests to the local treasures. As in Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, unique food and beverage experiences are always a cornerstone of this holistic locally-inspired approach.
As global travelers increasingly seek local and authentic experiences, we are more than ever committed to building global brands that resonate locally. Our unique hotels celebrate the essence of their surroundings, serving as vibrant spaces where cultures and communities come together in harmony.
Stay tuned for more episodes to unlock more fascinating stories behind our hotels and brands. And if you haven’t watched them yet, catch up with Episode 1 and Episode 2 of Accor (unpacked).
About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group
Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, over 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
