We visited Mertola in late February, not prime tourist season but was still busy with tourists. Our overall impression, based on some of the local proprietors we encountered, those with us foreigners with limited Portuguese language skills should perhaps visit elsewhere. The hotel itself was very clean but basic (amazing water pressure in the shower though!). Big thanks shout out to the woman who runs the patio/bar snack bar at the Rio Biero and Hotel Museu. It was a Saturday night and it appeared most, if not all restaurants in the village were closed for dinner that night. She went out of her way to discreetly make us something to eat that evening!